Why aren’t solar lights bright?

The widespread adoption of solar-powered lights has gained popularity among consumers worldwide and is considered the perfect alternative to traditional grid-powered lights. However, during usage, issues may arise, one of which is the phenomenon of solar lights not shining.

So why do solar lights not shine? The reasons and solutions for the condition of non-illuminating solar lights will be detailed in this article. We hope this information will help users grasp the basics and understand how to prevent and remedy the situation of non-illuminating solar lights.

What is the phenomenon of non-illuminating solar lights?

The phenomenon of non-illuminating solar lights is essentially when the lights appear dim, have weak light, flicker, or even turn off completely.

Several factors can cause solar lights to not operate as expected. If you encounter non-illuminating lights or lights not working in their preset automatic mode, you can explore the reasons for this phenomenon and find appropriate solutions.

Common reasons for non-illuminating solar lights

When you see that the solar light is not bright or experiencing dimness, flickering, the first thing you should do is understand the underlying cause of this phenomenon. Below are some main reasons why solar lights may not be bright, and you can refer to them:

• Insufficient sunlight reception by solar panels

Solar panels are a crucial component of solar lights. These panels absorb sunlight during the day and convert that energy into electrical power to illuminate the lights at night.

If you notice that the solar lights are not bright, you may check if the solar panels are receiving enough sunlight. In cases where the panels are obstructed by other objects, preventing them from receiving sunlight, it’s advisable to reposition the lights to a more suitable location.

• Exposure to non-sunlight sources of light

A fundamental principle in installing solar lights is to keep them away from other light sources. This is because light from alternative sources at night may confuse the solar lights, making them think it’s still daytime and automatically switching off the lighting mode.

• LED Light Malfunction

Solar lighting systems utilize LED lights for illumination. If the solar lights are not bright, you can inspect the LED lights for any malfunctions.

• Incomplete charging of solar panels

The role of the solar panel in ensuring the stable operation of the entire solar lighting system is crucial. One common reason for solar lights not being bright is insufficient charging of the solar panels. This can happen when there is continuous cloudy weather, storms, or rainy days. In such cases, the panels may not charge fully, resulting in inadequate energy to light up the bulbs.

• Water leakage into the lights

Despite the standard water-resistant features of solar lights, heavy rain, prolonged rain, or flooding may still cause water leakage, leading to the solar lights not being bright.

• Switch not turned on

Solar lights are still relatively new products in the Vietnamese market. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that users might not be familiar with turning on the switch or activating the automatic mechanism, causing the solar lights not to be bright.

• Low-quality solar lights

If you have explored the mentioned reasons in the article and still haven’t found why the solar lights are not bright, it’s possible that you have purchased a low-quality product with a short lifespan and poor resistance to external factors.

Troubleshooting steps for non-bright solar lights

Users just need to follow the instructions below to easily and quickly resolve the issue of solar lights not shining.

Step 1: Disassemble the solar light system

Following the installation instructions accompanying the lights, carefully disassemble the solar light system.

Step 2: Check for water leakage

After disassembling the solar light, inspect the interior for any signs of water or other liquids.

Step 3: Inspect the solar panels and clean them

Examine the corrosion of the solar panels. If you notice a white powdery substance on the panel’s surface, this is likely corrosion. Clean it with a soft brush or sandpaper.

Step 4: Check the wiring system

Observe the wiring system, looking for signs of damage caused by animals, breakage, or corrosion. If identified, replace the damaged wires or use electrical tape to mend the exposed sections.

Step 5: Reassemble the solar light system

After identifying the reasons and rectifying any issues, carefully reassemble the solar light system, ensuring all components are securely in place.

Preventive measures to avoid non-bright solar lights

To prevent the problem of solar lights not shining, you need to use solar lights correctly.

• Charge the lights before use

To prevent the issue of non-bright solar lights, it is recommended to charge the lights before use. For the initial setup, expose the lights directly to sunlight for 6-8 hours. After this charging period, you can activate the lights at night. During the first three days, manually turn the lights on and off. After three days, the lights can be set to automatic mode.

• Adjust the tilt angle of solar panels precisely

Proper positioning and the correct tilt angle of the solar panels are crucial for the stable operation of the lights. Place the solar panels in locations that receive direct sunlight for 6-8 hours. Adjust the tilt angle precisely so that the panels have direct contact with sunlight and are not obstructed by any objects.

• Avoid streetlight glare

Placing solar lights near streetlights can disrupt their normal operation. Therefore, it is essential to install the lights away from non-sunlight light sources to ensure optimal performance.

• Regularly clean solar panels

Regular maintenance, including cleaning the solar panels, is essential. Dirty or corroded solar panels can interrupt the operation of solar lights. Therefore, pay attention to cleaning the solar panels regularly to enhance the charging efficiency and lifespan of the panels.

• Check and replace charging batteries

Solar lights are known for their high durability, but it doesn’t mean the components will last forever. Regularly check the devices, especially the charging batteries. If you notice signs of decreased battery performance, it’s advisable to replace them. Typically, for continuous use, consider replacing the batteries every two years. For high-quality lights using LifePo4 batteries, the lifespan may extend up to 8 years.

Sokoyo solar lights – Benchmark of quality

Choosing a high-quality product is crucial to avoid the issue of non-bright solar lights. Sokoyo is one of the benchmark brands known for the quality of solar lights.

Sokoyo solar lights integrate various new technologies, including microwave motion sensors, mono solar panels with 21% efficiency and a lifespan of over 25 years, LED chips from Bridgelux (USA) and Philips (Netherlands) for high performance and a lifespan of over 10 years, safe lithium storage batteries with a laboratory-tested lifespan of 5-7 years, with real-world projects still operating well after 10 years. The lights also feature intelligent charge/discharge controllers, a modular design for easy replacement and maintenance, and certifications such as CE, RoHS, IEC, ISO, and CB.

Sokoyo solar lights operate completely automatically, requiring no connection to the power grid, eliminating the cost of wiring and excavation. Installation is simple – just insert the pole and install the lights. The lights operate based on the principle of absorbing solar radiation, converting it into electrical energy, charging the storage battery to automatically illuminate when it gets dark. During daylight, the lights will automatically turn off and switch to charging mode, eliminating the risk of electrical hazards and providing safety from electric shocks or explosions. As they don’t require a power grid connection and a complex wiring system, they are easy to install in areas with challenging terrains, remote areas, island districts, and are an efficient solution for replacing or installing new lighting systems for street lighting projects in urban and rural areas.

DAT Solar – Reliable solar light supplier

DAT Solar takes pride in being the exclusive distributor and service center for Sokoyo in Vietnam. With over 17 years of experience and strength from an ecosystem of values, DAT Solar is well-equipped to meet diverse customer needs, especially for construction projects, rural road lighting projects, and urban lighting projects. DAT Solar provides support in consultation, design of lighting solutions, IoT monitoring systems, and accompanies partners in the comprehensive installation process, ensuring increased efficiency. With a long-term warranty and reasonable replacement policy, DAT Solar ensures absolute peace of mind for its customers.

Certifications from SOKOYO

	The “Compliance with European Standards” certificate indicates that Sokoyo has passed tests and is authorized to sell in the European market.
	Sokoyo has obtained certification regarding the restriction of certain harmful substances in standard solar panels issued by the European Union.
	ISO 14001:2015 is an international standard for environmental management systems. Sokoyo meets the criteria to limit the environmental impact of its manufacturing activities.
	ISO 9001:2015 is an international standard recognizing Sokoyo’s quality management.
	Sokoyo has a standard international occupational health and safety management system according to ISO 45001:2018.
	OHSAS 18001:2007 certification is globally recognized, confirming compliance with labor safety and human rights standards.

Warranty policy

WARRANTY: 3 YEARS

Details of Sokoyo Product Warranty Policy

Contact information

For more information about Sokoyo solar energy products, management solutions, IoT system monitoring, don’t hesitate to call the hotline at 1800 6567 (free of charge) to receive 24/7 advice and support from DAT Solar.