Have you charged your solar light before its first use? Hold on! If you recently purchased solar lights and didn’t use them yet, then the below-discussed tips for charging solar lights are especially for you.
When you get solar lights it is important to charge them first before their first use. It takes 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight to fully charge.
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Why is it Necessary to Charge the Solar Lights Before First Use?
We always feel excited to use any new product bought and installed. Be patient if you newly installed solar lights. Properly charging them before first use, is necessary because it will boost the lifespan of batteries and solar lights.
It is possible that the solar lights may work without charging first. But the lifespan of the solar lights and battery will be reduced.
Steps You should take to Charge Your Solar Lights for First Time
There are 4 simple steps you should take while charging your solar lights before first use are as follow:
Step 1: Collect all Supplies
The solar unit consists of different components. Collect all the given below accessories.
- The solar unit’s stand. May be company provide this stand with a solar unit or you can use a wooden stand if they don’t provide it.
- A bracket or a stake that will hold your solar light.
- The battery which you will attach to the solar light.
- A cover to protect the solar light and batteries.
- Put the solar panels in a safe place.
- The nails should be according to the surface where you have to install the unit.
- A hammer.
- Screwdriver.
- Rubber gloves that protect you from any kind of electrical hazards.
Step 2: Make Sure Everything on the Right Place
The second step is to get everything in the right place. Find a sunny spot where you can place solar panels and panels can get more than 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Hammer the stakes and brackets into the ground tightly, so the brackets hold the panels firmly.
Step 3: Connect the Batteries to the Solar Lights
The third step is to connect the rechargeable battery or battery to solar lights. Uncover the battery and check that there isn’t any plastic. If there is any plastic remove the plastic to activate the battery.
Then again put the plastic cover again to protect the battery and solar light from rain.
Also, Read This: Why is Fluorescent Light Not Lighting Fully? Tips&Tricks
Step 4: Switch on the Solar Light and Charge it
Step four is to switch on the solar lights and charge them for 8 to 10 hours. You may also charge with artificial lights or led lamps but it is very time-consuming. Charging with an artificial source may take more than 72 hours, and it also affects the batteries and solar lights.
There is a tiny bulb that indicates whether the solar light is fully charged or not. When solar lights are fully charged turn green and start blinking.
Make sure you carefully read and follow the instruction and steps given in the booklet that comes with your solar lights from the company. As every solar light may have a different setup.
Important Tips to Avoid Mistakes while Charging Your Solar Lights for the First Time
Some time ago I purchased solar lights. It was very exciting to use it. I didn’t even read the booklet and ignored the instructions given in it. I assembled the component and turn on the solar lights. But it badly affected the solar lights. And my solar lights started dimming after some months.
But it was too late because the lifespan of my solar light had shortened. I contacted the company and they gave me some essential tips about solar lights which are given below:
Tip 1: Provide Enough Sunlight to the Panels
The panels need direct sunlight in their daily routine. But when you are going to charge your solar lights for the first time you should take great care that the sunlight should be intense or direct for 8 to 10 hours.
Otherwise, the panels will not absorb enough energy. And it will badly affect your solar unit.
Tip 2: Avoid Shady Areas to Place Panels
The solar panels should be kept in an intense sunny place. Avoid shady places, so panels will not be able to absorb direct sunlight.
Tip 3: Don’t Forget to Assemble All the Components Properly
All the solar panel units have their own importance separately. So don’t forget a small tiny component. Connect all the components properly.
Tip 4: Insert Battery Properly
If you have solar lights and you want to illuminate solar lights at night then you must have to attach batteries with solar lights and make sure that the rechargeable batteries are inserted in the correct direction. Don’t forget to fully charge them.
The solar batteries must have a full charge to work at maximum capacity.
Tip 5: Don’t Forget To Turn ON The Solar Lights Before Charge Them for The First Time
People forget to turn on their solar lights before charging them for the first time. the panels will not able to absorb sunlight until the solar light is not turned on. So make sure to switch them on.
Tip 6: Don’t Forget to Clean the Solar Panels
The cleanliness of solar panels is ignored sometimes, but it is very necessary to clean the panels to fully charge the solar lights and batteries for the first time and always.
Tip 7: Don’t Over-Charge The Solar Lights and Batteries.
Some people think that solar units will perform better if they over-charge the lights and batteries. But the over-charging can damage the solar lights and batteries. There is a charge controller to avoid extra charge damage. which means that the battery stops accepting charge once they fully charged.
FAQs
So many questions come to your mind when you first interact with a new machine or device. Some of the questions are as follows:
How Long Do Solar Lights Need to Charge First Time?
Recommendations are you should charge the solar lights for at least 8 hours for the first time in direct sunlight.
Do Solar Lights Need to Be Turned ON to Charge?
It is necessary to switch on the solar light because panels are not able to absorb sunlight if solar lights are switched off.
Can We Overcharge The Solar Lights?
No, you should avoid overcharging the solar lights. The excess charging can damage the batteries and solar lights.
Why Is There an OFF/ON Switch on Solar Lights?
Normally these switches are on those solar lights which are not automatic.
Related: Do Solar Lights Charge on Cloudy Days?
Final Thoughts
Charging the solar lights for the first time may seem a very difficult task. But to follow simple instructions and minor details you can properly charge the solar lights. And you can protect your solar lights from any damage.
