Solar Lights Not Working After Rain? Troubleshooting Tips and Fixes

So you have had a rainy season and your solar lights are not working after rain. Don’t worry because in this guide I will tell you some possible problems with solar lights after rain and their solutions.

Does Rain Ruin Solar Lights?

It depends on the solar lights brand. Generally, Solar lights are durable and can withstand extreme temperatures as they are placed outside and face harsh weather throughout their life. Good brands make solar lights with durable material and are waterproof so rain shouldn’t ruin them. If you buy solar lights from trustworthy brands then there are more chances that they will not get ruined.

But if you have bought inferior quality solar lights then we can’t say.

Further reading: How do solar lights work?

Why are my solar lights not working after rain?

Generally, solar lights are durable and can withstand rain. However, there are possibilities that water might get inside them and they stop working after rain. Some of the reasons are:

Rainwater Might Have Entered the Solar Lights

Usually, water does not enter inside solar lights. They are durable enough to face rain and extreme weather. But sometimes rainwater can get inside them due to extreme rain.

If your solar lights are not working after rain then this might be the problem.

Wires Might be Broken Due to Heavy Rain

Solar lights are not connected or plugged in using wires. They are off-grid solutions and illuminate using sunlight. But they do have some internal wires and some solar lights are connected with external solar panels. Extreme rains and storms can break these wires.

If your solar lights are not working after rain then check their wires.

The Solar Light’s Sensor Might be Broken

Solar lights use different sensors to operate. Dusk-to-dawn solar lights use a light sensor to automatically turn on solar lights when it’s dark and turn off solar lights when it’s daytime. Many solar lights use motion sensors to turn on by detecting motion.

Extreme rains can damage these sensors. So if your solar lights are not working after rain then check faulty sensors.

Further reading: Why Are My Solar Lights Not Working? 12 Common Reasons

How to Fix Solar Lights Not Working After Rain?

So you have found out why your solar lights are not working after rain, let’s fix them.

Dry Out Solar Lights If Rain Water has Entered Them

If your solar lights are affected by rainwater then dry them using a cloth. Open the top cover of the solar lights and battery housing and dry them using a cloth.

If they are still not working then you can disassemble them and try placing the solar light parts under sunlight for a few days to evaporate water and completely dry them out.

Fix Broken Wires

If your solar lights wires are broken then fix them to make your solar lights work like before.

Fix Faulty Sensors

If the above methods do not solve the problem then the sensors might be faulty. Fix any faulty sensor and other faulty parts to make your solar lights work again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave solar lights out in the rain?

Yes, you can leave the solar lights out in the rain without facing any problems. Solar lights are made with durable material keeping in mind that they have to remain outside until they expire.

Do solar lights work on a rainy day?

Yes, solar lights work on rainy days. Some amount of light still passes through clouds in rainy weather that charges solar lights. Solar lights will still work on rainy days but their efficiency will be reduced greatly.

Do solar lights charge in cloudy weather?

Solar lights charge even in cloudy weather because some amount of light is still passing through clouds. People usually think that solar lights need direct sunlight but it’s wrong. Solar lights just need light it can be indirect or artificial light. However, the charging may not be as fast as in direct sunlight.

Further reading: Do Solar Lights Charge on Cloudy Days? Find Out Now

Should I turn off solar lights during rain?

Solar lights are usually waterproof and do not require to be turned off during rain.

Conclusion

While solar lights are generally durable and can withstand rain, there are instances where they may stop working after heavy rain. Possible reasons include water entering the lights, broken wires due to extreme rain, or damaged sensors.

To fix the issue, you can dry out the solar lights if they’ve been affected by rainwater, fix any broken wires, and repair or replace faulty sensors. It’s important to choose solar lights from reputable brands that offer waterproof and durable designs to minimize the risk of damage by rain.