Are you looking for a smart and efficient way to preserve your outdoor solar lights so that they stay in great condition and last for years? If you’ve invested in solar lights for your outdoor space, the last thing you want to do is leave them exposed to the weather.
With a little bit of care and preparation, though, you can make sure that your solar lights are stored properly so they’ll be ready to use when warm weather returns or wherever else you need them. This means understanding everything from taking off lenses to keeping track of small components—all crucial steps on how to store solar lights correctly and properly.
So if it’s time to put away those lovely twinkle hangers from around the deck, we’ll cover the basics of storing your solar lighting system properly to ensure maximum efficiency throughout the year – from winter months when there is limited sunlight available to charge up the panels all throughout spring, summer, and fall. Let’s get started! Keep reading our blog post for all the tips on to successfully storing your valuable asset!
The Benefits of Having Solar Lights
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to store solar lights, let’s review why you might want to invest in them in the first place. Solar lights come with plenty of benefits:
- They’re cost-effective because they run on free energy from the sun instead of electricity.
- They’re very easy to install since they require no wiring.
- They offer a great variety of styles and designs for whatever your outdoor decor needs are.
- And most importantly, they provide plenty of light without having to use electricity.
Now that you understand the advantages of having solar lights around your home or yard let’s get started on how to store them.
10 Instructions on How to Store Solar Lights
1. Shut Off the Lights
Shut off the lights and unplug them from the power source. Be careful as you do this to avoid any contact with the bulbs or wiring. While removing the bulbs from the panels, be sure to use gloves to protect your hands.
2. Remove the Batteries
Take out the batteries that you were using for your solar lights and store them in a safe place, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Make sure that all batteries are completely discharged before storage. This will help avoid any potential damage or short circuiting.
3. Clean the Solar Lights
Before you store your solar lights, make sure to clean them with a damp cloth to remove any dirt, dust, and debris that has accumulated since the last use. Avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning, as this could damage your lights and shorten their lifespan.
4. Remove the Lens
Most solar lights have a lens that covers the panel and bulbs. In order to properly store your lights, you need to make sure that you remove this lens as it could potentially cause condensation to form inside of your light.
5. Disassemble the Lights
Take apart the lights as much as possible and keep track of all small pieces and components. Place each piece in an air-tight bag or container to avoid any damage from moisture. While you’re at it, make sure to remove any accessories, such as mounting brackets or lenses.
6. Wrap and Cover the Lights
Once everything is disassembled and all small pieces are stored away, wrap the lights in a protective material such as bubble wrap or cloth. This will help avoid any scratches or other damage during storage. You can also cover the lights with a protective bag or tarp to protect them from moisture.
7. Label Everything
Label each bag or container with what it contains so you don’t have to guess when it’s time to reassemble your solar lights. Labeling will also make it easier to find specific pieces in the future.
8. Store in Cool Place
When deciding where to store your solar lights, make sure you pick a place that is cool, dark, and, most importantly, dry. Avoid any place that can reach extreme temperatures, as this could potentially damage the components of your solar light system.
9. Don’t Forget the Manuals
Be sure to store your product manuals and installation instructions in a safe place, as you may need them when it comes time to take out your solar lights from storage. This will help ensure that you have all the information you need for the successful installation and use of your lights.
10. Reassemble and Install
When it is time to take your solar lights out of storage, be sure to follow the instructions in the manual for proper reassembly and installation. This will help ensure that your lights are working properly when you want them to.
Following these steps should give you peace of mind that your solar lights are stored properly and will be ready to go when you need them. Storing your solar lights the right way will ensure that they last for many years to come!
7 Maintenance Tips to Prevent Spoiling
- Keep your solar lights away from extreme temperatures. If storing them outdoors, make sure they are not exposed to direct sunlight or heavy snowfall. Temperature fluctuations can affect the charging and lighting capabilities of solar lights.
- Avoid water damage by keeping your solar lights dry and away from rain or snowfall while in storage. Make sure they are in a waterproof container or sealed plastic bag to protect them from moisture and dampness.
- Clean the panels with a soft cloth before you store them. This will help maintain the optimal charging ability of your solar lights. Dirt may also affect their lighting capabilities.
- Store your solar lights in a cool, dark place such as a garage or dry attic to prevent them from being exposed to excessive heat and light. This is especially important for prolonged storage periods of over a few months.
- Check the batteries once in a while if storing your solar lights for long periods of time. Replace any corroded batteries with fresh new ones and charge the solar lights before using them again.
- Make sure storage containers or bags are clean and free from dust, dirt, and debris before packing. This will help keep your solar lights in good condition and avoid potential contamination while in storage.
- Inspect your solar lights for any damage or faults before packing them away. This will help reduce the chances of any malfunctions when you use the lights again after storage. The solar lights should also be tested before storing to ensure they are working correctly.
By following these 7 tips, you can help prevent your solar lights from spoiling while in storage. Proper maintenance and care of your solar lights will ensure they last longer and provide optimal lighting performance for years to come.
8 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Storing Lights
- Leaving the solar lights outside while they are not in use. This will make them vulnerable to rain, snow, and other elements that can damage the solar light. Also, remember to avoid storing the lights in direct sunlight, as this can reduce battery life.
- Not charging solar lights before storage. Make sure to charge the lights fully before placing them into storage so that they will still have a full charge when you need to use them again. Charging partially and then storing can reduce the life of the battery.
- Not disconnecting solar lights when storing them. Always remember to disconnect your lights from any outlet before placing them into storage, as this will help protect the components from potential damage.
- Storing solar lights in a damp or humid environment. Dampness and humidity can damage the components of your solar light, so make sure to store it in a dry and well-ventilated area.
- Placing heavy items on top of the solar lights when storing them. Heavy items can compress and damage the delicate parts of the light. Be sure to use something lightweight like packing paper or bubble wrap to keep them safe.
- Not cleaning the solar lights before storage. Make sure to clean your light with a dry cloth and remove any dirt or debris before putting it away in storage. This will help ensure that the light is ready to use when you need it again.
- Not covering the solar lights while storing them. Use something like a dust cover or plastic bag to protect the solar light from dust, dirt, and other potential damage while in storage.
- Not labeling the solar lights when storing them. Label your lights with their location so that you know exactly where they are when you need them again. This will save you time and effort in finding the right one for your needs.
Storing solar lights is an important part of ensuring that they last longer and remain functional for the longest amount of time. Avoiding these common mistakes on how to store solar lights will help you store your solar lights safely and securely so that you can enjoy their benefits for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need to Take Off the Batteries While Storing?
Yes, it is important to take out the batteries while storing solar lights. This will help ensure that your solar lights stay in good condition and last as long as possible. Also, make sure that you store your batteries in a cool, dry place to maximize their lifespan. Also, be sure to charge them fully before storing them.
Do You Need to Cover Solar Lights While Storing?
It is recommended that you cover your solar lights while storing them. This will help protect the light from dust and other particles. Additionally, it will also help protect the surface of the solar light from scratches or scuffs.
Do You Need to Clean Solar Lights Before Storing them?
Yes, it is important to clean your solar lights before storing them. This will help to ensure that the light is free from any dirt or dust particles and will help keep it in top condition for when you are ready to use it again. Make sure to use a soft cloth and cleaning solution to properly clean the light.
Conclusion
All in all, there are many easy and engaging ways to store solar lights. Have this post on how to store solar lights as a guide. Whether carefully packing them away in a box for future use or setting up an easily-accessible hook in the shed, you can always count on solar lights to provide your yard with light and cheer. The key is finding out what works best for you and your space.
When it comes to putting up a few pieces of only seasonal décor, there is nothing more convenient than having a solution that will make sure the next time you need solar lights—they’re right where you left them to enjoy again when nightfall arrives. Give solar lights the storage they deserve; they won’t be disappointed!
