Solar lights have recently gained popularity due to their efficiency and environmental friendliness. Not only that, with the nights pulling in, solar lights can brighten up the darkest of gardens and add a little magic and charm to areas that were once dark and gloomy.
For anyone looking to add lighting in areas that do not have access to a power grid or in distant locations where the mains power source is inconsistent solar lighting is an excellent choice. Installing mains-powered lighting can be quite laborious and costly, whereas solar lighting operates as a stand-alone device complete with its own bulb, battery and solar panel. This also means they may be simply and inexpensively relocated to different locations as needed.
Because there is no need for mains wiring, solar lighting is very popular in gardens. It enables you to produce results rapidly anyplace in the garden without the need for an electrician. There’s also no need to try to hide wires or risk accidentally cutting through them afterwards.
Garden solar lights provide light at night by charging a battery during the day, but do you know how to charge solar lights without the sun?
What if you live in an area with insufficient sunlight to charge your solar lights? How do you ensure that your solar lights work properly and consistently even when there isn’t enough sunlight?
How Long Do Solar Lights Need to Be Charged?
Solar lights, like all rechargeable appliances and gadgets, need a period when they are not being used, so they can store power for later use. It is critical to understand how long your lights should be charged before using them so that you have enough charge to get you through the night when it does get dark.
On average, solar lights would need a 6-hour charge before use. Of course, this time will depend on the specific lights you have bought. We always recommend that you check the specifications before purchasing. The last thing you want is a set of lights that take so long to charge that they never fully charge, especially if you live in a dark area or intend to use them in one.
Do Solar Lights Require Sunlight to Charge?
Solar lights are one of the most environmentally friendly ways to light up your outdoor spaces, but do they require the sun to charge?
Solar lights do not require the sun to charge because they only need daylight, not direct sunlight. Solar lights can also be charged using artificial light, incandescent light bulbs, or, in the case of some lights, a USB power source.
Direct sunlight may be limited during the winter due to daylight hours and weather, but solar lights can still charge with daylight. Charging may take longer, and the batteries may not charge completely, but in most cases, they will charge sufficiently to allow you to use them for several hours.
We’ve mentioned that you can charge some solar lights using artificial lights, incandescent bulbs, and USB ports, but that misses the point. The whole point of solar lights is to save electricity and light your garden spaces without electricity.
Can I Charge My Solar Lights Inside?
Many solar lights, especially new ones, can be charged indoors. Once you’ve placed your lights in the desired location, you won’t want to bring them in all the time, but they can be charged inside.
The best way to charge your solar lights for free inside is to place them near a window that receives a lot of light and allows the sun’s rays to pass through.
How to Charge Solar Lights Without The Sun
If you don’t have any sunlight or daylight, you might want to charge your solar lights in another way. Of course, we always recommend waiting for the sun to return, but there may be times when you need them charged regardless.
If you need to charge your solar lights but don’t have access to sunlight, you might be able to use one of the following:
Using a Mains Power Supply
Solar lights, as we all know, have a battery that is charged by sunlight. On the other hand, some solar lights include a USB port that can be plugged into a power source.
You can either charge your lights in situ or bring them inside to charge by plugging the USB into an adaptor or plug socket with a USB port.
Use a Powerbank
A power bank is a much easier and more convenient way to charge your solar lights than using power from the mains. Powerbanks connect to devices using a USB cable and are available in various shapes and sizes.
A power bank is a type of battery pack that comes as a sealed unit containing batteries. They are charged through a wall socket and can power any USB device.
Plug one end of the lead into your power bank and the other into your lights to get started. They are much easier for permanently installed lights, such as rope lights.
Power banks are reasonably priced and widely available. Here you can find a selection of the best and cheapest power banks.
Best methods for increasing solar light charging
The sun is the best and most cost-effective way to charge your solar lights.
The amount of charge a solar light can receive depends on various factors, but there are a few things you can do to improve the charge on your solar lights even when it’s cloudy, or there isn’t a lot of sunlight available.
#Consider the location of your solar light carefully.
Place solar lights in areas where they will receive as much direct sunlight as possible. As a result, they’ll be able to collect more energy and store it in their batteries.
The more time solar lights spend not being charged in a dark place, such as under bushes or in shadows, the less time they have available for charging.
It is best to place them where they can be exposed to as much light as possible and fully charged. However, if that is not an option, ensure they are as light as possible.
#Avoid leaving them on overnight.
It’s not always a good idea to leave solar lights on overnight as there isn’t always adequate light in the daytime to charge them fully before it gets dark.
It would help if you only used them for as long as necessary. If they have a switch, try to turn them off; otherwise, you’ll quickly run out of battery power at night.
#If it is Cloudy, Expose Them to Indirect Sunlight.
Don’t be discouraged if the weather is cloudy and rainy.
Solar lights can charge even when there is no direct sunlight. First, ensure that your lights are turned off for as long as possible in a shady area. Then, even if the sky is overcast, the solar panels should be able to capture enough light to charge the battery to some extent.
Summary
It is becoming increasingly important for people to be more environmentally conscious and to live more sustainably these days. With the ever-increasing cost of electricity, people are looking for ways to save money, and one of the simplest is to use solar-powered lighting.
Solar lights are both efficient and cost-effective. Solar-powered lighting has come a long way since its inception, so you don’t have to worry about spending hundreds of pounds on equipment that may or may not work properly; you can now find high-quality products at reasonable prices.
