"News You can Use around Your Home". 
Seems like just yesterday you were at your favorite hardware store agonizing over your solar garden light choices, and now they sit out there in darkness.
Read this month's newsletter before you toss them in the landfill. it could postpone the lights inevitable trip to the dump and save you a trip back to the store. Terry Carman |
| Garden Solar Lights | |
Yard and garden solar lights work by generating and storing power in rechargeable batteries during the day and then releasing it to the light bulbs with the help of a photo resistor at night.
LED light bulbs are used in these units and will last 5-10 years, but the batteries wear out much sooner. Batteries are the main cause of failure in solar garden lights. It is absolutely normal after a year or two to see the battery performance decline.
You may observe either no light or very reduced lighting time. |
|
Buying New Solar Lights | |
When purchasing solar yard lights , inspect them to make sure they have a removable battery cover. If no battery cover can be found, inspect the casing to see if it can be opened easily to expose the battery. On most models you'll find the screws on the top or bottom of the light. Once the unit is open you'll have access to the battery.
|
|
Replacing the Rechargeable Batteries | |
Before replacing the rechargeable batteries check that the light is still working by briefly replacing the batteries with normal ones. If you are testing the solar light during the day, don't forget to cover it, or to darken the room where you are. This will allow the photocell to trigger-on the light. If the solar light turns on with normal batteries, it means that most probably the rechargeable batteries are defective and you need to replace them. A less likely reason for them not working is damage to the solar cell assembly. This means it is time to get new lights. |
If you have a question about the health of your electrical system or just wondering about a little "plastic surgery", ask the doctor: Just click below and send your question to 
Remember, you can now collect AIRMILES reward miles when making electrical improvements to your home.
