How to Care for Solar Lighting

Utilizing the gift that just keeps on giving, solar lighting harnesses the sun’s energy to provide light even after sun goes down. Advancements in technology have evolved solar lights from a novel-but-dim idea to a practical and easy addition to your outdoor lighting. This Earth Day, learn why outdoor solar lighting is an excellent choice to update your landscaping and keep your solar lights bright with these tips.

Benefits of Solar Lighting

Like LED bulbs, solar lighting will significantly decrease the strain on your wallet in terms of energy costs since the lights use very little energy to illuminate. Solar lights can also reduce the strain of your back. Since every solar light stores energy collected by the panels into a battery for later use, that means outdoor solar lights are wire-free and simple to install. There is no wiring to hide or bury and no high-level electrical knowledge to obtain or contractor to call. In terms of landscape lighting, the average homeowner can easily arrange lights however they want without having to worry about things like how to get a wire underneath their concrete driveway. You can also avoid hard-to-reach electrical connections to your home or business. When the power goes out, your outdoor lighting will stay on, maintaining your safety and security.  Today’s solar lights are able to better conceal the solar panel while providing a brighter and efficient light source.  They also come in a variety of decorative styles for your backyard.

Tips for Cleaning Solar Panels

Solar lights don’t really need much maintenance. As long as you inspect them for damage and clean the panels a few times a year, your lights could last for 10 years without replacements. Desert or high pollen areas may need to clean the fixtures a little more often. A dirty solar panel, covered in dust and debris, can cost you 15 to 25% in energy production. Luckily, solar panels are easy clean with a few tips:

• First, check with your solar panel or fixture’s manufacturer. They may have specific recommendations for cleaning.
• Solar panels do get hot in direct sunlight so try to clean your solar panels on a relatively cool day, either earlier in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• Typically, a quick spray with your garden hose is good enough to do the job. However, if you have a large buildup of dust and dirt then fill a bucket or spray bottle with warm water and soap for a more thorough cleaning.
• Don’t use an abrasive or detergent cleanser; you want to avoid scratching the glass.
• Clean the surface of the solar panel with a soft cloth or sponge. You can use a soft squeegee and don’t have to clean the wiring underneath.
• A good rain can clean your solar panels. However, this works best when the panels are tilted like on a roof.
• If you do need to clean panels on your roof, remember safety first and consider hiring professional solar panel cleaners.
• The southwest region of the U.S. has limited rainfall for quite a few months out of the year, so the accumulation of dirt or pollen is greater. Also solar panels that are installed near sources of pollution such as freeways, factories and airports may need to be cleaned more often.
• Consider the season you’re in. Removing leaves and snow during autumn and winter can optimize your panel or fixture’s performance.

Are you ready to let sunshine in your yard? Contact our team of lighting experts to cut the cables and get started on cost-savings with solar wall sconces, pathway lights, and lamp posts for your landscape lighting.