Are Outdoor Solar Lights Waterproof?
Outdoor solar lights can illuminate your patio for dinner parties, light your path to the front door after dark, or even help deter burglars. But if you live in an area with heavy rains, can your solar lighting stay outside?
The vast majority of solar lights are water-resistant and will hold up to a typical rain shower. However, you should be aware that this does not mean that they are waterproof.
1. Use Plastic Soda Bottles
Outdoor solar lights are a great way to add ambience to your backyard after dark or light up the area around your pool when you go for a swim. The best solar lights come in a variety of colors and designs, whether you prefer stake lights for landscaping ambiance or lanterns to hang from your patio. However, no matter what type of solar light you prefer, they all require a solar panel and battery to work.
Traditionally, solar lighting comes in three different forms based on their light output: motion-activated, dusk-to-dawn, and timer-controlled. Motion-activated solar lights use sensors to detect movement and turn on automatically, while dusk-to-dawn solar lights have a built-in photoresistors that trigger them to turn on when the sun sets. Timer-controlled solar lights allow you to specify exactly when the light should turn on and for how long.
But if you don’t want to spend the money on solar panel water pump a commercial light or you just have an empty plastic bottle lying around, you can make your own waterproof solar lights. One of the most popular examples comes from a non-profit organization called Liter of Light, which uses recycled plastic bottles to provide solar lighting in low-income households in Manila. The bottle of water refracts sunlight to illuminate the inside of homes, “delivering about as much light as a 40-60 watt incandescent bulb” during the daytime, according to the organization.
2. Apply Caulk
Typically, solar lights are able to stand up well to regular rain, but if they are in an area that gets a lot of heavy rainfall it is best to bring them inside during storms. It is also a good idea to regularly clean your solar lights and make sure that the connections are tight to avoid any water seepage.
Caulking is a process that allows you to seal areas where water can easily get into, and applying it to your solar lights will help keep them protected from damage. This will help them last longer, and it will also prevent the lights from getting ruined by water that may have seeped into the casing.
To caulk your solar lights, first make sure that the area is free of dirt and debris. Choose a silicone caulk that is waterproof and applies well. Cover your work area with an old sheet and have paper towels on hand to remove any excess caulking that you may need to clean up afterward. It is a good idea to use a stepladder to work safely and allow you to reach the area you are sealing.
Once you are done, be sure to re-insert your batteries and make sure that they are fully charged before placing them back outdoors. It is a good idea to place them near a fan to help speed up the drying process.
3. Fill the Bottles with Water
Solar lights are a great way to brighten your patio while you’re having dinner or light up the pool for a night of swimming. But if they aren’t waterproof, rain can damage the bulbs and panels, leaving you with less than ideal results.
The majority of solar lights are rated as water resistant, meaning they can withstand normal amounts of rain and snow. However, if you live in an area that experiences frequent severe storms it may be a good idea to bring them indoors during those periods of time.
Waterproofing solar lights is a relatively easy and inexpensive project that can help you avoid spending money on replacement bulbs and SOLAR PANEL panels. Simply encase your existing solar lights in an empty plastic soda bottle to keep them safe from the elements.
To start, cut off the tops of your empty plastic bottles using an exacto-knife or a utility knife. Then, fill the bottles with water to make sure they are fully submerged.
Once the bottles are filled, you can begin working on your solar lights. Depending on how many you have to work on, this could take some time, but be patient! Eventually, you’ll have your outdoor solar lights fully waterproofed and ready for use in any weather. Just remember to clean them regularly, and to protect them from extreme weather conditions.
4. Leave Them Outside
If you’re going to invest in solar lights, it makes sense to leave them outside. They’ll absorb sunlight during the day and come on automatically at night. Some even have three lighting modes, so you can use them however you like.
Most solar lights are water-resistant, but you might want to bring them inside during severe rain storms. Hanging lights tend to hold up better than ground ones because the rain and snow run off the surface. Most solar lights also have a rating that indicates how much water they can withstand. This rating is usually expressed in terms of the amount of water a device can withstand for a certain period of time.
Regardless of how you use your solar lights, it’s important to keep them clean. Using a high-quality outdoor UV protectant will help ensure they’re resistant to weather and last longer. Some manufacturers include this with the product, while others offer a separate can of spray paint that you can apply to your solar lights at home.
There are a variety of options for waterproof outdoor solar lights, from simple path lights to more elaborate spotlights. For example, the Better Homes and Gardens Ellis Solar Powered Black Metal and Glass LED Path Light offers a pretty glow for your entryway. It can be trimmed to your desired length, and it comes with stakes for easy placement. This affordable solar light has a motion-sensing detector and three different lighting modes.