Solar lights have been a hot commodity among light and energy-efficiency enthusiasts for quite some time now, but how long do solar lights last actually?
The use of solar lights as an easy-to-use and sustainable alternative to traditional outdoor lighting is growing. Yet, the longevity of solar lights is among the most crucial factors to take into account.
In this article, we’ll look at the lifespan of solar lights so keep reading it if you’re thinking about buying solar lights or just want to learn more about their endurance.
How long do solar lights last?
The lifespan of solar lights can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of the materials used, the frequency of use, and the climate of your location, but the short answer would be from 2 to 5 years before the batteries need to be replaced.
Below we will explain in more detail the factors that can affect the longevity of your solar lights and how you can improve it.
#1
Materials used
The quality of the materials used in the building of solar lights is one of the key elements that can affect their lifespan. Inexpensive solar lights could be made of inadequate materials like plastic or thin metal, which can quickly deteriorate, especially in adverse weather.
High-quality solar lights, on the other hand, are often constructed from stronger materials that can survive harsh weather and temperatures, such as stainless steel or aluminum.
Here, we advise you to invest in panels with higher quality and more expensive material, because it will pay off more financially in the long run than investing in something that will deteriorate quickly. The quality of the product itself always affects its longevity, so that’s one of the most important facts which will give you an answer to the question of how long do solar lights last.
#2
The climate of your area
The durability of your solar lights may also be influenced by the local climate. Solar lights may deteriorate more quickly in places with harsh weather, such as high humidity, strong winds, or plenty of rain. Moreover, regions with a lot of cloud cover or little sunlight may affect the solar lights’ capacity to fully charge, shortening the life of the lights overall.
In case of bad weather, we suggest that you use techniques such as artificial light for charging, mirrors, and various other tips, which you can read more about in our article on how to charge solar lights without the sun. It would be a great idea to store your solar lights indoors during the winter months to protect them from extremely cold temperatures.
#3
Frequency of use
The frequency of use is another element that might affect the longevity of solar lights. Solar lights that are used frequently, especially for long periods of time, may sustain more wear and tear, which can lead to quicker deterioration.
Shortly said, your solar lights will last longer if you don’t abuse their usage.
Therefore, do not use them when it is completely unnecessary, for example when daylight already provides you with light.
#4
Maintenance and cleaning
You should clean your solar lights regularly. Remove any dirt, debris, and other contaminants to improve their efficiency. Dirt will impair the performance of your solar lights because it is a barrier between them and direct sunlight.
After all, everything you own has to be maintained so this is nothing extra and atypical.
Conclusion
In conclusion, solar lights are a great choice for people looking for affordable and ecologically responsible outdoor illumination, and now that you know how long do solar lights last there’s no reason not to buy them. The majority of solar lights can survive for two to three years, with some higher-quality versions lasting up to five years or more.
The lifespan of solar lights might vary depending on factors including the quality of the materials, frequency of use, and environment.
You may extend the life of your solar lights and make use of their advantages for many years by choosing high-quality solar lights and carrying out routine maintenance, such as cleaning and protecting them from harsh weather.
Solar lights are a sustainable and long-lasting investment for the environment and your pocketbook.
