5 Reasons Why Solar Street Light doesn’t Work
Solar street lights are widely used in our daily lives, in both urban and rural areas, on main roads or country lanes, and in scenic spots or courtyards. They bring significant convenience to our nighttime activities. However, since solar street lights are exposed to the outdoors, they are susceptible to environmental influences, leading to potential malfunctions. So, how should we troubleshoot and address these issues?
1. The Whole solar street light is not working.
- There are typically four reasons for a complete light failure. One common issue is water ingress into the controller inside the lamp head, causing a short circuit. First, check for signs of water or rust at the wiring terminals of the controller.
- If there is evidence of water ingress, the controller is likely damaged. Use a multimeter on the resistance setting to measure the continuity across the circuit’s two ends. The controller needs replacement if the resistance is too low, indicating a short circuit.
- Inspect the battery if the issue is not a short circuit caused by controller damage. Measure the battery’s voltage; if it is not holding a charge, prompt replacement is necessary.
- If the battery is functioning correctly, further inspect the solar panel. Check for voltage and current output under normal operating conditions. If there is no output, the solar panel may need replacement.
If all the above components are functioning properly, the light source itself may be faulty. Power the LED light source and observe if it illuminates normally. If not, timely replacement is recommended.
2. Solar street lights have a short illumination duration
After using solar street lights for a certain period, even with sufficient sunlight, there may be a situation where the lights stay on for a short duration, and fail to provide illumination on cloudy or rainy days. This is often attributed to issues with the rechargeable battery, as its energy storage capacity may have decreased. This naturally leads to insufficient stored power. Timely replacement with a compatible battery is the solution, ensuring that the new battery meets the appropriate specifications.
3. Solar street light head stays fully illuminated and does not turn off
When installing solar street lights, some customers may encounter the issue of LED lights turning on immediately after installation and can not be turned off. In such cases, it is important to check whether the positive and negative terminals of the solar panels are correctly connected first. If they are reversed, it is necessary to correct the connection immediately.
Subsequently, you can use a multimeter to measure the voltage of the solar panels and compare the readings. If the voltage values are inconsistent, and especially if they are too low, it indicates a potential quality issue with the solar panels themselves, and prompt replacement is advised.
4. The solar street light LED Chips do not work
When manufacturing solar street light LED sources, the occurrence of virtual welding is common and can easily lead to such outcomes. It is necessary to replace the corresponding light beads and ensure secure welding. If all light LED sources are well-welded, the issue may likely stem from the quality of the light source itself, necessitating the replacement of the entire lamp head.

solar street light installations
5. Solar Street Light Source Flickering
The solar street light source flickers and the causes of this phenomenon are multifaceted. Firstly, consider replacing the lamp. If the issue persists after replacement, it may be related to the wiring. Check the wiring connections to ensure good contact and address any issues promptly.
If the wiring is not the problem and the light source continues to flicker, it is necessary to inspect the battery. If the battery is in a discharged state with insufficient stored power, it could also lead to the flickering of the light source. In such cases, timely battery replacement is recommended.
Conclusion
Addressing a solar street light not working issue promptly is essential for maintaining safety and ensuring the proper functioning of the system. Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow when troubleshooting solar streetlights:
- Safety First:
- Before attempting any troubleshooting, ensure your safety. Turn off the power supply to the solar street light system to avoid electric shock.
- Check the Basics:
- Verify that the solar street light is in its designated operation hours (nighttime).
- Ensure that the solar panel is not obstructed by any objects, dirt, or debris, preventing it from receiving sunlight.
- Inspect the Battery:
- Check the battery for any signs of damage or corrosion.
- Verify that the battery connections are secure.
- Examine the Solar Panel:
- Clean the solar panel surface if it’s covered with dirt or debris.
- Inspect for any damage to the solar panel and wiring.
- Evaluate the LED Bulbs:
- Check if the LED bulbs are functioning. If not, they may need replacement.
- Inspect the wiring between the solar panel, battery, and LED bulbs for any loose connections.
- Assess the Controller:
- The charge controller plays a crucial role in regulating the charging and discharging of the battery. Check for any issues or malfunctions.
- Ensure that the controller settings are configured correctly.
- Examine Wiring and Connections:
- Inspect all wiring for signs of wear, damage, or loose connections.
- Repair or replace any damaged wiring.
- Confirm that all connections are secure.
- Battery Voltage:
- Check the voltage of the battery using a multimeter. Ensure it’s within the specified range.
- Consult Manufacturer’s Instructions:
- Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for specific troubleshooting steps and guidelines.
- Professional Assistance:
- If you are unable to identify or rectify the issue, or if you are unsure about handling electrical components, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance.
Remember, safety is of the utmost importance when dealing with electrical systems. If you’re uncertain about any step, it’s better to seek help from a qualified professional or contact the manufacturer for guidance.

Clodesun has 10 years of experience in producing solar and LED lighting, making our design perfectly adapted to the market’s needs. Clodesun is passionate about solar streetlights and loves sharing our knowledge with the world.
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