Can You Convert Solar Lights To Electric? [Yes! Here's How!]

Solar lights produce energy with the help of natural sunlight or artificial light. They help reduce electricity consumption. But can you transform them into electric ones? We've searched the web, and here's the answer.

Yes, you can convert solar lights to electric energy. Here are the steps:

Inspect your solar light's voltage.
Check if your solar lights have a series or parallel connection.
Reconfigure your solar lights' connection.
Choose a supreme-grade transformer for your solar lights.
Wire your solar lights with a top-grade transformer.

It's good to know that solar lights are convertible. Read on to learn more about solar lights, how they work, and how to convert them. We'll discuss some frequently asked questions and the advantages of solar lights.

From Solar To Electric

To convert solar power into electrical energy, solar lights use photovoltaic cells (PV), also known as solar cells. Photovoltaic cells are unmechanized apparatuses created from silicon compounds.

Written below are the five steps in transforming solar lights into electrical-powered ones:

Inspect Your Solar Light Bulb's Voltage

The first step to converting your solar lights into electric energy is to check your solar light bulb voltage. Knowing your light's voltage will help you determine the transformer needed to convert your solar lights. The typical solar lights with incandescent LED bulbs have a 3V voltage.

Check If Your Solar Lights Have A Series Or Parallel Connection

Checking if your solar lights have a series or parallel connection is essential in knowing the voltage and transformer needed to run them. If you have 3V incandescent bulbs in a parallel connection, you'll also need a 3V transformer. But if your solar lights are in a series connection, you'll need a more robust transformer.

Reconfigure Your Solar Lights Connection

The third step is to reconfigure your solar light connection. It is recommended to use a parallel connection because when you have a series connection, all the bulbs won't work if one bulb stops working.

Choose A Supreme-Grade Transformer For Your Solar Lights

Next is buying all the needed materials for converting your solar lights to electrical lights. Acquiring a supreme-grade transformer is essential, especially if you want to use your lights outdoors.

Wire Your Solar Lights With A Top-Grade Transformer

Last is hard-wiring your solar lights to a top-grade transformer. After hard-wiring, ensure to test your lights if they're working correctly before plugging them into the central power outlet.

Why Do Solar Lights Stop Working?

Here are several reasons why solar lights stop working.

Lack Of Sunlight

Insufficient sunlight prevents solar lights from functioning at their full potential. You don't have to place them directly under the sun, but they need enough light to charge completely.

The Batteries' Lives Maxed Out

Solar lights also stop working due to maxed-out batteries. If that is the case, you must check them for leakage as it can damage the lights. Buying new batteries is the sole solution for this.

A Defective Sensor

A solar light sensor is responsible for turning on its light when it's dark. But your solar light wouldn't turn on and off with a defective sensor. Have the sensor fixed or replaced if this is the case.

Dirt-Covered Solar Panels

Dirt and dust can cause your solar panels to stop working. A dirty panel prevents the solar light from absorbing and charging the battery. Ensure that you clean your solar light every once in a while.

The Solar Panels Have Water Buildups

Solar lights are usually weather- and water-resistant but can sometimes fall victim to water buildup. This can damage the lights' internal wires and circuits. Detach the solar panel head to remove and dry the water buildup.

Too Close To Other Lights

As mentioned before, solar lights have photovoltaic cells that detect all kinds of light. If other lights are close to your solar light, it may not work correctly. Ensure that you place your solar light far from other sources of light.

How Long Do Solar Lights Last?

You can expect solar light batteries' lifespan to be about 3 to 5 years, while the LED lights can last for more than 10 years.

Can Solar Light Be Used Indoors?

Yes, you can use solar lights indoors. Just ensure that you place them where they can get ample sunlight to charge. Solar lights can be used as generators when there are power interruptions.

Can Solar Lights Stay Out During Winter?

Yes, solar lights can stay and will work during winter. You can charge them during daylight so you can use them at night.

Here are several ways that can make your solar lights brighter.

In cleaning your solar light panel, you'll need the following:

A moist fabric
Detergents like dish soap
A clean, dry towel

Gently scrub the solar panel's exterior. Once you've scrubbed them, wipe off the leftover water and detergent with a clean, dry cloth.

Inspect Your Solar Light Batteries

To make your solar lights brighter, checking a vital part of your solar light is essential. The batteries hold the sun's energy, which powers the solar light. So removing corrosion or replacing the batteries will help keep your solar light shining longer and brighter.

Check How Long Your Solar Lights Need Sunlight Exposure

Cellular phones and wireless earphones need a specific time to charge completely. The same goes for solar lights. Solar lights require at least 6 hours of sunlight to fulfill their function. An hour of sun exposure equals an hour of light. The recommended direct sunlight charging time for your solar lights is 8 to 10 hours.

What Characteristics Or Features Should I Consider When Purchasing Solar Lights?

When choosing the ideal solar lights, you must keep these in mind:

Reason Or Purpose

There are numerous types of solar lights in the market. Knowing why you need a solar light will help you choose which type is best for you to buy.

Battery Duration And Capacity

Solar lights use different types of batteries. Some can last long while others won't last as much. Check the solar light that has the most run time and battery capacity.

Brightness Level

The brightness level is also vital. It'll help you choose which lumen output is perfect for the purpose or place you'll be installing the solar lights.

Quality And Price

Quality and price are vital in choosing your solar lights. Would you choose affordability over quality? You can select both by doing a bit of research. Some solar light manufacturers have proven that they can be affordable while giving you quality products.

The Advantages Of Solar Power

There are many advantages of solar power, and here are some of them.

Energy-saving.
Pollution-free.
Usable even during winter.
Renewable clean power every day.
You can use it as an emergency light during blackouts or power outages.
Eco-friendly.
Long-lasting and durable.
Flexible and can be installed almost anywhere.
Safer than electric lights.
Efficient.
Aesthetically pleasing.
No trenching is needed.

5 Best Outdoor Solar Lights

Are you thinking of buying your very own solar lights? We've included several outdoor solar lights you should check.

Vont LED Outdoor Solar Lights

Vont Solar Lights are one of the Best Sellers in Outdoor In-Ground Lights. They're quality solar panels that are completely weather-resistant.

Key Features:

Instant installation without tools
Two brightness modes
IPX7 water and heatproof

Click here to see this solar light on Amazon.

Kaxiida Color Changing Outdoor Waterproof Solar Lights

Kaxiida Solar Lights are among the best sellers for billiard and pool table lights. You can either put them on the ground or mount them on the wall.

Key Features:

Multiple color change options
Auto on/off light sensor
IP68 waterproof, frost and heat-resistance

Click here to see this solar light on Amazon.

NYMPHY Outdoor Waterproof Solar Lights

NYMPHY Solar Lights are one of Amazon's Choices for Solar Outdoor Lights. These solar lights are completely waterproof, frostproof, and weatherproof.

Key Features:

Highly-efficient and long-lasting
Brightness light modes
Easy to install

Click here to see this solar light on Amazon.

HMCITY Outdoor Solar Lights with Lights Reflector

HMCITY Solar Lights are among the best sellers in Patio Wall Light Fixture. These lights have security mode, permanent on all-night mode, and intelligent brightness control.

Key Features:

Wider lighting angle and broader coverage
Durable IP65 waterproof
High-efficient solar panel

Click here to see this solar light on Amazon.

Linkind StarRay Outdoor Solar Spot Lights

Linkind StarRay Solar Spot Lights are one of Amazon's Choices for Solar Spot Lights Outdoor. You can install them in two ways: mounted or into the ground. They're also multifunctional and eco-friendly.

Key Features:

Supreme quality and IP67 waterproof
Super brightness with 16 LEDs
2 Brightness lighting modes

Click here to see this solar light on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

You can convert solar lights into electric energy by inspecting your solar light bulb's voltage, checking the type of connection it needs, reconfiguring the connection, choosing a transformer, and wiring the solar lights with the transformer.

Here are other fantastic posts about solar lights:

Do You Leave Solar Lights On All The Time? Should You?

How To Keep Solar Lights From Falling Over [Quickly And Easily]