PV Gap

Tracey Said:

How to clean the panel of solar accent lights. Mine are all cloudy and don't recharge.?

We Answered:

The cloudiness is caused by lime in the rain water. I would get some Lime-away. Or CRS and let it set on the panel for a 1/2 hour and wash off. That should do the trick. Tilt the light slightly and that will keep the water off.
Hope this help you

Becky Said:

Do you charge solar panelled lights with the switch on or off?

We Answered:

They charge automatically, however you should turn them on for an hour once a month to keep them in good condition.

Darrell Said:

Is it possible to make a big solar panel out of those small landscape solar lights?

We Answered:

Yes, but I would think it would be rather expensive. To get more voltage, wire them in series. To get more current, wire them in parallel.

Bill Said:

can i make a solar panel from solar powered lights?

We Answered:

it's probably not a good idea.
they only generate enough power, with the sun shining on 'em all day, to produce a few watts to light a diode at night.
you could string a hundred of 'em together, and you'd probably not be able to run your computer.
added all together, they're not as big as a single solar panel.
and you need several panels to make a useful amount of electricity.

enjoy the lights.
they're kinda nice.

Angela Said:

Do you know of a Solar panel light with an on/off switch for kids fort?

We Answered:

Home Depot sells one that works with the functions you are asking for.

Leona Said:

why are some solar powered lights with seperate solar panel?

We Answered:

They may be more powerful, but it could just be the design, or a lower cost modification that a manufacturer has made, from a mains powered type, to make it run off solar.

Sometimes the panels are larger, and can generate more power. But youll need to check the specifications of the light as well as the batteries. I often improve the light shining hours by adding alternative rechargeable batteries, with a higher spec type, as they often ship with basic cheap batteries. It's easy to double the light hours this way, often at little cost.

But youre right first to focus on the spec of the panel charger, as whether it charges a lot or not will determine how long your battery can run the light for. Some products show clear details, though others dont - I steer clear of poorly labelled products, as I like to know what Im buying. Check also the type of battery it uses too, as many use AA type etc, which can be bought reasonably cheaply, if you want to 'upgrade' the lit hours of your light. Charge them first in a charger if possible, to give then a complete charge.

Hope this helps. Good luck! Rob