Are you looking for ways to maximize the life and use of your outdoor solar lights? Proper storage during the winter months can be a key factor in ensuring that your lights last until spring comes around again.
If you want to enjoy those beautiful evenings illuminated by twinkle lights, read on to find out our top tips and tricks for storing outdoor solar lights over the chilly winter!
This blog post will cover where to store them, how to clean and maintain your lights before storing them, and what else you should do before putting them away for the winter. Keep reading to learn more about how to store outdoor solar lights for the winter.
What Will You Need?
Before you start to store your outdoor solar lights, make sure you have the following items on hand:
- A container of some sort for storing the lights (e.g., a large plastic storage bin with a lid)
- Paper towels, rags, or cloths for cleaning and drying the lights
- distilled white vinegar
- small flashlight (to inspect lights for damage)
You can start the process once you have gathered all the materials and supplies needed to store your solar lights.
10 Easy Steps on How to Store Outdoor Solar Lights for the Winter
Step 1. Preparing Your Lights
To get the most out of your outdoor solar lights, it’s important to clean and inspect them before you put them away. First, wipe down each light with a cloth or paper towel soaked in warm, soapy water. Ensure you get into all the nooks and crannies, and be gentle, as you don’t want to damage the lights.
Step 2. Removing Batteries
Once your lights are clean and inspected, the next step is to remove any batteries that may be in the solar lights. This will help prevent the batteries from leaking or corroding while they’re in storage during the winter months. Be sure to store the batteries in a safe and dry place, such as a plastic bag or container.
Step 3. Cool and Dry Storage
When you’re ready to store your outdoor solar lights for the winter, make sure they are kept in a cool and dry place. This will help prevent any moisture from getting into the lights and damaging them. Store the lights in a sealed plastic storage bin with a lid if possible. This will help keep out any unwanted debris and moisture.
Step 4. Labeling Your Lights
If you have multiple sets of outdoor solar lights, labeling each set by writing on the outside of the storage bin or container can be helpful. This will make it easier for you when it comes time to set up your lights in the spring. If you don’t have any labels, use a permanent marker to write the name of each light set on a piece of tape and then attach it to the outside storage bin.
Step 5. Storing Strings of Lights
If you store strings or strands of outdoor solar lights, wrap them loosely and evenly around a spool or cardboard roll. This will help prevent any lights from tangling and make it easier for you when it comes time to set them up again. Avoid over-stretching the strings of lights, as this can cause them to break or damage.
Step 6. Storing Light Fixtures
If you have any light fixtures that need storing, wrap them with a soft cloth or paper towel before storing them. This will help protect the fixtures from getting scratched and dented while in storage. If possible, store the fixtures in a sealed plastic bin to keep out any dust or moisture.
Step 7. Be Mindful of the Temperature
When storing outdoor solar lights for the winter, keep them away from extreme temperatures. Avoid placing them near heat sources (i.e., furnaces and fireplaces), as this can damage the lights. Be careful not to leave them outside in the cold, which can also cause damage.
Step 8. Hang Lights from Hooks
If you have any hanging lights that need storing, try to hang them on hooks instead of wrapping them securely around a spool or cardboard roll. This will help prevent tangling and make it easier when setting up the lights in the spring. Hang as many hooks as you need to accommodate your lights.
Step 9. Recharge Lights Before Storing
Before you put away your outdoor solar lights for the winter, make sure they are fully recharged and ready to go for next year. This will help maximize their lifespan and ensure they are bright and beautiful when you bring them out next spring. Remember to check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific charging directions.
Step 10. Be Organized
The last step in storing outdoor solar lights is to be organized and keep everything together in one place. This will make it much easier when you set up your lights again next year! Try using labeled plastic bins or boxes with a checklist of what’s inside each box. This will make it easier to find exactly what you need when hanging up your outdoor solar lights for the season.
Following these steps will ensure that your outdoor solar lights stay in good condition and are ready to go again next year!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- If you don’t have enough space to store your outdoor solar lights in a cool and dry place, consider using a plastic bag or storage box. This will help protect the lights from dust, dirt, moisture, and other elements.
- If you can’t find a way to store your outdoor solar lights for the winter, consider investing in battery-powered LED lights. These lights require no maintenance and can be left outdoors all year round without any hassle.
- If you’re storing your outdoor solar lights for a long period of time, make sure to unplug the battery or rechargeable pack before doing so. This will help protect the batteries from damage due to freezing temperatures.
- To help protect your outdoor solar lights from the elements during storage, consider covering them with a tarp or plastic sheeting. This will keep moisture and dirt away from the lights while in storage.
- It’s wise to check your outdoor solar lights before storing them for the winter. Make sure all connections are tight, replace any damaged parts, and clean all parts to ensure proper functionality when you take them out of storage.
By following these tips and tricks, you can help ensure your outdoor solar lights last through the winter season and are ready to be used in no time!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid leaving your outdoor solar lights in direct sunlight. The intense heat from the sun can cause serious damage to the components of your lights and reduce their lifespan.
- Never mix incompatible types of solar lights together. This could lead to short-circuiting or even a fire hazard.
- Never store your outdoor solar lights near combustible materials such as wood or paper.
- Avoid storing your outdoor solar lights in cold temperatures for too long, as this can reduce their efficiency and shorten their lifespan.
- Never leave batteries in your outdoor solar lights while in storage, as this could cause them to leak and damage the light fixtures.
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your outdoor solar lights are well-protected during winter.
How Do You Charge Outdoor Solar Lights in the Winter?
Charging outdoor solar lights in the winter can be tricky since these lights are designed to absorb sunlight. To help keep your outdoor solar lights charged during the winter months, here are some tips and tricks:
- Place your outdoor solar lights in a sunny area where they can receive direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours daily. This will help your lights charge more efficiently.
- If you don’t have direct sunlight, consider using a solar panel with an indoor light source, such as a window or lamp. This will help keep the lights fully charged throughout the winter months.
- Clean off any dust or debris from your outdoor solar lights before charging them, as this can affect how well they charge.
- Invest in higher-quality solar lights, which will be more efficient and require less maintenance.
- Always check your outdoor solar lights before charging to ensure all connections are tight and the batteries are functioning properly.
These tips and tricks can help you ensure that your outdoor solar lights are always fully charged during the cold winter.
Conclusion
Now you know how to store outdoor solar lights for the winter. This will ensure that the lights you purchased remain in great condition year round. You should choose a dry, cool place if kept outdoors or, even better, take them indoors for additional protection.
Moreover, if putting away excess outdoor furniture and BBQs, keep the solar lights with these items for easy access come springtime. With a little extra effort at the end of summer, you can ensure your solar lights are ready when the change in season arrives! So spend ten minutes packing that outdoor gear and keep your solar lights from getting left behind or running out of charge too soon.
Take action now and thank yourself later – those cozy winter nights will be much brighter with functioning outdoor solar lights!