At Solareye, we understand the importance of maintaining outdoor lighting that is both functional and hassle-free for our customers. That's why we've created this guide to explain why periodic cleaning of your solar lights is crucial, how to go about it, and how thoughtful planning before installation can minimize the need for frequent upkeep. If you're looking for solar lighting solutions for your public space, feel free to reach out—or explore our product offerings to discover what we can provide for you.

Why Do Solar Lights Need Cleaning?

Regular cleaning of your solar lights ensures they function optimally and retain their efficiency over time. Here's why keeping your solar lights clean is essential.

1. Improved Charging Efficiency: A clean solar panel absorbs sunlight more effectively, converting it into electrical energy. With clean solar lights, you can expect better daytime charging, which guarantees sufficient power for nighttime illumination.
2. Brighter Illumination: Accumulated dirt and grime on your light fixtures can dim the emitted light, making your solar lights appear less bright. Regular cleaning helps maintain the desired brightness levels.
3. Extended Lifespan: Although commercial-grade solar lights like the Solareye80 ground lights and Solareye Bollard Light are already designed to withstand harsh conditions, proper maintenance can still extend their lifespan by preventing corrosion and damage from accumulated debris. However, these high-quality products are naturally more durable and require less upkeep compared to standard models.

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How Often Should You Clean Your Solar Lights?

We've established that cleaning solar lights is beneficial, but how frequently should you do it? The cleaning schedule depends on various environmental factors and the durability of the lights themselves.

Environmental Factors

Your solar lights' location and surrounding environment play a significant role in determining how often they'll need cleaning and maintenance.

1. Near Vegetation: Always install your solar ground lights at a safe distance from nearby plants. For Solareye80 ground lights, we recommend placing them between 150mm to 300mm away from the edge of pathways to prevent grass and shrubs from obstructing them.
2. Near Deciduous Trees: If your area has deciduous trees, you might need to clean your lights annually to remove fallen leaves that could hinder their performance.
3. Coastal Areas: In coastal regions, wind-blown sand can accumulate around your lights. Consider avoiding these spots or implement a routine to brush off excess sand.
4. Flood-prone Zones: While Solareye80s are waterproof, floodwaters can leave behind silt that needs removal to allow the solar panel to recharge properly.

The images below illustrate the situation on a site in Worcester. After six inches of mud were cleared, the solar lights remained undamaged and continued functioning as expected.

Protect Your Solar Lights from Dust and Water with IP68-Rated Products

Solar lights are graded using an IP (Ingress Protection) rating system to assess their resistance to dust, dirt, and water. All ground lights, including the Bat Hat and Solareye Bollard Light, boast an IP68 rating.

This signifies complete protection against dust and the ability to endure prolonged submersion underwater. The Solareye Roof Light takes it a step further with an IP69 rating, meaning it can handle high-pressure washing and steam cleaning.

Ensuring our products resist dust and water ingress safeguards their internal components and lighting output, enabling them to operate at peak performance for significantly longer than most standard solar lighting options. For more details on the IP coding system for solar lights, visit our blog post.

Get your IP68-rated solar lights—contact us now, or browse our product page.

Steps to Clean Your Solar Lights

Cleaning your solar ground lights is straightforward. Simply sweep away any accumulated dirt and debris. Solareye80 ground lights are integrated units with no detachable parts, requiring minimal maintenance. Their flush design prevents dust and debris from collecting on protruding sections, while regular foot and bike traffic naturally keeps the tops clear.

Low-Maintenance Solar Lighting Solutions from Solareye

By ensuring your lights stay clean through manual cleaning or by opting for resilient designs that demand little upkeep, you can provide dependable and eco-friendly illumination for your outdoor spaces. This not only prolongs the life of your solar lights but also maximizes their sustainability advantages.

Tired of high-maintenance lighting? You've found the perfect solution. Our solar lighting is dust-resistant, off-grid, and environmentally friendly. Contact us to learn more, view our product range, or dive deeper into related topics.

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