Solar lights - outdoor - with rechargeable batteries

[zackarii]

We have used solar lights as a cheap alternative to wired-in outdoor lights. On the whole, they disappoint, particularly failing within a year, unable to get parts and ending up in the rubbish (we don't have a bin service, so that means our junk pile).

Had 2 solar lights in a French lamppost (Bunnings) which cost about $80. One light globe failed, went back to Bunnings and even though we had not bought it (gift) they trashed a new one to give us the light fitting incl globe as they don't carry spares. About 3 months later the other globe went, by that time I had found the supplier and bought 2 spares. Then both solar chargers died. We can recharge the batteries ourselves, but the solar panel no longer does this. I did maintenance, regular clean of solar panel etc. Pulled apart to check - not charging.

Other mid priced $15-$30 solars have failed within a year
- 2 floating pool lights (which were disappointingly dim to start with),
- solar 100 tiny lights (used several times - then not for months - then didn't work)
- an assortment of 'garden' lights - single light, single battery - solar chargers died

Cheap $2+ usually sealed - non removable battery
All died except one $2 Cheap shop which is still going bright & strong - spike broke so it sits on a rock.

All solars died within a year (except one $2 cheap shop & one $6 floating pool light). This defeats the idea that I am saving the planet by using rechargeable batteries and renewable energy. The other is that I can't find higher wattage (higher lumens) in outdoor solar lights. The industry seems to have gone backwards.

Are there any recommendations for reliable outdoor solar lights? We don't have solar power, our SWER line give us power fluctuations that regularly blow light globes, hence the liking for stand-alone units.

[Fred]

These things seem to be the unusual example of the saying that you get what you pay for (which is by no means always true). I've had various cheap path lights, hardly any of which have lasted beyond a month or two, but the more expensive ones I've had have been very good. Some have lasted for years and are still going strong.

[phbriggs2000]

I have also bought very cheap ones and replaced the low capacity batteries it came with with my own rechargeable batteries...these have lasted for years We have found that mostly the batteries are the weakest link.

[grahroll]

Hi @zackarii

You could try this retailer and see if they have what you need

http://solarlightingdirect.com.au/

I have no idea of what they are like but worth asking I guess.

Also for a read on a simple Solar system

http://learn.eartheasy.com/2012/07/our-simple-diy-home-solar-power-system/

The batteries in most cheap units are just soldered to the wiring and are easily replaced with a small soldering iron and some fluxed solder (Jaycar and others sell cheap units). The batteries are easy to purchase at many stores just buy like for like in the rechargeable range. AAA and AA are most commonly used in the cheap lights but avoid buying the Lithium ones as they are more expensive for similar performance and I have found they don't tolerate the heat so well.

[meltam6554]

Hi @zackarii

My experience is the same in terms of the solar outdoor lights not lasting more than about a year.

I have replaced the rechargeable battery on some, but many are too rusty to take apart by the time the battery needs replacing. Tried prying some open, but the brittle plastic shatters, ruining them.

Now, I just buy cheap ones knowing I will have to replace them.

[tndkemp]

I agree with just about everything said. I have purchased a few different ones over the years both higher cost and cheapie on special and they have all quickly failed usually between1-2 years old, except for one lonely lamp that is now about 10 years old now. It still comes on around dusk every evening but it batteries have lost capacity and are now depleted around 2-3 hours later. i think it was a cheapy but it is that old I don't remember.
Needless to say if the manufacturer knew it was still going all these years later somebody would get the sack i'm sure.