One panel for each side of the yard. Each power about 4 flood lights. Also each panel takes 3 AA batteries which I’ve replaced. I know nothing about solar lighting. And there is no manufacturer on the panel. What should I do to get these lights to work
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
First thing use a battery to store enough current, and you also have to match the power consumption in watts ,by the flood lamp to design and install solar panel to make them work ! Ureka:)
Make sure the battery contacts in the lights are clean first, and make sure of the type. Nickel metal hydrides do not charge adequately in lights that used nickel Cadmium cells.
You can test the lights with some alkaline cells, and see if they work. It may just be corrosion on those contacts which is the most common issue. Otherwise locate some nickel Cadmium cells. If you have to do mail order, try http://www.digikey.com
There should be another battery in the system for the flood lights if you have larger panels. Most likely lead acid. If the panels 6 inch by 8 inch, those should have enough output to charge a 2 volt Lead acid cell or two. Follow the wiring.
Worst case- if you can each unit out as a discrete assembly- take one apart and look at the condition of the internals. The cell should be okay, the transistorized switch circuit can sometimes fail, rarely in both units at once, but in one unit it is expected. The worst that can happen is you make a paperweight out of it. It wasn’t working before so you have nothing to lose by trying to figure it out.