Have you ever thought about fixing solar lights with nail polish? If you’re curious to know how this is possible, then you’re in the right place.
To help you navigate through this long guide, you can use the following quick links:
- How solar cells work
- Why do solar cells get dull
- When not in use, will solar lights degrade?
- What are the impacts of Weathered Solar Cells?
- Which parts need to be cleaned?
- Solar Light Cleaning Techniques
- How to Clean Solar Lights
- Fixing the Solar Lights with Nail Polish
- Will the Polish Nail obstruct the UV rays?
- How to cut maintenance costs
- Conclusion
Before we speak about that in depth, for now, let’s think about the fundamentals first.
The solar lights operate on the battery which is powered with sunlight. It implies that solar lights more often than not, are exposed to the elements of the outside all their lives. Therefore, they need a lot of maintenance.
How solar cells work
A solar cell has protons and neutrons that can generate electricity by using sunlight resources. When the sunlight arrives, the electrons jump over a thin layer of silicon, culminating in a current.
If the electrons do not get enough sunlight, less current will be produced. This usually occurs in the fall when the sun is anything less than a luxury in some areas of the world.
With that said, you need to keep the solar lights where they can receive direct sunlight. Ironically, this implies that you’d have to put them outside, where they’re prone to all sorts of dirt and dust. When the solar cell is translucent due to soil build-up, it won’t get enough sunshine to transform into electricity to charge the battery.
Why do Solar Cells Get Dull
In order to ensure that solar light receives more than enough sunlight, most people keep it in the garden or on the rooftop. It’s perfect, in reality, to put it on the roof.
However, as it has been said, when you do so, you expose the solar light to the elements. As a consequence, the solar cell get dull. Here are the explanations for this:
- Solar lamps have to meet all kinds of weather patterns. Air pollution or collected dust blocks the light of the sun.
- Bird drops are also one of the explanations for dirty solar frames. The oil stains, however, are difficult to remove.
- Rough conditions, such as snow, can obstruct solar cells.
- After five or more years (based on the quality of the solar lights) the light of the solar cells begins to fade. As a consequence, no light enters the solar cells, and they don’t being powered properly.
Solar lights may get dull due to lack of cleanliness. For these purposes and more, it is important that you clean the solar cells from time to time in order to keep them working efficiently.
Clean the solar cells either with a dry cloth or with a damp cloth to make it work properly. You can also use a window or glass cleaner. The use of abrasive materials is strictly prohibited as they may damage the glass.
When not in use, will solar lights degrade?
Most solar lights are met with a reduction in production over time. Even if the solar light is lying there and is no longer being used, the quality will still be diminished. Nevertheless, there is no need to think about it; the deterioration is not important.
The degree of deterioration is not the same for all solar lights, though. The solar light output is usually decreased by 0.8 per cent to 0.9 per cent on average every year. You may claim the solar lights will operate for up to 40 years.
What are the impacts of Weathered Solar Cells?
Take an example: look at your windscreen. Remember the last time you washed it up? If it’s been a good amount of time, then most definitely, you probably wouldn’t be able to see anything through it. The rain won’t clean the glass, either.
Solar lights too, face this sort of situation. Dirt and debris cause a loss in productivity owing to less sunshine. If you do not clean your solar cells often, the battery would not be charged to the fullest.
Which parts need to be cleaned?
Until beginning the cleaning process, it is important that you recognise which portions of the solar light need to be cleaned. Typical solar lights consists of a solar panel, a solar cell, a battery a charge device, and a LED bulb. The LED lamp operates on electricity generated by the battery.
The solar cell, the battery and the light cover require regular cleaning because these pieces are outside. Let’s talk quickly about each of them.
Solar Cells
Solar cells can be obscured by the debris they accumulate on the substrate, and the plastic that coats the cells becomes hazy. You must disinfect the plastic at least once or twice a month to guarantee that the solar cells obtain sufficient light.
Batteries
Due to the amount of moisture in solar lights, batteries can sometimes oxidise, which is why you can change them every three months. Nevertheless, if you live in a place with a humid climate, you can change the batteries more often.
Light Cover
Solar lights also include a light cover that can be made of plastic or glass. The light cover protects the sunlight from the outdoor setting. If you do not clean it frequently, it may become cloudy, and less sunlight will reach the solar cells.
Solar Light Cleaning Techniques
Your kitchen has a number of things that can help you clean the solar light. Don’t you trust us? Take a look at this list!
- Vinegar and dish soap
- Brasso
- Nail polish remover
- Toothpaste
- Clear fingernail polish
When one item isn’t accessible, you can use the other. Each solution is equally effective, but fixing solar lights using nail polish is more accessible than any other process.
We’ve been trying a lot of things to clean the solar lights. Some were not widely available on the market, and others were expensive. Fortunately, the remedy is readily available in your beauty bag.
Sure, sure! Solar light repair with nail polish is probable. In reality, nail polish is the only thing that is easy to find and that also costs a little.
How to Clean Solar Lights
If you have solar light and it doesn’t work efficiently, it most definitely needs a clean. Okay, how are you going to clean a solar light? We’ve listed a few of the above approaches, and you can use any of them. Initial steps include:
- Use a dry cloth to scrub loose dirt and debris.
- Next, get a wet cloth and use it to clean the container. You should try making a soapy paste and drop the fabric in it. Use this rag to disinfect the material.
- After that, let the plastic air dry or cover with another sheet. Keep the acrylic in your palms and see if it still appears gloomy. If so, the plastic would need more washing.
Fixing Solar Lights with Nail Polish
You must have purchased solar lights since they are convenient and easy to deploy. You can’t deny, though, that there are some peculiarities involved over the time. The biggest issue here is the dusty frames. Fortunately, they’re fairly easy to clean.
After a long time, if you clean the plastic, the dirt will not come off quickly. The best way to clean this sticky stuff is to use nail polish. Solar light repair of nail polish or nail polish remover is a great technique. It might sound stupid at first. After all, how can the nail polish restore the sunshine, right? In truth, the results are going to astound you.
If you see that the acrylic is still blurry after washing it with a rag, you should try fixing the light with a nail polish. Coat the surface with a thin layer of clear nail polish, or use a nail polish remover.
Now a little bit of caution. Before applying nail polish, cover the surfaces around the plastic. You can use the video of a maker to do this. Once you’ve done submitting, you can just peel off the sheet.
Solar Cell Cleaning
The photovoltaics are at the top of the solar light. They experience every kind of weather condition directly; it’s going to get dirty fast. When it is not clear the sunlight will not penetrate it, and therefore the solar light will not be powered.
To maintain that the solar light is fully charged, you can clean the solar cells periodically. To get rid of the loose dirt, clean it with a dry or moist rag. When you think it’s not yet clear add a white nail polish coat to the plastic of the solar cells. Fixing the solar lights with the nail polish should make it look really clear
Cleaning of batteries
Each solar light is engineered as a waterproof device. You should still hold them in a safe, dry place, though. Heavy rainfall can cause the batteries to accumulate moisture, and they can get corroded. You should keep checking your batteries every now and then.
Whenever you replace the charger, do test for white powder or otherwise. If it is, then it is the deterioration of the cell. You should clean the housing with a soft brush before adding a new battery.
It’s supposed to come out easily. Using sandpaper to smooth the rust if it is difficult to remove it. You should check that the casing is safe before adding a new battery to prevent corrosion.
Cleaning the Light Covers
A light cover is used to cover the outdoor LED lamp. Dirt can easily build up on its surface, which is why it must be cleaned. Sunlights that face heavy rains and thunderstorms need further maintenance.
The light cover can be cleaned using the same technique as described above. You should clean it off with a towel. If the surface is not washed quickly, rinse it with a soap mixture for better results.
Will the Polish Nail obstruct the UV rays?
Do you believe that the nail polish would prevent the sunshine from entering the solar cells? Many people don’t add nail polish on plastic thinking the exact same thing. The truth, though, is the alternative.
Nail polish is the only material that can not only repair the solar light, but it can also help protect the plastic from becoming dusty in the future. It is recommended to use clear nail polish for a similar reason.
A thin layer of clear nail polish can serve as a protection against dirt and debris. As the nail polish will be clear, the sunlight will not be affected in any way. If you do not apply clear nail polish, there is a possibility of sunlight blockage. Simply put, it’s just a myth that nail polish can obstruct sunshine.
How to cut maintenance costs
We’re positive you don’t like spending time maintaining your solar lights. A few precautions will help you reduce the maintenance of your solar lights and save your precious time, of course.
- When you purchase a new solar light, apply a clear nail polish coat immediately. Instead of washing the solar light after a while and instead putting the nail polish, you will save yourself from the hassle. Don’t forget to use the painter’s tape while applying the nail polish so that the cover doesn’t get damaged.
- If you can spend some extra money, invest in the purchasing of a clear paint resistance film This safety film is handy, and it could cost you a couple of dollars, however you won’t have to worry about washing the solar panels every now and then. You still have to clean it with a dry cloth, but not very often.
- It doesn’t matter if the substance is waterproof; heavy rainfall will still impact sunlight After every case, you can test the battery. Maintenance is essential to keep the solar lights running at an optimum level.
- If after eliminating the rust or modifying the battery the solar light does not function, you should consider replacing the panel.
Conclusion
Solar lights are a worthwhile investment, but they require constant maintenance. The chance of wear and tear is strong due to the fact that they are put outdoors. While solar lights are constructed in this way, they can withstand extreme weather conditions only to a certain degree.
Nail polish can not only be used to paint your hands, but it can also repair your solar lights. It is an amazing, low-cost device that can extend the lifetime of your solar lights. It may seem unlikely, but the project is a positive. And, the next time the lights don’t work to the fullest, you realise who the guilty party is and how to repair the problem.
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