Step-by-Step Guide: Storing Solar Lights Through the Winter

Winter is rolling in, bringing shorter days and colder weather.

It’s a good time to think about taking care of your outdoor solar lights since they won’t be used as much.

I’ve put together a simple guide to help you store your solar lights the right way during these off months.

This way, you’re not just putting them away—you’re making sure they stay in great shape.

I’ll show you how to get them ready, clean them up, and store them safely so they’ll be all set to light up your yard once spring comes back around.

Key Takeaways

• To store solar lights for winter, turn them off, remove them from the ground, and keep them in a cool, dry place to protect them from damage.
• Clean all parts, including solar panels, to remove dirt and ensure optimal performance when reinstalled.
• Take out rechargeable batteries to prevent corrosion, wrapping them securely in bubble wrap or packing paper.
• Wrap glass heads carefully in bubble wrap or blankets to prevent breakage during storage.
• Use a sturdy plastic box for all components, label it clearly, and store it in a moisture-free spot like a garage or attic.

Why Is It Important to Store Solar Lights During the Winter Months?

It’s important to store solar lights during the winter months to ensure they keep working well and last a long time.

Even though these lights are built tough—with materials like plastic that resist rust and usually have a good waterproof rating—they’re not wear-proof.

Over time, the seals that keep water out can break down.

If that happens, moisture might get inside and could cause short circuits or other damage.

How to Properly Store Outdoor Solar Lights During Winter?

1. Turn Off the Solar Lights

Just like you’d switch off your phone or laptop before a long flight, it’s a good idea to turn off your solar lights before tucking them away for the winter.

If you leave them on, they could run their batteries right down, maybe even to the point where they stop working altogether.

Here’s why: solar lights come with smart sensors that automatically turn on when it gets dark.

But during those short, gloomy winter days, these sensors might keep trying to activate on very low power, which can wear them out.

And if they’re always trying to light up without enough sunlight to recharge properly, it puts a lot of strain on the lights’ other parts too.

2. Extract All Components of the Solar Light from the Ground

Once you’ve turned off your solar lights, it’s time to get them out of the ground.

This can be a little tricky, especially if those path lights have burrowed themselves deep into the soil over the months.

Make sure to dig carefully around each light to fetch all the parts, including any solar panels that are set up separately.

You don’t want to leave anything behind because even a small part left out in the cold can get damaged.

When you’ve got everything out, give them all a good wipe-down with a clean, damp cloth.

It’s common for dirt and little bits of leaves to cling to them after being outside for a while.

Cleaning them now means they’ll be all ready to go when you set them up again.

Plus, for the solar panels, being clean is crucial—they need to be clear to soak up sunlight efficiently.

Even a little dust can mess with their charging, so a nice wipe now makes things a lot easier come spring.

3. Remove Rechargeable Batteries from Solar Panels

It may not seem like a big deal, but removing the batteries from your solar lights is a step you don’t want to skip—I’ve learned this the hard way.

Think of a battery as a tiny box full of chemicals that react to create power.

In the cold winter months, the chilly weather slows down these reactions, which can make your batteries less effective.

Even worse, the cold can cause batteries to leak or even burst, which can lead to corrosion and serious damage to both the battery compartment and the internal parts of your solar lights.

This could potentially ruin them.

So, here’s what to do: Take a minute to remove the batteries from each light.

It might seem like a hassle now, but it’s a vital step to keep your lights in top shape for the next season.

Once you’ve removed the batteries, wrap them in bubble wrap or packing paper.

This helps protect them from moisture and other damaging elements.

Store them in a cool, dry place—I usually use a shelf in my garage or a storage bin in the basement.

This little bit of effort now can save you a lot of trouble later.

4. Encase Glass Components in Bubble Wrap

The glass parts of your solar lights are super delicate, so we need to be careful with them to avoid any breaks.

A good way to protect them is by wrapping each glass head tightly in bubble wrap.

This gives them a nice, soft padding that helps guard against any bumps or knocks while they’re stored away for winter.

Don’t worry if you’re out of bubble wrap—spare blankets or some packing paperwork just as well for cushioning.

After you’ve got your glass parts all wrapped up, pop them into a sturdy cardboard box.

Many of these glass pieces are connected right to the solar panels, and any damage here can be a big problem.

5. Organize All Solar Light Parts into a Container

Once you’ve wrapped up all the parts, especially those fragile glass bits, and batteries, it’s time to pack them up until next season.

I’m a big fan of using plastic storage boxes instead of cardboard ones for storing solar lights.

Here’s the scoop: plastic is great at keeping moisture out as it prevents rust or mold from sneaking in while your lights are packed away for the winter.

Plastic boxes are also a lot sturdier and won’t give way if you move them around.

When you’re picking out a box, grab one that’s spacious enough so you’re not cramming everything in.

I always start by laying down a layer of bubble wrap or packing paper at the bottom of the box—it’s a simple move, but it does wonders for protecting your gear.

As you pack, place the heavier items at the bottom and the lighter, more delicate ones on top to keep them from getting crushed.

I like to add an extra layer of bubble wrap on top for good measure, just to keep everything nice and safe.

Finally, seal the box tightly and slap a clear label on it.

This saves you from any guessing games later on and makes it super easy to set everything back up when spring comes.

6. Keep Solar Lights in a Moisture-Free Environment

Now, let’s figure out the best spot to stash your solar lights during the off-season.

Keeping them dry is key because moisture is a big no-no, especially for lights made from materials like aluminum.

Moisture can lead to rust and corrosion, and believe me, that can cut short the life of your lights.

In my experience, the top spots for storage are your garage or a well-insulated attic.

These places are usually nice and dry, and they keep a steady temperature, which is perfect for keeping your solar lights in tip-top shape.

I tend to steer clear of basements and outdoor sheds since they can be pretty damp or even leaky—not ideal for storing anything electronic.

I’ve carved out a little corner in my garage just for seasonal stuff like solar lights.

It helps keep everything organized and easy to find.

If you’re leaning towards the attic, just ensure it’s well-insulated.

You don’t want any big temperature swings messing with your lights.

FAQs

Conclusion

We’ve just gone through how to stash your solar lights safely for the winter.

Spending a bit of time now on care can keep them shining bright for many seasons.

Here’s a quick tip: Label everything as you pack up. It’s a small step, but it’ll make setting things back up in the spring a breeze—no more scratching your head over which part goes where.

Have more questions or need a few more tips on looking after your outdoor gear?

Just leave a comment below or shoot me a message—I’m more than happy to help out!