Solar light check in Exeter
Professional solar light check services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
1 hr
Location
Exeter, Devon
Solar garden lights serviced and working properly. Panels cleaned, batteries checked, everything repositioned for best performance. Simple maintenance that makes a real difference.
When Solar Lights Stop Being Bright
You put them in with good intentions - lovely lit pathway, energy-efficient, no wiring to worry about. Then a year later they're barely glowing, or not coming on at all. Usually it's not that they're broken - just dirty panels and tired batteries. Easy fix.
💡 Pro tip: Annual cleaning and battery replacement every 2-3 years keeps solar lights working like new. Much cheaper than buying replacements.
Why Solar Lights Fail
| Problem | Cause | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Dim or not lighting | Dirty panels | Clean thoroughly |
| Short lighting time | Old batteries | Replace with new rechargeables |
| Never work properly | In shade | Reposition to sunny spot |
| Cracked or damaged | Worn out | Replace (I'll tell you honestly) |
What You Get
🔧 Full Service
| Stage | What I Do |
|---|---|
| Check | Test each light, note which work and which don't |
| Clean | Panels cleaned properly, casings wiped down |
| Battery | Check batteries, replace if you've provided new ones |
| Position | Move any that are in shade to better spots |
| Advise | Honest opinion on which are worth keeping vs replacing |
📦 You're Left With
- Lights that actually glow properly
- Clear advice on battery replacements needed
- Better positioning for maximum sun
- No more tripping over the dark bit of your path!
Pricing Guide
| Lights | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 5-10 lights | 1 hr | £60 |
| 10-20 lights | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. You provide any replacement batteries.
Perfect For...
✅ Stopped glowing - used to work, now don't
✅ Dim light - coming on but barely visible
✅ Pre-winter check - get them sorted before the dark months
✅ New house - inherited solar lights, not sure if they work
Why Choose Us for Solar light check in Exeter?
Solar panels cleaned for better charging
Batteries checked and replaced if needed
Lights repositioned for best sun exposure
Advice on which ones to replace vs repair
What to Expect
Step 1: Assessment
I'll test each light to see what's working and what's not. Often it's a mix - some fine, some need attention.
Step 2: Clean & Service
Panels get a proper clean (you'd be surprised how much muck builds up). Batteries checked or replaced. Cases wiped down.
Step 3: Reposition & Advise
Any lights in shady spots get moved to where they'll charge. I'll tell you honestly which batteries to replace and which lights are past saving.
🔧 DIY Tips
This is actually an easy DIY job if you've got the time:
🔧 What you'll need
- Bowl of warm soapy water
- Soft cloths or sponge
- Replacement rechargeable batteries (AA or AAA, check your lights)
- Small screwdriver to open battery compartments
🌞 How to service them
- Clean panels: Wipe with soapy water and rinse. Dry thoroughly.
- Clean casings: Remove any algae, dirt, or cobwebs
- Check batteries: Open compartment, check for corrosion
- Replace batteries: Use quality rechargeables (Eneloop or similar)
- Reposition: Move any in shade to sunny spots
- Test: Leave for a full sunny day, check they come on at dusk
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Using non-rechargeable batteries (won't work!)
- Not cleaning panels properly (quick wipe isn't enough)
- Leaving lights in shade (they'll never charge)
- Scrubbing panels with abrasive cleaners (damages the surface)
💡 Pro trick: If battery compartments have corrosion (white crusty stuff), clean it off with a small wire brush or sandpaper. Stops connection problems.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🔋 Battery recommendation: Get decent rechargeable NiMH batteries - they last longer and perform better. Cheap ones go flat after a few months.
Complete dud lights? If some are broken beyond repair, I'll let you know so you can budget for replacements. No point throwing good money at something that's knackered.
Winter performance: Solar lights struggle in winter anyway (less sun, longer nights). If they work well in summer, that's normal. Don't panic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have my solar lights stopped working?
Usually dirty panels (so they can't charge), dead batteries (they only last 2-3 years), or they're in shade so never charge properly. All fixable - and I'll tell you honestly if any need replacing completely.
Can you replace the batteries?
Yes, if you provide them. Most solar lights use standard rechargeable AA or AAA batteries. I'll check what you need and either fit what you've bought, or make a note so you can get them.
How do you clean the solar panels?
Gentle clean with soapy water and a soft cloth. Sounds simple but you'd be surprised how much grime builds up - especially in winter. Clean panels charge WAY better.
Will cleaning actually make them brighter?
If the panels are dirty and the batteries are still good - absolutely. Clean panels = better charge = brighter, longer-lasting light. It's often the easiest fix.
Should I just buy new ones or is repair worth it?
Depends. Cheap pound-shop ones aren't worth repairing. Decent ones (£10-20 each) definitely are - clean and new batteries and they're good for years more. I'll advise honestly.
Solar light check Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your solar light check job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Solar light check in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your solar light check job in Exeter today.