I can not get my solar light to light after exposing it to 48 hours of sunlight to charge the batteries. I could not find a protective cover(s) on the solar panels. It's on its way back to the vendor! Does anyone know why I can't get the lights to light after following the directions on the box? I can not get my solar light to light after exposing it to 48 hours of sunlight to charge the batteries. I could not find a protective cover(s) on the solar panels. It's on its way back to... » Read More I can not get my solar light to light after exposing it to 48 hours of sunlight to charge the batteries. I could not find a protective cover(s) on the solar panels. It's on its way back to the vendor! Does anyone know why I can't get the lights to light after following the directions on the box? « Show Less
1312817
I charged the light for 24 hours and "pushed" the "on" button a couple of time s to get it to work...has been fine ever since. Sorry I can't help.
1312818
We just bought one for my father's new flag pole. We had to leave it out 2 days to charge, then I took it into a dark room and had to press the on/off button several times before it suddenly lit! Once I had it on, I took it back out and put it on the pole (it went off in the sunlight as it should) and that night it worked perfectly and has ever since. I'm not sure if one of the pushes was for an extended time (several seconds) as one other answer mentioned. But once working, it is worth it!
1312819
i charged my light for 12 hours befor i turned it on , after turning it on mine stays on all night long. i could not find any protective covers on my light.
1312820
I wish I could help you. I was very satisfied with the light and had no problems getting it to light up.
1312821
Did you turn it on before you tried to charge it? There is an on off switch that will stay on once you have it charged.
870141
I do not believe there are 'protective covers' on the solar panels. It was just a bit tricky for me as well, to turn the light on the first time. I believe you need to press and hold the on button for a few seconds, then release, and your light should come on. I think instructions said were a bit vague about this detail. Hopefully your light will then come on and you will be pleased with it, as I am with the one I received. (I had to do the same thing, as mine did not immediately turn on either, when I just pressed and released the button). Best of luck.
1312822
No and actually I am waiting for vendor to contact me to replace the one i have to see if the 2nd time is a charm.
1119486
My lamp is mounted on top of a 5' high post at the end of the driveway. It's in full sun all day and puts out plenty of light, probably equivalent to a 60 watt incandescent bulb. Check the solar panels ( I have 4, 1 on each side) to make sure they're clean. If your batteries were installed correctly and shade or other nearby light source is not a factor, you might try turning the switch to "OFF" for a couple of days to let it come to a full charge in the sunlight before turning it back to "ON". I've had the lamp for four months in nothing but sunny weather so can't speak to how cloudy days or shorter daylight hours might affect the quality of illumination. I might look into how to best test the Li-ion batteries once they've fully charged if you have access to a volt meter etc. If you've eliminated all other possible reasons for low light quality other than the batteries themselves, testing them should show that they aren't holding a charge. I hope your lamp's "issues" are resolved soon!
806740
That's what I wondered too, if it needed to "warm up" first, or be in an extra-dark room. You may have a faulty one too like me. I had to tap on it near the bottom & turn it upside down & hold it it at an angle to get it to light up-not what you should do to make it work! Email Amazon & they'll fwd it to Scientifics & they should email you back w/phone #. I called them today & they said Fedex would pick it up next day & send me another one. So hope next one works! Good luck with yours! :)
311316
there are two things you try out, one is to just install regular AA battery and if lights come on at night if this works this only mean that your rechargable battery need to be replace or need the solar cell is too dirty and need to be clean.
1238995
Well they put those in to keeping the batteries from running down to zero voltage for an extended period of time while not in the sun. My guess is someone played with it in the store now the batteries are dead. You can test with some normal batteries and put your hand over the top of the unit to block the light sensor to simulate nighttime. If it works just put some cheap recgargabkes in you can pick them up anywhere l. The originals may be nicad but NIMH will work better.
1772902
Mine doesn't work very well either - maybe it isn't getting enough sun? There is a switch that toggles from max to energy saver output. Every once in a while I toggle that switch - just for fun, and I get a bright light for a few hours. Then nothing until I wait a few weeks and play with the switch again...
1608858
It is best to get direct sunlight or the battery won't get charge properly and your light won't last long. I love this light cause it's on all night but when movement is detected it turns on brighter So the more sunlight it gets the better.
1707664
We had the same issue. Never could get it to charge via sunlight. Very disappointing.
2240279
The batteries are already in the light. Just place the light where it will get direct sunlight for 3 - 4 days, after which you can turn on the light in the proper mode that suits you. These lights need at least 10 hrs of sunlight a day.
1882771
You have to make sure the solar collection panel is in the most direct daylight as possible. Depending on what time it gets dark enough for the light to come on will have an effect on the light. In the spring/summer, early fall when it doesn't start getting dark till 9pm -930pm it will last a lot longer; but during the winter months when it gets dark early sometimes mine only makes it 6 - 7 hours. But I still like it and use, and will probably buy more. Cathy Krebs
950558
They may already have a small charge in them. Turn the charger on and cover up the solar piece to cut out all the light and the lights will probably go on. Either way, the charger should be turned on so they will get a full charge in the sun. The rain shouldn't bother them and neither does getting wet. Off is off, no lights.
2199818
I fought the same problem and found out there is a two year guarantee on this light, I contacted the manufacture and after a bit of haggling they sent me a new one (I had lost the receipt). I have used these lights for 10 years, there is a small problem with the photocell, however there is no other light that compares with one, I suggest the lower wattage light, still plenty of light (35 watt)
134251
I think if you just place it in direct sunlight and it should begin to function after it charges. If it does not it may be defective. EDIT--- Just checked..there is an on/off button on the bottom of the base. Press to activate then place in direct sunlight.
350354
Hi! Sorry to hear you are having problems with your Wagan. I have two and have not had any problems with them, so far. Be sure that the light has been charged completely. No less than 8 hours and no more than 10 hours. Over charging or under charging can cause problems with performance. If that doesn,t resolve the issue you are having, you may want to contact Wagan Corporation at... (customerservice@wagan.com) or toll free in the U.S. & Canada (1.800.231.5806) I hope you can get the problem fixed without a hassle. I really like these spotlight lanterns. They were great to have when our power went out for thirteen hours after a tornado went through and knocked down power lines. Have a Great Day! V. Zink
1891104
I have some that are working perfect I just had to make sure the solar panel is receiving sunlight throughout the day. I positioned it so it is in the sun several hours each day. I hope this may help so you can enjoy them they look so cool each evening when they are on for the night! Good luck
783108
I noticed the same thing, Kenneth. The company advised me to seal around the switches, but water continued to infiltrate. I ended up sealing around each solar cell. I also had to drill a small hole in each lens to allow all water to pour out or evaporate (which took weeks) and sealed those holes up with a dab of silicone sealant. There is no doubt in my mind that I wasted time and money buying these solar road and path lights!
885386
Sounds like a question for the seller! It is either defective or the batteries need charging. Try taking it outside in the sun to see if it will work from solar power alone.