Asked on Dec 28, 2015
What to do with non-working solar lights???
by
Sue King
+22
I have several of the solar lights (the stake-type that go in the garden or along a walkway) and have not been able to toss them thinking there must be something creative that I could use them for. Any good ideas anyone?
15 answers
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My husband came up with a great idea. We took the solar top off the glass and removed the bulbs. We then painted the post. I used just any brand spray paint I had on hand. After the paint was dry, several coats worked best, we put them back together. Not including the solar top and bulbs. We planted little flowers in them and made a little border up our walk way. Yes, my husband's a genius, LOL
![BeverlyG]()
BeverlyG
on Dec 29, 2015
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If you will paint the tops with CLEAR finger nail polish they will work again...
![Judy72649]()
Judy72649
on Dec 29, 2015
- See 3 previous
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I use them as plant stakes.
![Janet Pizaro]()
Janet Pizaro
on Dec 29, 2015
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We painted ours with glow in the dark paint. It works well
![Kelly]()
Kelly
on Dec 29, 2015
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I thought several of my lights were dead too, and threw many of them out. But did you know that all you have to do is replace the battery? I had no idea. And now they work again. I may try the finger nail polish idea but have no idea why that would work.
![Leslie Beacom]()
Leslie Beacom
on Dec 29, 2015
- See 3 previous
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all solar lights have batteries. I take all my batteries out of my lights in the winter and store in a cool dark place, that way they last longer. I live in a cold climate where the snow can bury my lights.
![Jeanette]()
Jeanette
on Dec 29, 2015
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Great idea @Judy72649 thank you for sharing!
![Elaine Freimuth]()
Elaine Freimuth
on Dec 29, 2015
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Did you check the batteries?
![ColoradoUtah]()
ColoradoUtah
on Dec 29, 2015
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Sometimes there is a little break in the wires. This can be fixed. New battery and you will be with lights again.
![Carol]()
Carol
on Dec 29, 2015
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The ones I have, I cant get the batteries for so I'm going to have a go at putting some glass paint in them and see how they look.
![Julie Pollock]()
Julie Pollock
on Dec 29, 2015
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The batteries are recharged by the sun, unless the wires are broken. Resolder those with ELECTRICAL solder. The nail polish tricks the light into sort of thinking they are wet and lets the sun do its work.
![Judy72649]()
Judy72649
on Dec 30, 2015
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I had some old lights I used to highlight a Halloween display with. I wanted muted light which is what I got. I'm sure there's other things that can be done with them. How about using them in outdoor Christmas wreaths??? Might work...
![Judy72649]()
Judy72649
on Dec 30, 2015
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If solar panel is cloudy, paint with clear nail polish.should recharge.
![Djr1236414]()
Djr1236414
on Dec 31, 2015
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Glue upside down bowls on them and paint them like mushrooms. Glue glass jars on top to hold candles. Glue a craft store bird nest with eggs on it. They can be put in potted plants. Glue glass beads around them and fairies on top.
![Inetia]()
Inetia
on Nov 20, 2016
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Thank you "ME". Some good ideas. I've made a mushroom and sat a garden gnome on it, but had not thought of the other ideas. i like the birds nest.....
![Sue King]()
Sue King
on Nov 20, 2016
BeverlyG
on Dec 29, 2015
Judy72649
on Dec 29, 2015
Janet Pizaro
on Dec 29, 2015
Kelly
on Dec 29, 2015
Leslie Beacom
on Dec 29, 2015
Jeanette
on Dec 29, 2015
Elaine Freimuth
on Dec 29, 2015
ColoradoUtah
on Dec 29, 2015
Carol
on Dec 29, 2015
Julie Pollock
on Dec 29, 2015
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