Cool Comfort On the Go, Handheld Fan for Just ₹1,600
Do Solar Lights Work in the Monsoon and on Cloudy Days? What to Expect in India
Many buyers ask the same question before buying solar lights in India: will they still work in the monsoon? The short answer is yes, but with a few things to know so you choose the right light and place it well.
How solar lights charge on a cloudy day
A solar light does not need bright sunshine to charge. Its panel collects daylight, and even on a cloudy day some daylight reaches it. The difference is the amount: a cloudy day gives less charge than a clear day, so the light may glow for fewer hours at night or look slightly dimmer after several grey days in a row.
What matters most in the monsoon
- Weatherproof rating: choose a light with a high IP rating such as IP65, which is built to handle rain and dust. Lights with a lower rating are better kept under a cover.
- Battery size and panel size: a larger panel and battery store more energy, so the light keeps going through darker days. For example, our 100W solar floodlight has a 7W panel and a 5000mAh lithium battery and switches on from dusk to dawn.
- Position: fit the light where the panel sees the open sky, not under a roof edge or a thick tree.
- Clean panel: mud and dust from rain reduce charging. Wipe the panel with a soft damp cloth now and then.
Tips to get the best light in rainy weeks
- Choose a brighter, bigger model for areas you really need lit, such as gates and parking.
- Use a switch or remote if your light has one, so you can save battery on days you do not need it.
- Keep lights away from places where water collects at the base.
- Check the light after heavy rain and clean the panel if it is dirty.
Which solar light for which space
For driveways and paths, a rated-for-rain solar pathway light is a good choice. For wide areas like parking, gates and courtyards, see our solar floodlight wattage guide. For roads and compounds, read the solar street light guide, and for balconies, our guide to solar string lights.
You can browse the full range in our solar lights collection.