First Check - Has the Battery Depleted?
The most common cause of a non-working solar light: the battery has been discharged below its protection threshold after several consecutive cloudy days, and the controller has shut off the LED to protect the battery. Solution: cover the solar panel completely and wait 24–48 hours of clear sunny weather. The controller should automatically resume operation once the battery reaches a safe charge level. If the light still does not work after 2 sunny days, move to the next check.
Check 2 - Is the Solar Panel Dirty or Shaded?
A panel covered with dust, bird droppings, or fallen leaves can lose 20–50% of its output. In Maharashtra's dry season (March–June), dust accumulation is rapid. Clean the panel surface with a damp cloth (plain water, no detergents). Check if a new tree or structure is casting shade on the panel. Check if the panel angle has shifted (loose fasteners). Even 30 minutes of daily shading from a nearby branch can reduce the panel output enough to cause battery depletion over time.
Check 3 - Test the Battery Voltage
Use a digital multimeter to measure the battery terminal voltage. For a 12V LiFePO4 battery: above 12.8V = fully charged, 12.0–12.8V = partial charge (normal operating range), below 11.0V = deeply discharged (controller may have cut off protection). For a 24V system, double all values. If the voltage is below 11V after 3 sunny days, the battery is likely degraded and needs replacement. Contact Xera Tech for a compatible replacement battery.
Check 4 - The Sensor Might be Faulty
If the light works manually but does not switch on automatically at night, the photocell (dusk-to-dawn sensor) may be faulty. Test: cover the photocell with black tape - the light should turn on. If it does, the photocell needs replacement. Also check if the photocell is accidentally obstructed by the light fixture itself (common after pole rotation). For PIR motion sensor issues: the sensor may be mis-aimed, set to too-short a delay, or simply dirty (wipe the sensor dome).
Check 5 - Wiring and Connection Inspection
Loose or corroded connections are the second most common failure cause. Inspect all MC4 connectors at the solar panel. Check the controller terminal screws - they can loosen with pole vibration from traffic. Look for any visible wire chafing against the pole body (creates short circuit). Check for water ingress at entry points - if water has entered the fixture, the driver or controller may be damaged. All connections should be re-made with fresh corrosion-inhibiting compound if they look corroded.
