In reference to your question regarding the Newhouse light that you purchased (NHSDM), we don’t carry that design, but are familiar with this particular model. Attached are some images of what we believe you may have. If it is, there are a few things to try and troubleshoot its operation. There are a few options that this manufacturer (for the NHSDM) has as far as battery capacity and chemistry:

1.  Fixed Lithium battery (3.2 Volt) that is not intended to be replaced at the end of its typical 2-year life cycle. Once that model has expired its battery, then it will need to be discarded.

2.  Removable Lithium battery (3.2 Volt) that can be replaced at the end of its life cycle. The procedure requires a bit of care in removing the screws with a small-point Phillips screwdriver (the cross-hatch point screwdriver), but it can be done and doesn’t take too long to do.

3.  Removable NiCd or NiMH AAA batteries (1.2 Volt) that can be replaced at the end of their life cycle (this model usually has 3 batteries to reach to desired Voltage to power the LEDs). Again, the procedure requires care, but can be done.

We have heard from customers (and we have one ourselves that we use for an alley gate here in San Diego) that the one we sell has had pretty good operational performance. Meaning, it can charge under a day’s sunlight and emit light on following evenings where the days were cloudy. It has a great system autonomy for a solar light of its size and price. Furthermore, it uses the removable Lithium battery, which itself is a higher performing battery than the NiCd and NiMH chemistries (which is probably why the Lithiums are a little bit more expensive).

So, if you haven’t tried to get to the batteries yet and you have had it for more than a year, you may want to try the procedure of opening the light to see what rechargeable battery you will need.  You will need to stay with the chemistry that is in your light (if you are able to open it and it is either point 2 or 3 above).  Be sure not to put a Lithium battery into a NiCd/NiMH light as the Lithiums will burn out the components almost instantly).

As for the decision of purchasing a different model/design of security/spot light, there are many options on the market to choose from. From our experience and customer reviews, the best light for reliability, output and longevity is the Solar Security Light with 32 LEDs. This particular light uses a lead-acid battery, so the autonomy keeps it running without any hiccups. It is a bit more expensive than others, but it has had a positive effect for customers. It automatically turns on when someone approaches, and stays on so long as there is motion. There are options on the light where you can set it to stay on for anywhere from 30 seconds up to a few minutes. The light output is comparable to a 20 Watt CFL (those curly lights that are sold in most hardware stores), so it has a great effective light range and will activate when motion is detected at about 15 feet from the light.

There are other options available, but from what we can gather, these two may be the best for your particular use. All of the solar security lights have a lead wire (with the exception of the one like yours, which is an all-in-one design), so you can place the solar panel some distance away from the light unit itself on an overhang, roof, eave, etc. The benefits of solar security lights are that they are relatively easy to install, are safe (no high voltage wires to deal with), can be located at remote locations where electricity supply is not available, produce effective lighting for their purpose and are reasonably priced. Hopefully the information above helps with your project and that you are able to get a lighting system that works for your home to keep it safe and illuminated at night.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact us at any time at our contact information below.

Thank you for your inquiry with us at Your Solar Link. We are here to help.

Mario @ Your Solar Link

Solar on!