Why Is My Solar Candle Not Working?

What is a Solar Candle and How Does it Work?

A solar candle is a simple device that utilizes sunlight to melt wax fuel and create a flickering flame that resembles a candle. It consists of a clear glass jar, a wick, and wax fuel made from paraffin or beeswax.

The key components that allow a solar candle to work are the clear glass jar, the wick, and sunlight. The clear glass allows sunlight to pass through and concentrate at the tip of the wick inside the jar. This creates a focused beam of heat that melts the solid wax fuel around the wick.

As the wax melts, capillary action pulls the liquid wax up the wick, where the concentrated sunlight vaporizes and ignites the wax. This creates a small but steady flame at the tip of the wick that flickers like a regular candle. The melted wax then continues circulating up the wick while sunlight keeps heating and melting more wax fuel. This allows the flame to be self-sustaining as long as there is adequate sunlight.

Solar candles come in a few main designs – the most common is a short wide glass jar with a wick sticking out the middle. Others use narrower jars or small dishes with longer wicks. The key is having clear glass to transmit sunlight and a wick adjusted to the size of the container.

Common Reasons a Solar Candle Won’t Light

Solar candles rely on direct sunlight to melt the wax fuel and keep the wick lit. If your solar candle won’t light or stay lit, here are some common issues to check:

Not Enough Direct Sunlight

Solar candles need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to operate properly. Make sure your candle is placed in a sunny spot where it gets sunlight most of the day – a windowsill, patio, or anywhere outside with lots of sun. Avoid placing it in shade or indirect light.

The Wick is Too Short

Check that the wick is long enough to reach the melted wax at the bottom of the jar. Trimming the wick too short is a common mistake. Leave the wick about 1⁄2 inch long initially or replace with a new, full length wick.

Wax Fuel Melted and Leaked Out

If wax leaked out from a crack or hole in the jar, your candle may not light because not enough wax remains. Carefully clean out the jar and replace the melted wax fuel before relighting.

Glass Jar is Damaged

Cracks or holes in the glass jar allow the melted wax to leak out. Replace the damaged jar with a new one. Mason jars work well for solar candles.

Wick Got Wet and Won’t Light

If the wick got wet from rain, sprinklers, etc, it likely won’t light until fully dried out. Bring the candle indoors to dry out before attempting to relight it.

Ensuring Your Solar Candle Gets Enough Sunlight

Solar candles require natural sunlight to function properly and light the flame. Make sure your solar candle is getting adequate sunlight by following these tips:

Place it in a south-facing window where it will get sunlight throughout the day. South-facing windows often get the most direct sunlight, especially if you are in the northern hemisphere.

Keep the glass jar clean and clear of obstructions. Dust, grime, stickers, and other debris on the outside of the glass can block sunlight from reaching the wick and heating the wax fuel.

Supplement natural sunlight with a desk lamp or other artificial light source if the solar candle is in a low-light area. While not a replacement for real sunlight, a 60W incandescent bulb within a couple feet can provide enough brightness to keep the candle lit.

Use a reflective shade, foil, or mirror behind the candle to increase the sunlight reaching it. Positioning reflective surfaces to bounce additional light towards the solar candle can dramatically improve performance.

With proper sunlight, your solar candle should have no trouble staying lit throughout the day. If lighting issues persist even in a sunny location, the problem likely lies elsewhere.

Troubleshooting Issues with the Wick

The wick is a crucial part of your solar candle setup. If it’s not trimmed, maintained, and replaced properly, it can prevent your candle from lighting or staying lit.

Make sure to trim the wick to the proper height before lighting. It should be around 1⁄4 inch high to allow for a robust flame without producing excess smoke. Trimming it with scissors right before lighting will help expose a fresh section of the wick and remove any charred portions.

Only use fiberglass wicks, not paper ones, in a solar candle. The fiberglass is designed to withstand the heat and draw liquid wax up to fuel the flame. Paper will burn up too quickly.

If your wick seems too far gone, won’t light, or produces only smoke, it may need to be replaced altogether. Make sure to use a replacement wick specifically designed for the type and size of your solar candle.

If the wick has gotten wet at any point, such as from rain getting into an outdoor candle, allow it to fully dry before attempting to light it. Any moisture will hinder capillary action. Gently blot with a paper towel if needed.

Avoiding and Fixing Leaks from Melted Wax

One common issue with solar candles is melted wax leaking out of the glass jar. This usually happens on hot days when the sun warms the candle enough to completely liquify the wax fuel inside. To avoid wax leaks:

• Use the recommended amount and type of wax for your candle size. Overfilling can cause leaks.
• Store the candle in a shaded area on very hot days if possible.
• Consider moving the candle indoors or to a cooler location if outdoors temperatures will be above 80°F.

If you do experience some wax leakage, the candle may still be salvageable with a little clean up:

• Allow the wax to cool and harden, then carefully peel or scrape it off the jar.
• Pour any remaining liquified wax in the jar back into the original container to re-solidify.
• Wipe any wax residue off the jar before reassembling the candle.
• If the glass jar is cracked or chipped from the heat, it will need to be replaced for safe use.

Taking precautions to store your solar candle properly on hot days can help minimize messy wax leaks.

Cleaning and Maintaining the Glass Jar

The glass jar of your solar candle should be kept clean and maintained to enable proper operation. Here are some tips for keeping the jar in good condition:

Wash the jar with mild soap and water as needed to remove any dirt or residue. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can potentially scratch or cloud the glass over time. Always rinse the jar thoroughly after washing.

Inspect the jar regularly for any cracks, chips or other damage. Small defects in the glass can cause leaks or other issues. If you notice any cracks or chips, replace the jar immediately to prevent bigger problems down the line.

Take care not to knock over or drop the solar candle, as this can cause the jar to crack or shatter. Always place the candle on a stable, level surface when in use.

Replace the glass jar if it becomes foggy, etched or damaged beyond repair. Solar candle jars are not terribly expensive and replacing a damaged jar will extend the life of your candle.

With occasional cleaning and careful handling, the glass jar should remain clear and intact for years of solar candle enjoyment.

Using the Right Type of Wax Fuel

The type of wax you use in your solar candle can make all the difference in getting it to light properly. For best results, be sure to use pure paraffin wax.

Paraffin wax has properties that make it ideal for solar candles. It melts at a low temperature, so it liquefies easily in the heat of the sun. The wax also solidifies quickly when it cools. This allows the melted wax to travel up the wick via capillary action and provide a continuous fuel source for the flame.

Other types of wax like soy wax, gel wax, or scented wax do not work as well in solar candles. Soy wax has a higher melting point that requires more heat to liquefy. Gel waxes contain additives that inhibit capillary action through the wick. Scented waxes can clog the wick or leave residue that prevents proper burning.

When purchasing wax fuel, read the package to confirm it is 100% pure paraffin wax. No additives or scents should be listed in the ingredients.

You may need to experiment with lighter or darker colored wax depending on your climate conditions. Darker wax works better in hotter environments as it absorbs more heat, while lighter wax can be beneficial in cooler conditions.

Using the recommended pure paraffin wax will help ensure your solar candle lights quickly and burns evenly once the sun warms and melts the fuel.

Lighting a Solar Candle Safely

Lighting a solar candle properly is important for safety. Here are some tips for lighting your solar candle safely:

Keep the candle away from flammable items when lighting it. Make sure it is not near curtains, paper, dried flowers or anything else that could catch fire. Give the candle adequate space.

Never leave a lit candle unattended. Stay in the same room and keep an eye on the candle as it burns. Blow it out if you need to leave the area or go to sleep.

Have a proper candle lighter ready before lighting the wick. Using a long lighter helps avoid burning your fingers. Light the wick at its tip to avoid excess smoke.

If children will be helping to light the candle, teach them proper lighting procedures. Demonstrate safe lighting, emphasize not touching the hot glass, and monitor them closely. Explain that candles can be dangerous if misused.

Storing Your Solar Candle Properly

Proper storage in between uses is crucial for ensuring your solar candle remains in good working condition. Here are some key tips for storage:

Keep out of direct sun when not in use – Leaving your solar candle jar in direct sunlight when you’re not actively using it can cause the wax fuel to overheat and leak. Always store the candle out of sunlight.

Store in a cool, dry place -Temperature extremes can damage the wax fuel and glass jar. Choose a storage spot that maintains a moderate, stable temperature and low humidity.

Place carefully to avoid spills or damage – Set the candle down gently in an upright position during storage. Sudden movements or drops can cause wax leaks and cracks in the glass.

Allow wax to fully harden/solidify before moving – If you’ve recently blown out the candle, give the melted wax inside time to fully harden again before picking up the jar to store away. Moving too soon can slosh hot wax out of the jar.

Following these simple guidelines for solar candle storage will help maintain the candle in optimal condition, ready to provide renewable light day after day.

When to Consider Replacing Your Solar Candle

Even with proper care and maintenance, solar candles don’t last forever. There are a few telltale signs that indicate it may be time to replace your solar candle with a new one:

No longer lights even in direct sun: If your solar candle fails to light even when placed in direct sunlight for hours, the battery inside may be worn out. Solar candles rely on solar panels to charge a small battery that ignites the wick. Once that battery no longer holds a charge, the candle won’t light at all.

Jar is cracked, chipped, or damaged: Any cracks, chips, or other damage to the glass jar can impact the candle’s ability to function properly. Cracks allow melted wax to leak out and make a mess. A damaged jar also compromises the airtight seal needed to keep the wick burning.

Wick won’t light and needs frequent trimming: The wick should light easily each day and only need occasional trimming. If your wick requires frequent cutting just to light at all, the wick itself may be wearing out or have debris buildup.

Wax leaks constantly and can’t be salvaged: Small wax leaks from the seal are normal as the candle burns down. But major leaks of wax indicate a problem with the seal or wick that likely can’t be repaired. The leaked wax can also block the solar panel, preventing the candle from charging.

In any of the above cases, it’s a sign your solar candle has reached the end of its lifespan. Replacing it with a new solar-powered candle ensures you can continue enjoying this clean, renewable light source.