I’ve swapped out rechargeable batteries in a bunch of solar lights, and it does make a noticeable difference—mainly in how long they stay on at night, but sometimes you get a bit more brightness too if the old batteries were really shot. As for cleaning, water and a soft cloth is usually enough. Vinegar can help if there’s stubborn grime or mineral deposits, but don’t use it too often since it might mess with the panel coating over time. Hybrid solar lights are generally brighter, but only if you’re dealing with good quality ones… some of the cheaper models don’t deliver much more than regular solar.
I’ve run into the same thing with solar lights—fresh batteries can make a world of difference, especially if the originals were halfway to dead already. I’d echo what you said about cleaning too; I’ve seen a few people go overboard with vinegar and end up with cloudy panels, which is a pain to fix.
When it comes to lighting up a fence, have you thought about how much light you actually want? If you’re looking for more of an accent or ambient effect, solar is usually fine (assuming you get decent sunlight during the day). But if you want something really functional—like enough to play cards or grill by late at night—I’ve found solar can be hit or miss, even with hybrids. The cheaper hybrids especially can be kind of disappointing. That line from your post sums it up:
Hybrid solar lights are generally brighter, but only if you’re dealing with good quality ones… some of the cheaper models don’t deliver much more than regular solar.
If you’re open to running a bit of wiring, low-voltage landscape lights are a good middle ground. They’re not as much hassle as full-on electrical, but they’re a lot more reliable than solar, especially in shadier spots or during winter. I did a client’s yard last spring where we mixed solar along the sunniest stretch of fence and then switched to low-voltage wired for the shadier corners. It looked seamless once the plants filled in, and they never had to worry about dead batteries or dim spots.
Another thing—if your fence is wood, be careful about how you attach the lights. Some of the solar models have mounting brackets that trap moisture and can rot the wood over time. I’ve switched to using stainless steel screws and making sure there’s a little air gap behind each fixture.
Curious if you’re after pure function or more of a decorative look? That usually changes my whole approach when I’m picking out lights for a space like this.
Totally get what you mean about the cloudy panels—been there, ruined that. I tried to “deep clean” mine once and basically ended up sanding them with vinegar. Oops. I’m with you on the low-voltage wired lights for anything more than a gentle glow. Solar’s great until you actually want to see your food after sunset, then it’s like eating in a haunted house. I’ve also noticed those mounting brackets can be sneaky little rot traps, especially after a rainy season. I started using those little rubber washers to keep things off the wood a bit... seems to help, or at least makes me feel clever.
Rubber washers are a smart move—I might steal that idea. I’ve had to replace a few fence boards thanks to bracket rot, and it’s a pain. Have you ever tried those deck post lights that mount on top instead of the side? Wondering if they hold up any better.
I’ve actually put those post cap lights on a couple fences—one project used the solar kind, and another had wired low-voltage ones. The caps seem to survive longer than the side-mounts, at least in my experience. The only thing is, some of the cheaper solar ones faded out after a year or two. Have you noticed if the waterproofing is any better on the newer models? I’m always torn between the look of cap lights and just stringing up some Edison bulbs for more vibe.
