My solar garden lights don't work anymore. how can i restore them?

It could simply be that there isn't enough light to charge them in the Winter. We found that our little lights came back by themselves in the Spring. These were older models. We also bought newer lights, which seem to have enough collecting ability to work through the winter, too.

Also, there could be a buildup of grime on the little panels. Try wiping them down with ordinary ammonia.

I am not to happy with my lights either. I took a lot of time choosing them. At least they did last one season. The next spring I changed the batteries because they were not lighting up. They were off and on for awhile. Now they flicker and never stay on. So I guess the answer is, don't even bother replacing the batteries, just purchase new. I don't know if the extremely expensive operate any better. But I paid around $20.00 per light for mine. I would think they would be good for over a year. This spring I'm going to ask around before I buy new ones at the different stores.

You probably do need to change the rechargeable batteries plus clean off your solar panel on them.

Before you buy new rechargeable batteries you can test the lights out by just putting a regular alkaline battery in them. Do this in a dark room or make sure you cover the solar panel, then see if the light comes on. If the light does come on then you know you need new rechargeable batteries. Take out the alkaline battery and put in new rechargeable batteries. Only use the alkaline battery to test the lights do not leave them in your lights as a alkaline battery is not rechargeable. Below is a good website I found about how and when to change the rechargeable batteries in your solar lights.

Fit new rechargeable batteries, the ones they usually come with are of a low standard, but it can be cheaper to buy new lights, as the cost of the batteries can be more than the units are worth!!

Solar Power Design Manual - http://solarpower.siopu.com/?yMy

most common fault is the rechargable battery get fried/over charged/cycled. Then the solar cells.

You can also check the tiny bulb, it may have burned out.