[jwight]

I purchased three Hampton Bay solar lights from Home Depot. Two work fine, but the third one does not come on at dusk like the others. It does come on at approximately 11:00PM at night. Any ideas?

[Accent Lighting]

You may have a light on nearby that keeps the photocell activated. If so, this light probably goes out around 11 o'clock. If not return the item it has a defective photo cell.

[skiberger]

A.L. has an excellent point.
I installed photo cell/ motion detector lights for a customer. He called me complaining they didn't work. I went back out the next day at dusk and noticed way up on his house he had this huge light on. I thought he had it only for swimming at night because it illuminated his pool. He kept the thing on all night long, every night.

What I had to do was use electrical tape and close off about 95% of the photocell. There was just enough exposed so the big overhead light didn't effect it.

[Fla Fixer Upper]

I purchased three Hampton Bay solar lights from Home Depot. Two work fine, but the third one does not come on at dusk like the others. It does come on at approximately 11:00PM at night. Any ideas?

If you will remove the top of the solar light by twisting slightly until it releases the bottom part, look on the underside of the top and you will find an 800 number to call about getting a replacement part. You must know the model number prior to calling. If not printed or embossed on the lamp, go to Home Depot ( Hampton Bay is made for Home Depot) and find the same model, copy the number down and call the 800 number, which is for the supplier for your area, (not Home Depot).

Before doing this, make sure you try replacing the batteries in the solar charger. They may be too weak to hold the charge from the solar panel which builds up during the day. You need to get the same type, usually AA, and a Nickel-Cadmium rechargeable brand only. You can get them at almost anyplace that sells electronics, cameras, etc. If replacing the batteries does not solve the problem, then call the 800 Hampton Bay help line listed in your light. (Remember to dispose of old batteries properly or recycle them.)

I recently had to go through the same process, and they offered to send me a replacement solar unit (the top part) for no charge; did not even ask for proof of purchase or handling charges. Though I had to call them again (with the model number in hand) because the part was on back order, the second time I called, it was in stock. I got the part in 5 days and the light now works great.

Hope this helps!