Installation Instructions
Installing Your Solar House Sign
Your MyHouseSign arrives with the mounting hardware you need, and setup usually takes only a few minutes with basic household tools. The steps below are general guidance for acrylic solar house signs. If your package includes its own instruction sheet, follow that first.
Before You Start
- Unpack everything and check the parts against your order: the sign, the solar panel with LED light, and the mounting hardware.
- Peel off any protective film from the acrylic carefully, starting at a corner.
- Gather basic tools: a pencil, a level, a drill or screwdriver, and masking tape. Depending on your wall, you may also need wall plugs or anchors.
Step 1: Charge the Sign in Sunlight
Before you mount anything, switch the solar unit on (see Step 4) and leave the solar panel in direct sunlight for a full day. A first full charge helps the battery perform well from the very first night.
Step 2: Choose the Right Spot
- Pick a position that is easy for visitors, delivery drivers, and emergency services to see from the street.
- Make sure the solar panel will get as many hours of direct sun as possible. Shade from trees, roof overhangs, or walls will reduce how long the light stays on at night.
- Hold the sign against the wall and check how it looks from a distance before you drill or stick anything.
Step 3: Mark and Mount
Use whichever method suits your wall and the hardware supplied with your sign.
Option A: Screws and Standoffs
- Hold the sign level against the wall and mark each hole position with a pencil. Masking tape on the wall makes marks easier to see.
- Set the sign aside and drill pilot holes at the marks. Use a masonry bit for brick, stone, or render, and insert wall plugs if needed.
- Put the standoffs (spacer caps) into position, then fit the sign over them and tighten the screws by hand or with a screwdriver. Tighten until snug, but do not overtighten, as too much pressure can crack acrylic.
Option B: Adhesive Mounting
- Clean the wall and the back of the sign with a dry cloth. The surface should be smooth, dry, and free of dust and grease.
- Apply the adhesive pads or a suitable outdoor-grade mounting adhesive to the back of the sign.
- Press the sign firmly against the wall, hold for about 30 seconds, and avoid disturbing it for 24 hours so the bond can set.
Adhesive works best on flat, non-porous surfaces. For textured or uneven walls such as rough brick or stucco, screws are the more secure choice.
Step 4: Position the Solar Panel and Turn It On
- Mount or place the solar panel where it faces the sun for most of the day, and tilt it toward the sky if the design allows.
- Arrange the cable neatly and avoid sharp bends or pinching it against the wall.
- Slide the power switch on the solar unit to the ON position. Many units have a light sensor, so the LED turns on automatically at dusk and off at dawn.
- To test the light during the day, cover the solar panel with your hand or a dark cloth for a few seconds.
Care Tips
- Wipe the acrylic and the solar panel with a soft, damp cloth every so often. Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh solvents.
- Brush away leaves, snow, or dirt that block the panel.
- In very dark winter weather, the light may run for a shorter time. This is normal for solar products.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to try |
|---|---|
| The light does not come on at night | Check that the switch is ON, the panel is clean and in sunlight during the day, and the cable is firmly connected. Charge the unit in direct sun for a full day and try again. |
| The light is dim or turns off early | The panel may be shaded or dirty, or the weather may be overcast. Clean it and move it to a sunnier spot if possible. |
| The light stays on during the day | Make sure the panel is not covered or blocked and that it is facing daylight. |
If you cannot get your sign working, or something arrived damaged, contact us at [email protected] with your order number and a photo, and we will help you sort it out. You can also see our FAQs for more answers.