Testing an auto darkening welding helmet

I'm going to learn some welding and I've bought myself an auto darkening helmet. I tested it my holding it up to the sun, and it darkens, but stops darkening right away (depending on the delay I set). Also tried with a powerful flashlight and it does the same. Also left it outside for a while for the solar panel to maybe charge the battery, no dice. Is my helmet is defective or is it going to work as intended with real welding?