![]() However, the theory stays the same, with the positive battery lead being connected to where the AC live lead came in. If you are using an automatic day/night switch, the wiring would depend on the type of switch used. In the case of a conventional light switch, the connection would look similar to the illustration below. Connecting the DC Solar Power FeedĪt this point, you can connect the DC feed from your batteries to the switch. Please note: The disconnected mains wiring must be safely isolated using wiring nuts. Once you have located the entry point, you can isolate the power and disconnect the mains feed. ![]() In most cases, the AC grid current for outside lighting enters the circuit at an exterior or interior light switch or automatic day/night switch. Disconnecting the Existing Line Power Feed If you are not qualified to do so, please refer the work to an electrical professional. Please note: Some of the steps in this process involve working with high voltage mains power. Once you have the solar system set up and running correctly, it’s time to make the conversion. In that case, the figure would be 144 watts. Note: It’s wise to add at least 20 percent to your total wattage figure to cover any additional light fixtures you might want to add later. This figure will make sizing your solar panels, charge controller, and the battery or battery bank simple. If you decide to use five 8 watt globes and five 16 watt globes, this is how it would work.Īdding the two values gives you a total circuit power rating of 120 watts. This is fairly straightforward and involves calculating the total wattage of all the LED lamps in the circuit. The first order of business is establishing how large your solar system needs to be. Rating Your Solar Panels, Charge Controller, and Battery Now let’s look at this type of conversion in detail. An example of this type of setup is illustrated in Fig. Once your AC globes are replaced with suitable DC LED globes, you are good to go. In straightforward terms, this type of conversion involves installing a standard solar-powered system and feeding its low voltage DC output directly to your existing light fittings. It’s way more effective and efficient in the long run, though. The second option for converting your outdoor light circuit to solar is a lot more technically challenging than using stand-alone lights. Converting Existing AC Light Circuits to Accept DC Globes When the battery dies, you need to go shopping for a new fitting adding to the overall cost.Ģ. Although some fittings feature replaceable batteries, many don’t.Small battery packs tend to cause the lights to fade long before the sun up. Initially expensive, especially where large layouts are involved.You can move ground mount fittings around at will. No cables or extra hardware is required.Here are some of the pros and cons of using stand-alone solar light units. ![]() ![]() However, they may not be suitable for many users. And it is under specific conditions, particularly for those who don’t want to get involved in the technicalities of the other options. Now, that sounds like an ideal solution for converting outdoor lights to solar. The solar panels can be placed away from the light fitting in a high sunlight area, keeping the battery properly charged. This is a great feature if the location of the light fixture doesn’t get much direct sun. They typically have separate solar panels with the rest of the components mounted in the light fixture. Their solar panel and internal circuits charge the battery and switch them on at night and off during the day. All you need to do is mount them or stick them in the ground and walk away. They consist of a light fitting with a stand or mounting plate, a solar panel, and a battery all in one easy-to-install unit. ![]() How Do Stand-Alone Solar Lights or Solar Light Kits Work? Stand-Alone Solar LightsĪs their name indicates, stand-alone solar lights are all-in-one solar light solutions. The heavy lifting of ripping out all the old equipment is about the hardest part, and replacing the individual lights is relatively simple.Ī simple stand-alone solar fitting is illustrated below. This option involves removing the existing AC light fixture, cables, and switches and replacing them with stand-alone solar lamps or solar lamp kits. In many situations, it can be costly and less effective though. This is probably one of the most technically simple options out there. Stand-Alone Solar Light Fixture Replacements 3 Ways to Convert Outside Mains Lights to Solar Powerġ. An “off the shelf” kit to convert outdoor light to solar power can save you time and fuss, but doing it yourself will save you money and ensure a system that stands the test of time. ![]()
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