24V DC CFL's

khotton

I have narrowed my Off-Grid-in-Mexico solar PV system design to 24V (I think) because of the good availability of 24V DC water pumps, DC refrigerator, DC ceiling fan, and the fact that at 24V a 2500W inverter (to power a microwave and clothes washer) is available. I wish 48V was more common, but alas not the case. For lights I would like DC CFL's, but it seems that 12V is much more common than 24V. I am having a hard time finding 24V DC CFL's (that will fit a standard lamp socket) in the 15W-to-25W range. I don't think 11W lights are bright enough (especially with a lamp shade absorbing some of the light). I currently have 120V AC CFL's 23W and they are about the right brightness.

Do any experts here know were to purchase 24V DC CFL's?

Thanks,
Kevin

crewzer

Re: 24V DC CFL's

Possible Sources:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=CFL+24+VDC&btnG=Google+Search

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=%22compact+fluorescent+lamp%22+24VDC&spell=1

Example:

http://www.ablamp.com/CFLs_spiral_23Watt.html

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

mikeo

Re: 24V DC CFL's

solarseller.com has a good selection of cfl lamps and ballasts in 24 volts. you choose the lamp color spectrum and wattage you want and then buy the ballast base in the dc voltage that you need. The bases work in standard 120 volt AC lightbulb fixtures.
Regards MIke