What to do with leftover solar parts.

nsaspook
nsaspook Solar Expert Posts: 396 ✭✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
I had a small panel, charge controller and a 12v7Ah cell in the workshop gathering dust. The small shed behind the house that I built a few years ago needed a light near the door inside.

The dreaded 2x4 solar mount. When the weather's nicer I plan to remove the panel, smooth out the wood and paint it to match.
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The bulb is a 24 volt led with a base the fits a small candelabra socket. It still works fine a 12 volts with less than 50mA of current draw.
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/nsaspook/sets/72157626339532305/show/
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Comments

  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: What to do with leftover solar parts.

    I did almost the same thing with the one remaining working panel from my original array. It charges an old boat battery in the gen shed to run a light in case I need to start the gen at night.

    That 2x4 mount looks a tad unstable on the lateral. Couple of bits of 3/4 triangles would stiffen it up considerably.
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  • nsaspook
    nsaspook Solar Expert Posts: 396 ✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: What to do with leftover solar parts.
    Cariboocoot wrote: »
    I did almost the same thing with the one remaining working panel from my original array. It charges an old boat battery in the gen shed to run a light in case I need to start the gen at night.

    That 2x4 mount looks a tad unstable on the lateral. Couple of bits of 3/4 triangles would stiffen it up considerably.

    Thanks. I do need to add some wood between the strong-tie rafter plates to add an outsides light.
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  • XRinger
    XRinger Solar Expert Posts: 529 ✭✭✭
    #4
    Re: What to do with leftover solar parts.

    I had some extra stuff and used it to convert the master bedroom reading
    lamp into a solar powered LED night light.

    My wife uses it every night while doing crosswords or watching a little late nite TV.

    I really like the idea of having that reading light, if there is a power failure during the night.
    I don't like getting dressed while trying to hold a flashlight.

    z105.jpg

    The old lamp used to get hot as heck. This is going be much cooler during the summer..

    Cheers,
    Rich
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  • Paul54
    Paul54 Registered Users Posts: 18 ✭
    #5
    Re: What to do with leftover solar parts.

    I re-work old halogen desk lamps and track light fixtures to use the MR-12 LED lamps. For small area task lighting they work great. I power them directly from a 12 volt battery bank. For some reason they seem to work best if you can angle them at 45 degrees to what you are trying to light?
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