Solar LED string lights too dim. Can I add another solar panel?
samajkapoor
Registered Users Posts: 1 ✭
I bought two strings of solar LED christmas lights this year. They don't get as bright as the plug-in LED lights I see around the neighborhood. What I'm wondering is if it's possible to take some other cheap solar lighting fixture for the yard, and add the extra solar panels to my LED setup to give the batteries a better charge.
While I was rewiring stuff, I'd also probably want to make the lead cord to the solar panel a bit longer so I had more flexibility about where I put the panels for optimal sunlight exposure. I'm totally new to wiring adventures, so I don't know what would be needed to make sure all of this would be weatherproof.
I've searched here, and could not find an instructable on this topic. Looking forward to seeing one added, or being directed to one if it already exists!
While I was rewiring stuff, I'd also probably want to make the lead cord to the solar panel a bit longer so I had more flexibility about where I put the panels for optimal sunlight exposure. I'm totally new to wiring adventures, so I don't know what would be needed to make sure all of this would be weatherproof.
I've searched here, and could not find an instructable on this topic. Looking forward to seeing one added, or being directed to one if it already exists!
Comments
-
My guess is that your solar lights are (of necessity) lower wattage than those plugged into grid power. They run off a small lithium or NiMh battery. Adding a second panel will recharge them faster but not make them any brighter.Island cottage solar system with 2500 watts of panels, 1kw facing southeast 1.3kw facing southwest 170watt ancient Arco's facing south. All panels in parallel for a 24 volt system. Trace DR1524 MSW inverter, Outback Flexmax 80 MPPT charge controller 8 Trojan L16's. Insignia 11.5 cubic foot electric fridge. My 30th year.
Categories
- All Categories
- 243 Forum & Website
- 150 Solar Forum News and Announcements
- 1.4K Solar News, Reviews, & Product Announcements
- 189 Solar Information links & sources, event announcements
- 918 Solar Product Reviews & Opinions
- 256 Solar Skeptics, Hype, & Scams Corner
- 22.5K Solar Electric Power, Wind Power & Balance of System
- 3.5K General Solar Power Topics
- 6.7K Solar Beginners Corner
- 1K PV Installers Forum - NEC, Wiring, Installation
- 2.1K Advanced Solar Electric Technical Forum
- 5.5K Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems
- 438 Caravan, Recreational Vehicle, and Marine Power Systems
- 1.1K Grid Tie and Grid Interactive Systems
- 652 Solar Water Pumping
- 829 Wind Power Generation
- 625 Energy Use & Conservation
- 624 Discussion Forums/Café
- 301 In the Weeds--Member's Choice
- 91 Construction
- 124 New Battery Technologies
- 108 Old Battery Tech Discussions
- 3.8K Solar News - Automatic Feed
- 3.8K Solar Energy News RSS Feed