Converting string lights, etc to solar..anyone tried it??

[DragonFire]

I did a search, but couldn't find anything on this subject:

Converting 'things' to solar. Like string lights. Does anyone know how to do this?

Any other ideas on 'things' that can be converted to solar? "decorative' lanterns? Plastic flamingos? Anything?

Also...any ideas on reusing solar panels from items that have otherwise broken? I have a solar fountain for my pond. The panel is probably good, but it is otherwise defunct. Didn't have it long, and it's stored in the garage..I'd toss it but I keep thinking "I can use that panel on something else....." I just don't know how.

I'm hoping to get some solar 'lantern' string lights from CW for Christmas. I'm going to pack some Wally World solar stake lights when I take my rig out cuz I don't see in the dark well and may need some 'runway lights' back to my door...

I have a solar flashlight, solar shower, solar charger for the iphone,...all I can think of that I really NEED is a solar coffee pot! But I'd like to figure out how to convert stuff to solar. If it can't be used on the tear, then it could be used on/in the barn where we have no power...

[BigAl]

Solar panel > Charge Controller > Battery > Switch > String lights.

The solar panel is only the first in a chain of components. The battery is what will give you continuity of power during the dark hours. The charge controller is necessary to prevent damage to your battery.

Make sure everything is 12VDC and your string lights are LED for increased efficiency. Use 5 Amp wire.

I run a similar system for my interior (fluorescent) lighting powered by 8 watt 12volt solar panels..

Your pond pump solar panel is going to be fairly weak. Probably at best 2 to 4 watts at either 6 or 12 volts DC if its about a foot and a half square. Enough just to run a small motor or a few LED's for a short period of time, but probably not practical for reliable lighting.

Over here in the UK, home stores are selling their garden supplies including solar lights at end of season sale prices. Maybe you will find a bargain in Wallys?

Alternatively, I would recommend an LED camping lantern by your trailer door in which you put rechargeable AA batteries that you charge at home or in a solar or car charger. That way you have more versatility at lower cost.

You can convert anything to solar, even an AC television (via an DC>AC inverter) if you wish, but you are going to need a *lot* of panels and an array of heavy batteries.

If you have soldering skills and can follow a schematic, here are some interesting solar engine schematics that allow you to power tiny solar twinkling LEDs. If that looks like Chinese, don't be put off, you can opt for one of the simpler options.

[Woodbutcher]

Why not just buy them ready to use. Ebay is full of them starting a 8 bucks for a sting of 50.

[Greg M]

I converted a few 120 volt LED strings to 12 volts, before it became so easy to find them pre-made. It takes six or seven bulbs in series for enough resistance to not blow them up (ask me how I figured this out ). This makes a single 12 volt string. Then you just parallel these strings together making sure the polarity is right (that's where the D(iode) in LED comes from).

Tadda!

-Greg (proud to be a geek)

[GPW]

What about those LED Christmas lights ? Most run on only a few cells ... I’ve got a bunch of expired solar yard lights , the cells still work ... batteries kaput!
As far as a charge controller , I’m thinking of just matching the Voltage and current close to the battery needs , and inserting a diode , so the batteries won’t reverse charge at night ... a simple solar charge controller ... all that’s needed really unless your solar array is putting out Too much juice ...

Ps. I got my lights at Deal Extreme... cheap ...

[Shadow Catcher]

The adaptive reuse of items is a fun exercise but in this instance the return on effort, other than wow factor? I have a solar lantern and the problem is finding enough unshaded sun to charge it. Fortunately the batteries can be removed and charged in our Maha charger but frankly it seems a bit pointless.

[Maureenm]

The Coleman string lights that have are battery operated. 3 AAAs, I think.
Maureen

[DragonFire]

I just bought some Coleman Lantern LED lights at Walmart last week...love them!!

I have 2 strands of LED white 'Christmas' lights around the edge of my gazebo in the backyard and one more up in the 'air vent' canopy at the peak...looks great at night. I also have solar lights in colors (a red strand on a queen palm, green ones in some heavenly bamboo plants against the fence, etc.) I don't have much in the way of outdoor outlets, so the solar works great. I have one strand that the neighbor cut a chunk out of, so it has a good pad and batteries. I'd like to reuse that somehow, and some of the garden lights out back.

As far as camping in the shade, maybe I'll be luck and get to do that, but mostly I've had to tent camp in pretty much full sun conditions. But that's just here in NorCal, and the same surely applies in AZ. If the panels get enough sun, great. If not, I'll just have one night's charge (I'll charge them here in Sacramento) and that will be it. I have my Coleman battery lanterns for decoration and several other real lanterns for actual light, in addition to whatever lights I use sparingly that run on the 12 volt.

I just kinda like the idea of using solar. I'd love to have solar Christmas lights on the house..but I'm kinda retro and have the old school C5 or C7 strands that were popular again in the last few years before LED took over.

OK...honest truth: I spent my early years in Berkeley in the late 60's. There. I've said it. That must be why I like solar!