Solar Porch Light Project
25th March 2006
The aim of this project was to install a cheap solar powered lighting application in my home. Many of the projects you read about involve spending thousands
of dollars and often getting a professional to install the system. I set out to see if I could install a simple system for less than AUD$300 using off-the-shelf components.
Sure, I can't disconnect from the electricity grid any time soon, but this project showed just how easy it is to run part of your house from solar energy
with modern components. I expect the solar capacity from this system will be more than adequate to run my porch light for several hours each night. I'm considering adding a few more LED downlights to the circuit if this proves to be the case.
I installed the solar panel and battery under the eaves at the north end of my house. The eaves should protect the electronics from the weather (most weather comes from the south in my area - NSW, Australia) as well
as providing a reasonable amount of sunlight for the panel.
I ran a 12V cable through the ceiling cavity to the front door where I installed a weather-proof switch and a 20 LED 12V downlight.
The solar panel, charge regulator and battery box being wired up
The finished unit (Note: the wire at the top running into the ceiling cavity goes to the light)
The light switch and 12V LED downlight
Schematic diagram
Update 11 Apr 2006: I've just added a 36 LED downlight to the circuit. This one is inside as backup lighting for use during blackouts. This light is fine for reading from and has enough power to light up the room.
Update 16 Apr 2006: I also added an automotive battery voltage meter to the circuit with a switch so that it only uses power when I want to read the voltage out. This makes it much easier to check on battery charge than using a multi-meter.
Update 30 Sep 2006: I'm also running a small marine 12V pump off the system to pump water from our rainwater tank onto the garden.
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