Best For Hiking: Nekteck 21w Solar Charger
Courtesy of Amazon
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Battery not included
When youâre out and about and the sun is shining, make use of it! The Nekteck 21W Solar Charger gets up to 24% light efficiency, which is pretty high in the industry. It can easily attach to a backpack for charging while youâre on the go. Two USB-A ports can deliver up to 2A of juice, or up to 3A combined. When itâs not in use, the charger folds up and can fit inside your bag. A zipper pouch where the ports are located can be used to store a battery or cables.
Speaking of which, a battery is not included with the panel, so if you want to store power, youâll need to supply your own. Thatâs a bit of a surprise considering how expensive the panels are. Youâre paying for the panelsâ efficiency, not the whole package. The panels are also rated IPX4, so theyâll stand up to water splashes. This item is mostly geared toward people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Number of Ports: 2 | Power Output: 3A max | Types of Ports: USB-A | Number of Cells: 3 | Efficiency: 21 to 24% | Battery Capacity: N/A
If you want something smaller that can still hold a good charge, we really like the SOARAISE Solar Power Bank . The built-in power bank is capable of holding a lot of juice, which will keep your devices nice and charged. The panels are large enough to be strapped to your backpack and stay topped off, or it folds down neatly into your bag, waiting to charge whatever you need.
Add Solar Power To Your Shed
Do you have a shed that could use light and/or power? Running an underground cable from your house to the building is the most economical way to go. But if the building is a fair distance from the house, so that wiring it would be a hassle or a large expense, consider a solar-powered system.
Family Handyman
Do you have a shed or other outbuilding that could use light and/or power? In many cases, running an underground cable from your house to the building is the most economical way to go. But if the building is a fair distance from the house, so that wiring it would be a hassle or a large expense, consider a solar-powered system.
If you just need some light for putting away yard tools, you can get by with a simple system costing $100 or less. But if you want AC power for tools or charging batteries, youll need to spend more than $3,000 for a high-end system.
Is It Wise To Spend Money On Solar Exhaust Fans
Yes, it is wise to spend money on a solar-powered exhaust fan. Installing a solar vent fan in your shed or attic will lower your energy costs. You save energy every year because there are no additional kWh added to your electricity bill because it is powered by solar energy. These gadgets also save money and are ecologically beneficial. They aid in keeping the attic at the ideal temperature.
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What Are Solar Panels
Solar panels are panels that capture the suns rays and convert them to power or heat. Solar panels are typically made up of arrays of photovoltaic cells harnessing the suns energy to generate electricity for our everyday needs. Solar panels are environmentally sound because they capture solar energy, which is abundant on our planet, and convert it using modern technology invented by humans.
Scientific progress has resulted in a significant achievement in world history, namely the conservation of non-renewable resources and the preservation of the planets natural resources from depletion.
Solar power systems use the sun to generate clean, pure energy. Solar panels on your roof help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our overall dependency on fossil fuels. Electricity is traditionally generated using fossil fuels like coal and natural gas.
Toxic gases are emitted when fossil fuels are burned to generate electricity, resulting in air pollution and global climate change. Fossil fuels are not only unhealthy to the environment, but they are also a limited resource. As a result, the price is continually changing and can rise dramatically in a short period.
Solar Power Outlet For Christmas Lights
Rechargeable lights are the least common solution but still an option!
Why use rechargeable lights? Theyre convenient!
Rechargeable lights usually offer a power pack that can be disconnected and charged up or, unfortunately, a power pack that cannot be disconnected, requiring you to take down all your lights to charge them.
Very few people use rechargeable lights, and a lot of the rechargeable outdoor lights youll see on the market are battery-powered lights that seem mislabeled.
So, not all rechargeable lights are equal. Make sure that the rechargeable lights you use have excellent ratings!
- Get consistent power from your lights
- Potentially brighter and longer-lasting than LED Christmas lights
Cons of Rechargeable Lights
- Not all rechargeable lights are equal
- May require frequent recharging
I like rechargeable Christmas lights as an option if you dont have power. But -remember that your lights might need recharging sooner than you think!
Read the instructions before you buy and browse as many reviews as possible.
Read More How to Hang Christmas Lights Outside Without Hammers or Nails!
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How To Convert Solar Lights To Electrical
Before you convert your solar lights to electrical power, you need to consider the reasons why you want to convert your solar lights. In some cases, it will be more cost-effective to buy a new set of mains-powered lights instead of spending time and resources on converting a solar light to mains-powered or battery-powered.
However, if your solar lights have emotional value to you or if they are very unique, it is understandable that you want to keep them.
So, here are the steps to convert solar lights to electrical:
Connect The Battery To The Solar Charge Controller
To connect battery and solar charge controller, youll need appropriately sized wire, wire connectors, and fuses.
To make this part easy, I used a 12V plug adapter called the NOCO GC018 rather than make my own battery cables. The GC018 comes with ring terminals that are compatible with my battery, plus an inline fuse.
First, I cut the 12V plug socket off the NOCO GC018.
Next, I stripped the cut wire ends so I could connect them to the charge controller.
I located the battery terminals on the charge controller, which are indicated with a battery icon.
Then I inserted the positive and negative stripped wire ends into their respective battery terminals on the charge controller. I used a precision screwdriver to tighten them in.
Next, I screwed on the GC018s ring terminals to their respective positive and negative battery terminals on the 12V battery.
When all wires were connected, my charge controller turned on to indicate that it was properly connected to the battery.
Note: My charge controllers manual recommended I first connect charge controller and battery. Consult your controllers manual for the manufacturers recommended connection order.
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Sealproof Outdoor 6 Outlet Electrical Stake With 24 Hour Timer Waterproof In Use Cover
- HEAVY-DUTY: We give this extension strip multiple outlets because that’s what it’s made for. It’s ETL certified with 15A, 120V, and 1250W capacities, so it can handle all the devices that you choose to connect to it. Be confident using this dusk to dawn plug outdoors all year round.
- 24 HOUR TIMER: This waterproof strip outlet features a 24-hour multi-setting timer to be used in a variety of ways. By simply pushing the right pins down and setting the timer, you can set up to 48 intervals within 15 minutes throughout the day, perfect for more specific electrical requirements.
- SAFETY MEASURES: Along with being waterproof this outdoor yard stake timer also has other safety measures built into its design. The installed circuit breaker ensures that the device will shut itself down if an electrical imbalance puts anyone at risk of being shocked or hurt.
- PERFECT FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTS: This dusk to dawn outdoor outlet is perfect for outdoor lighting, Christmas, and other holiday decorations. You can power up to six different appliances at a time and decide how long they’ll run for with ease using this outdoor electrical cord.
- WATERPROOF COVER: We make this outdoor power stake waterproof with a cover that protects each outlet and timer in the system. The cover can be fully closed with items connected. This is so you don’t have to constantly uproot it and set it back up every time you wish to use it, making it perfectly suited for your yard or garden.
Can You Use A Solar Panel With An Outlet
It is possible to connect an outlet to a solar panel, and electricity will flow through the outlet, but the power will fluctuate, be unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous.
If you wire an outlet directly to a solar panel, place the solar panel in the sun and put a multimeter across the outlet, you will find a voltage and current being generated.
Many people consider whether they can use a configuration like this to power devices.
The answer to this is a definite no! The current and voltage generated by the solar panel will fluctuate with changing conditions throughout the day, which affects the panels effectiveness.
A cloud hiding the sun or a shadow passing over the solar panels surface will cause fluctuations in the solar panels output. This makes the output from the panel unreliable and unpredictable.
Not only can the power generated by the panel drop, but it can also spike, creating surges of power that can damage sensitive devices and appliances.
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Why Choose Solar Christmas Lights
1. Saving money
Although the upfront costs of solar holiday lights are higher than traditional string lights, you will save money long term on your energy bills. And if you only use solar lights during the holidays, they should last a long time.
2. Reducing your carbon footprint
Solar lights with LED bulbs use less energy, produce less heat, charge more rapidly, and last longer than incandescent bulbs. Solar power provides safe renewable energy that reduces carbon emissions.
About to blow a fuse over holiday lighting stress? No problem! team of licensed and experienced electricians at 6383 8016 or schedule an appointment online or reach us at Inlightech
We also provide other services such as
- Electrical appliance Installation
- Hard Wired Smoke and Fire Detector Installation in and around Perth
- Stove Install & Oven Elements
- Emergency lighting works in Perth
- Powerpoint Installs and Repairs
- Air conditioning installation in Perth
- Office fit-outs in and around Perth
- Kitchen makeovers Perth
- Down-Lights & LED Lighting Installation & Upgrades
- Safety Inspections
- Outdoor power point installation Perth
- Ceiling Fan Installation
- Stove, Range and Oven Installation
- Perth Fan Installation
- Electrical Outlet and GPO Installs
- RCD & Safety Switches Installation
- Fuse Box Install, Repair, Upgrades
Can I Heat My Shed With Solar Power
Along with large-draw tools like electric saws or sanders, electric heaters place the greatest demand on your solar sheds system.
Given the 1,500-watt draw of even a small electric space heater, its typically best to explore passive heating options like windows, skylight insulation, and painting the shed a dark color before using solar power to create artificial heat in the shed.
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Use An Exterior Grade Transformer To Rewire Your Lights
After you draw the new configuration plan for your outdoor lights, you need to shop for all the materials required to convert your solar lights to electrical.
Usually, the most important material you need to buy is a waterproof transformer with the voltage calculated in the previous step.
It is crucial to get a transformer suitable for outdoor use if you want to use your lights outside. Ideally, you want to use a transformer with an IP rating above 44.
Sunthin 48ft Solar String Light Outdoor Usb Rechargeable Patio Solar Outdoor Lights With Waterproof & Shatterproof Solar Powered Bulbs For Backyard Porch Garden Pool Party Camping
- Compared to other string light that may add up quite a lot to the electricity bill, SUNTHIN solar patio light will save you money and energy, too. Besides no operating costs, maintenance is usually low.
- Solar string lights are easy to set up. There are no outdoor outlets or extension cords needed to plug outdoor lights into, which makes them safe to install.
- Last but definitely not least, camping string light have a reduced carbon footprint. Not only solar yard string lights are highly efficient but they also use pure, natural energy coming directly from the sun.
- Long lifespan due to advanced LED technology, in order to be perfectly suitable for outdoor environments, the waterproof LEDs solar string are strong and can last up to 10,000 hours.
- Solar powered string light can be a perfect all-year-round lighting solution. Therefore, solar backyard lights are a popular choice for Backard, Porch, Garden, Pool, Party, Camping
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Is It A One
It may be obvious with a word like solar in the name, but solar lights need sunlight to work. So, how much sun is enough? And what should you do if you want to hang them on an area of your home that spends more time in the shade than not? âWhen it comes to sun access, hereâs what to think about: Because solar outdoor lights charge off of sunlight, they work best on bright days when there is plenty of daylight,â Worthington says. âMost solar lights need between four and 12 hours of sunlight to fully charge.â Some solar lights might work with less light on the colder, rainier days of winter, but for the most part they work best in more temperate climates. âIn general, solar lights may not be right for you if you live in a very snowy, cold area with little sunlight.â
Best Phone Charger: Dizaul 5000mah Portable Solar Power Bank
The Dizaul Portable Solar Power Bank is another battery with a built-in solar panel, though this time, youâre limited to a single cell. The power bank has two USB outputs rated at 1 amp each. The battery pack, itself, is lightweight and can easily be thrown into a pocket or, better yet, attached to a backpack. The battery pack has a built-in flashlight, but it also comes with a USB reading light, which is a nice add-on.
The battery pack also charges via microUSB, which is not ideal. These days, weâd really like to see USB Type-C here. The battery pack is water resistant, but the port covers keeping it sealed are a little on the flimsy side. This is a great battery pack for on-the-go people who occasionally need to top up when theyâre away from powerthink commuters, rather than hikers.
Number of Ports: 2 | Power Output: 5V / 2X1A | Types of Ports: USB-A | Number of Cells: 1 | Efficiency: Not listed | Battery Capacity: 5,000mAh
âThe Dizaul 5000mAh Portable Solar Power Bank is a lightweight and portable option for the urban dweller or occasional adventurer who wants a reliable on-the-go smartphone charger.âYoona Wagener, Product Tester
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Diy Solar String Lights: 5 Steps
I recently made my own DIY solar string lights.
Check them out:
Turns out its easy to convert string lights to solar lights. And theyre versatile, too.
You can use them as solar powered outdoor string lights. You can hang them in your bedroom as solar powered fairy lights. You can even hang them up over the holidays as solar powered Christmas lights.
Heres how to make them:
To Convert Sunlight To Electricity How Do Solar Panels Work
Solar panels are made up of microscopic units called solar cells, the most common of which are silicon, a semiconductor and the second most prevalent element on the planet. Crystal and silicon are placed between conductive layers in a solar cell. Four strong connections join each silicon atom to its neighbors, keeping the electrons in situ and preventing current passage.
As the sunlight hits solar panels, it creates an electric field. The generated electricity flows to the edge of a panel and into the conductive wires. The electricity is carried by the conductive wire to the inverter, converted from DC to AC, used to power buildings.
Another wire transfers AC electricity from the inverter to the propertys electric panel , distributing it as needed throughout the building. Any electricity not used at the time of generation is channeled through the utility meter and into the electrical utility grid. The flow of electricity through the meter leads it to run backward, crediting your property for excess generation.
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Can You Plug A Solar Panel Into An Outlet
There is another scenario where a solar panel is used with an outlet, plugging a solar panel into an outlet in your home.
This is possible if it is done correctly, with the right equipment to complement the solar panel. A solar panel alone cannot be plugged directly into an outlet.
The reasons that people consider this option usually for two reasons.
The first reason is to provide power to an electrical circuit in your home when the grid is out. The second reason is a grid-tied solution to feed power back into the grid to reduce your consumption or compensate for power generation.
This is sometimes called a plug-and-play solar system.
Do Solar Panels That Are Unclean Generate Less Power
It is crucial to keep the glass portion of your solar panel as spotless as possible. If the glass surface is greasy or filthy, the efficiency will be decreased. To prevent permanent markings, make sure the glass surface is free of bird and bat droppings. The glass surface should be cleaned with a gentle, wet cloth.
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