How to Convert an Electric Outdoor Light to Solar

Electric outdoor lights are fantastic for big areas at night, but consequently draw enormous amounts of power from the grid they’re tied into. Instead, why not convert your outdoor light to solar power? It will run the way it always has, but on the power of the sun alone instead of costly and environmentally damaging coal.

Luckily, the advent of hobby solar electronics means the parts and tools needed to accomplish this task are both easy to find and relatively cheap.

Things You'll Need

• Solar panel (commensurate with your light’s needs)
• Rechargeable battery pack
• Charge controller
• Soldering iron and solder
• Weatherproof enclosure and mounting hardware

Instructions

1. Solder the solar panel’s positive (red) and negative (black) leads to their respective positive and negative counterpart input terminals on the controller.

2. Solder the controller’s positive and negative output leads to the positive and negative leads of the battery pack.

3. Feed the battery pack’s power output wires to the power inputs of the light itself, and solder the connection securely. Allow all solder to dry before attempting to power the device.

4. Secure the battery pack, charge controller and accompanying wires inside a weatherproof enclosure and secure it and the solar panel to the light’s location with the included hardware.

5. Charge the light for several hours before attempting to power it independently. Your controller will allow you to determine when the light comes on.

Tips & Warnings

• Your controller will stop the battery from over-charging, but it's up to you to choose a solar panel and battery pack that will provide your light the energy needed.

References

• Backwoods Home: Build a Simple Solar Powered Outdoor Light