Build Your Own Solar Panel

I just had an idea. I think it should be possible to buy used lighting fixtures and retrofit solar power and LED light to them to make your own outdoor solar garden lights. I am not sure that it would save you any money. That would depend on several factors not the least of which is personal taste. If function is more important than aesthetics, you might do well to watch out for sales on basic plastic lights at Walmart. If you want some kind of Victorian wrought iron thing, you might save money by purchasing used lights from an architectural salvage company and retrofitting your solar.

If you decide to shop for off the shelf bargains, make sure they are designed to charge sufficiently. I was very interested in these things when they first started appearing in hardware stores and gardening supply stores. I was, however, very disappointed when I read on the box that they only provided light for a few hours. Market competition and consumer demands have resulted in some pretty good out of the box products in recent years, but the duds are still lining the shelves all over the country.

Many of these product are designed with a small solar panel mounted on a standalone light fixture. I personally prefer the designs that have a separate solar panel connected to one or more lights via 20 foot extensions. Low voltage direct current would be inefficient with longer cords. Having a panel that is separate from your light fixtures allows you to place the solar panel in a spot where it gets lots of sun.

The basic components of a low voltage solar landscape light are a solar panel, a battery, a light sensitive switch and an LED bulb. Housing these components in a rugged, weatherproof assembly is vitally important. If it is done right the first time, you could have years of maintenance free lighting.

Photo Credit: thingamejig

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