On another thread solar power is being discussed. This makes me think of something I might want to do. I have an addition on top of my garage along with a large deck. Solar lighting would be great up there, on the deck and along the front of the addition. Solar seems like a good choice, but I can't find anything close to what I want to do.
Here's my thinking (feel free to offer other advice as well)
A single solar panel on the roof of some decent wattage, probably 12 volts.
A string of LED lights, possibly rope lights, possibly spot lights - whatever - no specific decision has been made on what's desired.
A 12 volt rechargeable battery, could be SLA, could be Li-Ion type, again, no decision has been made as yet.
Some sort of charge control circuitry to charge the battery.
Some sort of LDO (Low Drop Out) circuit to prevent draining the battery excessively
Light sensing to switch solar lights on at dusk (or possibly on a timer) and off at dawn (or the timer)
I've looked a few places on line but not exhaustively. I figure quite possibly someone here already knows of either an entire setup OR may have parts of that setup. Coupled with other advice, I could put together an entire system. Space doesn't seem like it will be much of a concern. I live in the northern latitudes, 41.130034 Latitude specifically. Roof slope 4:12 pitch (approx. 19.5˚ angle)
Here's my thinking (feel free to offer other advice as well)
A single solar panel on the roof of some decent wattage, probably 12 volts.
A string of LED lights, possibly rope lights, possibly spot lights - whatever - no specific decision has been made on what's desired.
A 12 volt rechargeable battery, could be SLA, could be Li-Ion type, again, no decision has been made as yet.
Some sort of charge control circuitry to charge the battery.
Some sort of LDO (Low Drop Out) circuit to prevent draining the battery excessively
Light sensing to switch solar lights on at dusk (or possibly on a timer) and off at dawn (or the timer)
I've looked a few places on line but not exhaustively. I figure quite possibly someone here already knows of either an entire setup OR may have parts of that setup. Coupled with other advice, I could put together an entire system. Space doesn't seem like it will be much of a concern. I live in the northern latitudes, 41.130034 Latitude specifically. Roof slope 4:12 pitch (approx. 19.5˚ angle)
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