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Solar battery charger with LED light and switch

  • 25-03-2013 04:30PM
    #1
    josip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 14,909 ✭✭✭✭


    I need to light an open under stairs "cubby hole" It's bright enough during the day especially in the morning but the rest of the day it's a bit too dark to see properly when the hall light casts a shadow.

    I'd like to be able to have a small light there controlled by a switch.
    Running cable there is out of the question.

    We only need it lit for a few (<10) minutes every day so I was wondering if I could use a solar PV powered battery charger connected to a LED light.

    I can't find an off the shelf solution, so I was thinking of making my own. I make another circuit connecting the battery to a LED ribbon.

    I would have the LED light circuit controlled by a switch and ideally if there was a type of switch that could control 2 circuits such that when the lighting circuit is made, the charging circuit is broken. Due to my lack of electrical knowledge I'm assuming it's more likely to work if I keep the 2 circuits permanently separate.

    I have three questions
    1. Is there an easier/better way of doing this?
    2. Will a PV panel produce even a small amount of electricity under indirect lighting?
    3. Do I need to keep the 2 circuits separate and if so, does such a switch exist.
    Tagged:


Comments

  • #2
    stoneill
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,607 ✭✭✭stoneill


    You need a relay -
    Your main on/off switch controls the relay so that when you throw the switch the relay turns on the led circut and turns off the charging circuit.


  • #3
    freddyuk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,119 ✭✭✭freddyuk


    Maybe I missed something but how are you going to charge the battery with a solar panel if there are no cables? Where will the solar panel be?


  • #4
    josip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 14,909 ✭✭✭✭josip


    freddyuk wrote: »
    Maybe I missed something but how are you going to charge the battery with a solar panel if there are no cables? Where will the solar panel be?
    Hi Freddy, no cables meant no mains cables. I hope to put a 12v PV panel under the stairs beside the light, or in the hall as an art piece :) if it can't generate any power under the stairs.


  • #5
    freddyuk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,119 ✭✭✭freddyuk


    OK but the panel will need more light than that. I commend your move towards renewable energy but it will not work in this situation and I think the job is not worth all the effort and expense. Could you not use a simple LED off a disposable battery?. If you want solar then you need to get a small twin core cable to the outside somewhere and a small alarm battery with controller and LED MR16 bulb and holder.


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