Texas Hunting Forum

Solar lighting?

Posted By: Papajohns2012

Solar lighting? - 03/17/16 01:16 AM

I need some insight. I just built a chicken coop and need a light so I can see when I'm feeding and watering.

I can't figure out how to build or design the light system.

Must be solar powered
Must be bright ish
I'd like to be motion sensored
If motion sensored it needs to not be activated by chickens. Also needs to stay on for at least 5 minutes.
Could be a switch to turn on.


I'm thinking a solar panel charging a battery, hooked to a switch, then to the light. What size battery would I need? What size panel?

I'm lost here
Posted By: Shotgun Willie

Re: Solar lighting? - 03/17/16 05:58 AM

Check this out

I've got several of these that I use for hog lights. The sensitivity is adjustable, as is the time they stay on. And there's a switch on it for manual activation.
Posted By: oldoak2000

Re: Solar lighting? - 03/17/16 04:01 PM

wtf
how bout a $5 LED flashlight and a 20c hook to keep it on wall. Chickening ain't all that complicated...

I have power to mine, but still used a 'mechanical' timer switch for light cause kids always 'left it on' w/ toggle switch.
Mechanical timer could be used with $6 alkaline lantern battery and $5 led light would last years. no solar needed.
Posted By: Texas Dan

Re: Solar lighting? - 03/17/16 06:10 PM

Originally Posted By: Shotgun Willie
Check this out

I've got several of these that I use for hog lights. The sensitivity is adjustable, as is the time they stay on. And there's a switch on it for manual activation.


I have a couple of these myself and like them. Not as bright as a 100 watt bulb, but plenty bright to help you find what you need when it's dark.
Posted By: PMK

Re: Solar lighting? - 03/17/16 10:18 PM

60 LED solar security light - Harbor Freight
but these are on sale for $29.99 in their parking lot sale ... I have no idea on quality or brightness.
Posted By: Shotgun Willie

Re: Solar lighting? - 03/18/16 03:48 AM

Originally Posted By: PMK
60 LED solar security light - Harbor Freight
but these are on sale for $29.99 in their parking lot sale ... I have no idea on quality or brightness.


Those are the exact same lights, different packaging, as the one I linked in my post. I've bought them both, depending on who's cheaper at the time.
Posted By: Texas Dan

Re: Solar lighting? - 03/22/16 11:57 PM

I was in Home Depot last night and noticed they have some higher quality solar-powered lights with motion sensors that probably provide more light than my Harbor Freight light. They were in the same section as the AC powered flood lights and such. About twice the HF price however.
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