December 4, 2008
So I want to simply convert a string of low voltage christmas lights to solar power. Should that be so hard?
Char K asked:
I have been searching on the net to find such a device to do this. I have found nothing that is user friendly. Can someone please direct me to find a device to create the solar power AND the instructions on how to convert the string of lights to hook up with the solar power device. Thanking you all in advance.
I have been searching on the net to find such a device to do this. I have found nothing that is user friendly. Can someone please direct me to find a device to create the solar power AND the instructions on how to convert the string of lights to hook up with the solar power device. Thanking you all in advance.
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Comments on So I want to simply convert a string of low voltage christmas lights to solar power. Should that be so hard? »
The problem is that the string of lights is wired up to run from 120 VAC. They are all in series.
What you have to do is cut the wires on the string and rewire them so they are in parallel instead of in series. then connect them across the solar cells. The solar cells will have to be powerful as the array will require a lot of current.
Alternately, take a bunch of solar cells and wire a few of the lights across each one.
Yet another alternate is to leave the string wired in series, get a powerful set of solar cells and get an inverter. This is a device that will convert low voltage DC to 120 volts AC which will directly power the string of lights.
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