Coop power source

[Ankhdad]

I'm new to the backyard chicken world, but really looking forward to it.
I've started making plans for the coop and run. My issue is the location. Once finished, it will be away from the main house. Rather than run an extension cord from the garage, I was wondering about using a deep cell battery, and inverter. Next issue would be how to recharge. Solar is sounding like the best route.

Just wondering if anyone has gone this way as a power source?

thanks, Keith

 

[RJSorensen]

Hello, and welcome to BYC,

I use direct burial wire, usually I choose ten gauge wire. Solar sounds like fun, and it seems you have a foot in the door so to speak. I am going to follow this thread to see if I can pick up a pointer or two myself.

RJ

 

[RonP]

What will be your power draws?

LED lighting will probably not be an issue, but water heaters......need a lot more power.

 

[Ankhdad]

yes, looking at LED for lighting. Though, I'm in NW Ontario, so some kind of water heating system would be needed. I was checking into using a heat rock for lizards etc since they are not a fire risk.
That would be it for now. I think if I started to getting too much I would have to look at a direct line from the house.

 

[Pecanny]

I feel you. Notice the swing light on the top left corner?...(see avatar). It is made out of pure bonafide metal. Got it at a yard sale for .50 cents. I painted it off white with a can of spray paint that I also got at a yard sale for .25 cents. I only used about .01 cent worth of the paint. I hung it upside down so water couldn't penetrate the bulb screw-in part. It works great. It has a fancy on/off switch and everthang. I don't even need the fancy switch though, because the power cord runs across the back yard up through the dryer vent in the house and plugs in in the washer room. Makes for easy on and off maintenance..

 

[chickenmadness7]

I have solar powered LED motion detector lights outside my coop. They stay lit all night but get very bright by movement nearby. I paid just $15 for two from Amazon.com. I also have a solar powered predator deterrant with those red blinking eyes, and a solar powered electric poultry fence. Solar is cool!

I'm trying to figure out the best way to light the inside of my coop without electricity. For now, I'm using stick on battery operated lights. I'd also like to be able to have a solar powered water heater but am not sure if there is a thing. Having a solar powered light timer would be nice too.

 

[Ankhdad]

I've seen a few different solar LED motion lights, I like those. For the inside, I was looking at a NOMA Solar Panel & LED Hanging Light (sold at Canadian Tire) for the inside.
I like the idea of a solar powered fence! Will check into that for sure.