How would I make this so it is solar powered?

[All4Eggz]

I need to get artificial light for my coop this year. I can't afford losing so many eggs when I could be getting more.
How could I make this get power from the sun? : https://www.amazon.com/Woods-Resist...andescent+Bulb,+Silver)&qid=1627241357&sr=8-1
I don't have an outlet anywhere in or near my coop. A few extension cords wouldn't even be enough to get to the closest outlet.

Is there a way I can make those lights run from a solar panel?



@aart

 

[aart]

You'd need a solar system with adequate collector panels and battery storage specified for the sunlight available in your area and the wattage you plan on using.
Not something you can buy off the shelf.... and not inexpensive.
Then you'd need to run hard wiring into the coop for that particular light fixture.

A few extension cords wouldn't even be enough to get to the closest outlet.

How far is it?
(actually measure with a tape measure)
Is the outlet a GFCI, or safer yet an AFCI?

 

[Swbertrand1]

So would it be easier to call an electrician to pull some wires to the coop?

The distance is longer than the length of my tape measure (50ft.) So I'm estimating about 150ft from the coop to the closest outlet. And if that was my only option, (extension cords) then could the wires be damaged in the winter if they are always outside? Sometimes even covered with snow..?

I'm not sure what kind of outlet it is; I haven't actually purchased the product yet, but I'm planning to in the near future. Someone recommended me this product for an artificial coop light source. (https://www.amazon.com/Woods-Resist...andescent+Bulb,+Silver)&qid=1627241357&sr=8-1)

Our experience with the solar chargers is that they're more trouble than they're worth.

Running electrical power is pretty simple if you're the least bit handy, but I'd run them underground in conduit. You'll need a path for the new wiring from an existing power source (service panel, an existing duplex receptacle, light switch, etc). Make sure to match your wire gauge to the circuit's breaker (12ga wire for 20A, 14ga wire for 15A).

We ran underground power to our shed and coop in less than a day off an added/dedicated breaker in our home's service panel. It's NICE to have electrical power at the coop for MANY reasons!!!

 

[3KillerBs]

I'd like to add that Massachusetts is a terrible place for solar power in the winter -- short days, low sun angle, lots of clouds, and snow on the panels.

I have a solar fence charger in more favorable conditions here in central NC and I still have to bring it in for a plug-in charge about once a week in the winter.

 

[3KillerBs]

So would it be easier to call an electrician to pull some wires to the coop?

The distance is longer than the length of my tape measure (50ft.) So I'm estimating about 150ft from the coop to the closest outlet. And if that was my only option, (extension cords) then could the wires be damaged in the winter if they are always outside? Sometimes even covered with snow..?

I'm not sure what kind of outlet it is; I haven't actually purchased the product yet, but I'm planning to in the near future. Someone recommended me this product for an artificial coop light source. (https://www.amazon.com/Woods-Resist...andescent+Bulb,+Silver)&qid=1627241357&sr=8-1)

Have lines run underground if you can, but otherwise get the same, heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords that are used to run Christmas lights.

Then protect them from being driven over, mown over, and/or otherwise accidentally cut by tools or equipment by either using a conduit or by carefully marking their location.

 

[MildlyOffensiveChicken]

Solar is pretty easy for DIY now vs even 10 years ago. I wouldn’t do it if the closest outlet is 150 feet.

But.

One could buy an all in one 400w kit for $5-1,000.

2 deep cycle marine 100ah agms for $100 each. Will last you 2 years or more.

Gives you 1200 watts of stored power. 400w of panels should keep up with it in most places.

$600-1,200. You can go deep into building your own system and used parts and so on. But most folks would prefer to pay a small premium for convenience.

In your case, I would buy some heavy duty outdoor extension cords. They are worth the money.

 

[aart]

A good friend of mine is an electrician, so I will be able to afford it.

Excellent!
Professionally safe and the friends discount.

 

[allenw]

Do you know where I could find all of that?

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DXRJS3N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NPDWZJ7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1,

I have the panel and controller although they didn't end up together.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=rv+light...ix=rv+light,aps,212&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_8

Plenty of RV lights to choose from, the battery for a setup like this can be any 12 volt battery although a deep cycle marine battery might be a better option a regular car battery,

 

[All4Eggz]

I'll talk to my electrician and will let y'all know what happens.

Thank you so much for replying !

 

[3KillerBs]

Would the wires do okay out in the open, in sometimes 0 degree (Fahrenheit) weather?

When I lived up there I knew a lot of people who didn't take down their Christmas lights until Spring thaw because it was all frozen hard in ice and snow.

But get the top-quality cords.