How would I make this so it is solar powered?

[Tclloyd0812]

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)

I don't think your outdoor extension cord(s) would be damaged by cold or snow. We had a lot of snow last winter and we were able to run our extension cords, but we buried the cords in the ground some. I'd do your research based on your area. It can be cold here, but I know a lot of other places have it a lot worse for sure and then I'd worry about the cords possibly.

 

[raingarden]

Not to hijack, but how much extra lighting is needed to keep hens laying? What's the wattage or lumens?

 

[aart]

Not to hijack, but how much extra lighting is needed to keep hens laying? What's the wattage or lumens?

Here's a pretty good article on supplemental lighting.

 

[allenw]

Keep it 12 volt dc current your wasting a lot trying to go to 110 ac. A 12 volt battery, solar panel and charge controller will get you started. There is plenty of 12 volt lighting for rv's out there to do the lighting, it doesn't take a lot just think an extended sunrise. Add a timer and you would an almost hands off system.

 

[Tclloyd0812]

The problem with relying on only solar for this setup is that it is relying on heat to warm the house. A single light bulb will warm an insulated chicken house, but it will need a lot of heat in the winter and im not sure a single panel and battery is reliable in freezing temps and snow. You may need the bulb 24 hours a day for heat in extreme cold spells.

Having an overhead cable, do-it-yourself plug-in cord run to the house is really secure. Also keep a spare cable on hand. Or if you have the money, the electrcian is like of course the safest. Better yet, get a solar sytem installed as well in case the electricity goes out.

I didn't know the OP wanted something for warmth. I thought they were wanting light for artificial lights so their chickens lay through the shorter days that will be coming up. Maybe I'm wrong, im just going off what I originally read.

If heat is the purpose of having a light of course electricity would be better because it would take a lot of solar to run a light that was either a regular halogen bulb or heat lamp type bulb. If that's the case then of course electricity would be the best route. But if it's only to power light(s) so the hens lay longer, you wouldn't have to have anything but simple LED lights which can easily be ran on solar.

Either way, I think the OP was talking about running a long extension cord to the coop, so I believe they've figured it out possibly. I do the same thing because luckily our coops aren't too far from the house.

 

[raingarden]

Thank you very much!

 

[All4Eggz]

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.


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

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)

 

[All4Eggz]

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.

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

 

[All4Eggz]

Keep it 12 volt dc current your wasting a lot trying to go to 110 ac. A 12 volt battery, solar panel and charge controller will get you started. There is plenty of 12 volt lighting for rv's out there to do the lighting, it doesn't take a lot just think an extended sunrise. Add a timer and you would an almost hands off system.

Do you know where I could find all of that?

 

[All4Eggz]

Or are there any light sources that are solar powered for an affordable price?