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I was planning to put in a 12 volt system with a photo sensor to run path lighting for our front walk, with some accent lighting for our planting areas and some security lighting around the front picture window of our house. All told, I would expect spend around 1,000.00 or so. The main reason for this is that the solar stuff always feels a bit cheap and temporary compared to the 12 volt stuff.
It's starting to look like we're going to be relocating in about 15 months. So, my question is, would continuing with the 12v system add more to the curb appeal of the home, or would it be wasted effort and money if similar lighting can be accomplished via Solar? Could the security lighting be accomplished via solar?
Malibu lighting is totally cheap and adds a lot. One hundred watt power packs are like $50 or so. They turn off and turn on automatically with a light sensor. The lights are as cheap as $7 or so, but nicer ones are $20 or $30. This is easy as heck to do too - we're talking an hour of work.
I'm wondering how a 12v lighting system is different than solar. I understand that individual light have PV cell on top. But for the 12v system, how would one plug a DC system into an AC house? Many solar systems are either 12v or 24v which gets converted to 110.
Personally, unless I already had my home set up solar, 12v DC, I would go with individual lights. When one goes out, it is pretty inexpensive to replace it.
I'm wondering how a 12v lighting system is different than solar. I understand that individual light have PV cell on top. But for the 12v system, how would one plug a DC system into an AC house? Many solar systems are either 12v or 24v which gets converted to 110.
Personally, unless I already had my home set up solar, 12v DC, I would go with individual lights. When one goes out, it is pretty inexpensive to replace it.
Now I'm trying to understand you questions. I don't think there is any mention of using an inverter to go from DC to AC, as is the configuration for roof top solar panels.
The solar lights are all DC. Solar cell charges a battery which provide current to the lights. All DC.
Now I'm trying to understand you questions. I don't think there is any mention of using an inverter to go from DC to AC, as is the configuration for roof top solar panels.
The solar lights are all DC. Solar cell charges a battery which provide current to the lights. All DC.
I'm not fully understanding the OP's question. They are asking about solar vs 12v patio lighting
I know that solar lights are 12v, thus my wondering.
In my ignorance I thought all 120 Volt patio lights use as part of the kit a transformer from 120 to 12v. Am I wrong? Now if they make patio lights with one larger solar cell supplying the string of patio lights would be an improvement to the lights with the cell on top. All of the solar lights I have seen are worthless and do not provide any light beyond the fixture, they do not light the walk. Not worth the expense- even cheap ones die out in a few hours.
I have solar lights bought at the dollar store- the case is cheap lightweight plastic. But I bought them two years ago and they work just fine and light up the path just fine.
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