When the construction of the country house is completed, construction debris is removed, it's time to think about the improvement of the summer cottage. Places for a gazebo, for flower beds, possibly for a pool have been identified. Paths marked. And then the question arises, how to cover all this economy. You can, of course, use a lamppost and a common street lamp. But at the same time, it is unlikely that in the dark time of the day you will get that unique atmosphere of mystery and comfort that can be created with the help of small various lamps scattered in different places of the site.
Installing such lamps throughout the site is not so difficult. But they need to be powered. But as? Digging trenches and pulling cables to them? Or, worse, hang wires on poles? And install a switch on each lamp? This is irrational. The problem can be solved much easier. Light fixtures are installed on the site. solar panels. Shops offer a huge selection of such lamps. From the simplest and cheapest, to the most complex and expensive, artistically executed, with program control, with a multi-colored glow.
But the cheapest ones are cheap because their quality leaves much to be desired, and after a year or two of service they can be safely thrown away. And high-quality lamps that would satisfy any exacting taste are expensive and not always affordable. That's when ingenuity comes to the rescue, and craftsmen make solar-powered lanterns themselves, with their own hands. Such a lantern, made with love, conscientiously, will serve faithfully for more than one year. It is absolutely not difficult to make it, as it may seem at first. Some difficulties may arise with the choice of the design of the appearance of the lantern, but this will already depend only on artistic taste. Well, to some extent, from the set of components from which the electric part of the lantern will be assembled.
A set of components for a solar-powered lantern
Before you start buying parts, you need to decide how many fixtures will be installed and in what places. What will be their power. Having decided on this, you can begin to select components for fixtures.
Naturally, for a solar-powered flashlight, you first need to purchase solar modules. On sale there are helium converters of various modifications, quality and efficiency. Considering that the main purpose of these converters is only to charge the battery during daylight hours, then it is quite enough to purchase a certain number of solar modules at retail, from which, if necessary, you can assemble a sufficiently powerful battery.
For these purposes, a solar battery based on polycrystalline silicon 5.5 V, 90 mA, with dimensions of 65x65x3 mm, is quite suitable. This battery is laminated with silicone, thanks to which the battery is completely protected from all kinds of mechanical influences and from moisture. It also kept the weight of the battery down to a minimum of just 15 grams. The battery is ideal for charging batteries 3.6 V - 4.8 V. The retail price of the battery is 137 rubles.
Solar panels Solar Panel 65x65
The next component of the lamp is the battery. A lithium-ion battery with an output voltage of 3.6 V and a capacity of at least 3000 mAh is quite suitable for it.
From commercially available relatively inexpensive batteries, you can choose a set consisting of four lithium-ion batteries 18650 models. Each battery has output voltage 3.7 V with a capacity of 9800 mAh. The package also includes a charger, which may be quite useful, for example, for the initial charging of batteries. Batteries have the following dimensions: diameter -17 mm, height - 65 mm. Set price (with charger) - 411 rubles.
Model 18650 battery pack with charger
Next, you need to select a luminous element. The most suitable for these purposes is the LED. You can, of course, use LED lamps, but they will consume too much energy. Modern high-brightness LEDs may well satisfy any need, since they can be installed in the right quantity for each specific lamp.
For such flashlights, a five-millimeter super-bright is quite suitable. white LED type 3H5 (helmet). Usually it is used in outdoor advertising, in various electronic displays, in road signs. So for a flashlight, it is quite suitable. It can be operated at temperatures from -55°C to +50°C. The cost of one such LED is 10 rubles.
Superbright white LED type 3H5 (helmet)
And, finally, the heart of the lamp is the electronic control unit. In his circuit there are four resistors, costing 1.5 rubles each, two transistors of the KT503 type, costing 9 rubles each, one Schottky diode 11DQ04, costing 24 rubles. It's all on one board.
Separately connected solar battery, battery, LED. You can, of course, collect all this on a piece of foam, textolite, cardboard. But no self-respecting craftsman who collects anything for himself would allow himself such carelessness.
To mount the block, it is not at all necessary to draw and etch the printed circuit board. For these purposes, a universal DIY PCB 42x25mm breadboard is great. This board is designed specifically for mounting and configuring your own electronic circuits. It is made of high quality materials and has gold-plated contacts. The dimensions of such a board are 45x35x2 mm. Weight 2.8 grams. The cost of packaging is 235 rubles. There are 4 boards in a pack.
Universal breadboard DIY PCB 42x25mm
In the manufacture of the electronics unit for installation, it is best to use a wire of the MGTF 0.2 brand. This is a stranded flexible copper wire in fluoroplastic insulation. Works in the temperature range from -60°С to +220°С.
Operating voltages - up to 250 volts alternating current up to 5 kHz or up to 350 volts direct current. A coil of such a wire of 190 meters costs about 15 rubles.
Scheme of the electronic control unit for a solar-powered lantern
The principle of operation of the electronic unit is extremely simple. The scheme works as follows. While the solar battery is illuminated by the sun, it generates a current that charges the battery through the Schottky diode. At the same time, current flows to the base of transistor T1 and opens it.
Since transistor T1 is open, a zero potential is kept at the base of transistor T2, and this transistor is closed. When darkness falls, the solar panel stops producing electricity, the transistor T1 closes, the base of the transistor T2 through the resistor R2 receives a current that opens it. This creates a power supply circuit for the LED. At the same time, the Schottky diode prevents the battery from discharging to the solar battery.
Schematic diagram of the solar lantern control unit
The capacity and charge of the battery is enough to power several of these LEDs, which will create the desired luminous flux. This scheme allows you to connect up to three or four LEDs in parallel.
As for the appearance of the lantern, it all depends on the imagination of the master and his taste. Any form can be given that will be most in harmony with the environment. It can be just lanterns for lighting paths, it can be garlands for trees, bushes, it can be decorative lamps for gazebos, for lighting fountains. But all of them will serve long and faithfully. Because they were made by hand.
The device of a solar-powered garden lamp is quite simple, if not primitive. A standard garden lantern consists of five key components:
- solar battery;
- battery;
- light source (LED, LED-matrix);
- activation mechanism (sensor of light, sound, movement, etc.);
- fastening part.
It works like this: in the daytime, sunlight hits a solar battery, which is a bundle of several photovoltaic cells that convert solar energy into direct electric current. This current is stored in a storage device, which is a rechargeable battery (AA batteries are most often used in garden lights). At night, current is supplied to the LED (s) or LED matrix and we get light.
In most cases, all this is monitored by an automatic switch, a photocell that closes the circuit when the light level is low. Another sensor can also act as a switch, for example, a motion or sound sensor, as well as a simple mechanical button for manual activation.
This diagram clearly shows the principle of an average solar-powered flashlight and how it works:
It doesn't sound complicated, but it sounds like a million dollars. Is solar energy expensive?
Solar energy is free, but the equipment needed to use it can cost big money. However, the simplest garden lights with a solar panel can be bought for ridiculous money, something around $ 1-3. Yes, they are not suitable as lighting fixtures, but you can mark the path, for example, or the boundaries of the site with them. There are, of course, more expensive ones, equipped with motion or sound sensors, solar panels placed separately, etc. and so on. But even the most expensive garden lights will pay for themselves a hundredfold in a relatively short period, because solar energy is FREE!
Are there any other benefits besides energy savings?
Oh, there are a lot of them. We list only the most obvious of them:
- the absence of the need to use a cable gives freedom of choice in choosing a place to install a lantern (even in a shaded area of \u200b\u200byour garden if you use an external solar panel);
- simple and clear installation;
- huge service life (up to 15-20 years, subject to correct operation and timely replacement of batteries);
- a huge range, including decorative lamps, both for the garden and for water objects;
- environmental friendliness.
It's clear. And what is the best way to install garden lights in the country and generally use them?
Stand-alone lighting kits are easy to install and have a wide range of uses. Let's take a look at a few ways you can use solar powered lights to improve your landscaping.
Security lights
You can use various combinations of solar-powered luminaires to illuminate paths, stairs, landscape edges, and architectural forms. For this, lawn (a familiar lantern on a leg), wall and spot lights are suitable. Equipped with photocells, they will illuminate obstacles in your area all night and ensure safe movement on it. A lighting system using motion sensors will be more efficient. Start with budget lawn lights along the side of the path and you will see how convenient it is.
security lights
Powerful motion-sensing spotlights help illuminate dark areas such as a porch or outbuilding, keeping you and your property safe. Such spotlights are much more expensive than ordinary garden lights, but they give a lot more light. They are equipped with a powerful solar panel, which is often mounted separately from the spotlight on the sunny side and transmits energy to the device through a cable.
decorative lights
Decorate your landscape with accent spotlights. This is mainly done with powerful spotlights, if you need to highlight a tall tree or part of the facade of a building, as well as small spotlights, if you need to focus on small bushes in flowerpots. There are also original pendant lamps with a solar battery installed in them - they will find their place on the branches of your favorite tree.
What should I do if I can't install lights where there is a lot of sunlight?
Many mistakenly believe that they can only use solar panels where there is a lot of sunlight, constantly good weather and nothing else. IN last years technologies have stepped far forward, solar panels have greatly added to the efficiency, and the widespread use of LEDs has significantly reduced electricity consumption. Just don't put the lights where they will be permanently in the shade, try to point the solar panel to the south and keep the photocells clean regularly.
How to choose a solar lamp? Are there any nuances?
Apart from the obvious things like appearance products, accuracy of assembly, strength of materials, duration of operation from a single charge, etc., you should pay attention to the features of the lamp, based on the operational requirements for it.
Degree of protection
First of all, pay attention to the degree of protection, namely the IPXX marking, where the first digit indicates the degree of protection against the ingress of solid objects, including dust, and the second - from the ingress of moisture. Do not forget that garden lights will be used in quite extreme conditions, so the protection of the inner filling of the lantern must be at the proper level. Typically, luminaires for outdoor use have a minimum degree of protection of IP44. This means that the product is protected from foreign objects with a diameter of about 1 mm, as well as water splashes from all sides. From dust and heavy rain, the product, as you understand, is not protected.
Tables for decoding the degree of protection (IP) in accordance with the international standard IEC 60529 (DIN 40050, GOST 14254)
Degree of protection against solid objects (click to enlarge)
Degree of protection against water (click to enlarge)
Drive type
In most cases, garden lights are equipped with nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) AA batteries. The second type of battery is preferable, as it has an average capacity of 2 times higher (NiCd: 500-900 mAh, Ni-MH: 1000-2000 mAh), more environmentally friendly and reliable (withstand extreme temperatures, have no memory effect, etc. .). It is worth noting that now most manufacturers of solar-powered street lamps equip their products with Ni-MH batteries. Even if you come across lamps with NiCd on board, feel free to take them if they suit you in terms of other parameters, because the batteries can always be replaced with your own.
Solar panel photocell type
If possible, pay attention to the type of solar cells used. Not even a type or type, but a subspecies, since in most cases garden lamps are equipped with silicon crystalline photomodules. Silicon, in turn, can have a different structure, which divides silicon solar cells into single-crystal, polycrystalline and amorphous silicon elements. The highest efficiency for single-crystal silicon is 15-20%, slightly less for polycrystalline silicon - 10-14%, the least for amorphous silicon - only 5-6%. Also, the elements tend to degrade, that is, lose power over the years. Amorphous silicon is more susceptible to degradation than others, so try to avoid panels made of this material.
You should also pay attention to the type of switch. In most cases, the lanterns are equipped with a photo relay, which turns on the light only when it gets dark outside. Such lanterns are designed to burn all night and illuminate, for example, the paths on your site. There are also luminaires equipped with motion sensors - they are ideal for illuminating steps, doors, etc. Such lamps consume energy more economically, shine only when it is needed, and can also perform a security function.
I heard that they often break down, but are they subject to repair?
They break no more than any other lamp, and care and prevention are needed in any case, however, garden lamps are not very demanding in operation. Wipe the solar panel regularly with a damp cloth to prevent dirt from blocking the sunlight. Most often, it is batteries that fail, especially if it is NiCd. Make a simple replacement. In the season when you do not plan to use the flashlights, be sure to remove the batteries and store them separately, following the recommendations for storing one or another type of drive. Sometimes the contacts are oxidized, especially if the degree of protection of the flashlight is only IP44, and it regularly fell into heavy rain and moisture eventually got inside the product. Repairing a flashlight is quite simple if you have at least basic technical skills and you understand the phrase "clean the contacts of the battery poles and the power container."
If you are fond of technology and electronics, a solar-powered garden lamp can be completed and improved. Often, in the most inexpensive models, which are turned on only with a button, they put a photorelay. Sometimes they put RGB instead of a regular diode. Here we rely on your imagination and the ability to use Google (we recommend looking at YouTube with this question).
Sometimes the territory adjacent to country houses and dachas is used in the evening and at night. In order not to get injured, as well as to maintain the image, solar-powered garden lights are used, which allow not only to illuminate the territory, but also to give it a unique decor.
Solar-powered lamps scheme
On this moment many people own dachas or estates outside the city. Many people want to relax in the evening, sit in the yard or take a walk in the garden. To accomplish all this, it is necessary to have lighting on the site. However, it is not always possible to supply electricity, and it is also expensive. It is in such cases that the question often arises, how to make a solar-powered lantern yourself?
Device and principle of operation
The first thing to understand is how solar garden lights work. The easiest way to understand the principle of operation will be if we take as an example the most common solar-powered garden lantern.
Components of the device:
- The lighting unit, which is most often presented as a regular LED.
- Energy conversion element.
- Flashlight on/off control devices.
- Built-in energy storage device (battery) - for the operation of the flashlight in the dark.
- Detail of the flashlight.
Understanding how solar-powered garden lights work is quite simple if you understand the principle of operation of each of its devices. During daylight hours, the converter accumulates the energy of the sun and transfers it to the battery in the form of electrical energy. This is necessary for the functioning of the flashlight in the dark.
In more expensive versions of the solar lamp, a motion controller can be installed that turns on the lamp when a person approaches.
Positive and negative aspects of lamps
Before proceeding to study the question of how to make a solar-powered lamp yourself, you need to study the pros and cons of this device.
The advantages of solar lamps are:
- Opportunity quick installation lighting, as well as the lack of knowledge of electrical wiring, since it is not used;
- The light from the lamps is not so bright and does not hit the eyes;
- Significant savings in material resources on electricity;
- Solar-powered lights are fully automatic, which is very convenient. In the absence of owners in the country, they can be a certain protection against intruders;
- Solar-powered devices are completely safe for the environment, as they do not require grounding;
- Easy lamp care process;
- Very long term operation of solar lamps;
- Possess high protection from adverse weather conditions.
But have solar lanterns and cons. Among them:
- The built-in battery will last for no more than 8 hours of illumination, provided that it was clear all day. In addition, the light from the lanterns is slightly dim, so some areas will still have to be illuminated with electricity.
- Buying a good and powerful device will not be cheap.
- Some customers complained that the devices did not work or worked intermittently when it rained. In cloudy weather, charging slows down by almost half, which means that the lamps will last no more than 4 hours of work at night.
Types of Solar Lights
Even a novice master can make a solar-powered lamp with his own hands. Consider the most popular devices.
short leg
Very useful for illuminating the path in the garden. The cheapest model of all, and the installation is the easiest. The pointed leg is simply pressed into the ground with your hands.
LED spotlights
The power of such lamps is very high and is equal to 100 watts of an incandescent lamp, if the solar lamp has a power of 10 watts. Used to illuminate the porch of the house or garden.
Most often used for decoration garden plot and can be placed on the branches of trees, can be hung in the gazebo.
They are used to illuminate the facade of the house and are attached to it.
How to improve the finished model
The scheme of a solar-powered garden lamp is quite simple. However, in order to understand it, a minimal understanding of the designations of electrical devices will be required. The issue of improving an already purchased device is very acute for those who bought lamps from a Chinese manufacturer.
Solar Lamp Improvement
How to fix a solar powered flashlight? It is not particularly possible to carry out repairs or many improvements here, since there are very few constituent elements themselves. The whole retrofit process comes down to replacing some parts, such as the battery, in order to increase the lamp's runtime at night. You can replace the diode with a more powerful one if necessary.
Tower Lantern Upgrade
One of the most popular types of solar lights. The scheme of a solar-powered garden light of this type of standard assembly includes an initially rather weak choke. If you replace this part with a more powerful one, you can achieve greater brightness from the flashlight as a whole.
The do-it-yourself solar-powered LED backlight can also be upgraded by manipulating the throttle. However, when these parts are replaced, the power consumption of the battery will increase and it will have to be changed to a more powerful one. If this is not done, the flashlight will either work for a short period of time, or burn out from overvoltage.
Device with three LEDs
In order to get brighter and more uniform lighting, you can install three instead of one standard diode. However, when installing them, you should monitor the minimum voltage spread, otherwise only one area will be brightly illuminated, and two more will emit a dim light.
Making a lamp with your own hands
Simple solar powered garden light circuits can be put together by anyone with minimal knowledge in the field.
The choice of parts for the lantern
Before you start buying all the accessories for collecting fixtures, you need to take into account the quantity, since the power of each of them will depend on this, which means that the components will be different:
- The first thing you need is to buy an energy converter. The polycrystalline silicon battery is considered one of the best for such purposes. Its weight is very small, and the protection against moisture and damage is high. In addition, the power is quite high.
- A lithium-ion battery is required.
- Next, you need a lighting element. As it is now the most popular is a conventional LED. It is possible to install an LED lamp, but the cost of its energy is unreasonably high. Do-it-yourself solar-powered lighting based on a conventional LED is enough.
- The last and most vital part of the device is the electronic control module, which consists of two pairs of resistors and a pair of transistors.
The connection of the LED, battery and solar battery is carried out separately. For assembly, you can purchase a fairly cheap and versatile DIY PCB 42x25mm.
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If you are thinking about organizing the lighting of your backyard, then do not rush to buy lighting fixtures in the store. DIY solar powered garden lights.
If you want to illuminate an open area, and the supply of electricity to it is difficult, then you should think about solar-powered lamps, the batteries of which are charged by the rays of the sun. With the onset of darkness, such devices begin to work, creating a comfortable environment in your backyard. The luminaires are easy to use and install, and also attract quite affordable prices for them and a wide selection.
Solar Garden Light
This article will be of interest to those who like to create things useful in the household with their own hands. The advantages of making lamps "on your own" can be safely attributed to the fact that your model will be exclusive and quite reliable (after all, you made it yourself). Keep in mind, though, that you won't be able to save a lot of money. We will not describe expensive circuits using ready-made controllers, but will focus only on the simplest version. Almost anyone who has ever held a soldering iron in their hands can repeat it.
Schematic diagram of an easy-to-replicate luminaire
Below circuit diagram a lamp powered by sunlight is very simple, and has been repeatedly tested by numerous amateurs who specialize in making useful devices with their own hands.
circuit diagram
How it works:
- During the daytime, the solar panel (S) converts the energy of light rays into electrical energy.
- The current it generates through diode D1 charges the battery (A).
- A positive potential applied to the base through the resistor R1 "holds" the transistor T1 in the closed state and the LED D2 is off.
- With a significant decrease in the illumination of the solar panel, the transistor opens (due to a decrease in the positive potential applied to the base) and connects the D2 LED to the battery. The LED starts to light up.
- Diode D1 prevents the battery from discharging through the solar panel.
- With the onset of dawn, the positive voltage coming from the "+" output of the solar panel to the base "closes" the transistor T1 and the LED D2 stops burning, and the battery starts charging again.
Criteria for selecting parts and prices
The choice of parts depends on how powerful the lamp you intend to make. We give specific ratings for a home-made lighting device with a power of 1 W and a luminous flux intensity of 110 Lm.
Since in the above scheme there are no elements for controlling the level of charge battery, then, first of all, you need to pay attention to the choice of solar panels. If you choose a panel with too little current, then during daylight hours it simply will not have time to charge the battery to the desired capacity. Conversely, a light bar that is too powerful can recharge the battery during daylight hours and render it unusable.
Conclusion: the current generated by the panel and the battery capacity must match. For a rough calculation, you can use the ratio of 1:10. In our particular product, we use a solar panel with a voltage of 5 V and a generated current of 150 mA (120-150 rubles) and a 18650 form factor battery (voltage 3.7 V; capacity 1500 mAh; cost 100-120 rubles).
Also for the manufacture we need:
- Schottky diode 1N5818 with a maximum allowable forward current of 1 A - 6-7 rubles. The choice of this particular type of rectifier part is due to the low voltage drop across it (about 0.5 V). This will allow you to use the solar panel most efficiently.
- Transistor 2N2907 with a maximum collector-emitter current up to 600 mA - 4-5 rubles.
- Powerful white LED TDS-P001L4U15 (luminous flux intensity - 110 Lm; power - 1 W; operating voltage - 3.7 V; current consumption - 350 mA) - 70-75 rubles.
Important! The operating current of LED D2 (or the total total current when using multiple emitters) must be less than the maximum allowable collector-emitter current of transistor T1. This condition is met with a margin for the parts used in the circuit: I(D2)=350 mA< Iкэ(Т1)=600 мА. Battery compartment KLS5-18650-L (FC1-5216) - 45-50 rubles. If, when installing the device, you carefully solder the wires to the battery terminals, you can refuse to purchase this structural element.
- Resistor R1 with a nominal value of 39-51 kOhm - 2-3 rubles.
- The additional resistor R2 is calculated in accordance with the characteristics of the LED used.
Purpose and calculation of an additional resistor in the LED power circuit
The battery voltage may be too high for the LED (this may lead to the failure of the latter). To compensate for its excess, we use an additional resistor R2. We calculate its face value based on the formula: U(A) = U(D2) + U(R2), where:
U(A) – battery voltage;
U(D2) - operating voltage of the LED;
U(R2) - voltage drop across the additional resistor R2.
For the TDS-P001L4U15 LED used in the above circuit with an operating voltage of 3.7 V, the use of resistor R2 is not required, since U (A) \u003d U (D2). That is, our specific scheme will look like this:
As an example of calculating additional resistors, consider a circuit with connecting two different types of LEDs: D2 - BL-L813UWC (operating voltage - 2.7 V; current consumption - 30 mA; cost - 15 rubles) and D3 - FYL-5013UWC / P (2, 2 V; 25 mA; 20 rubles).
We calculate the additional resistor R2 for the LED D2.
U(A) = U(D2) + U(R2)
U(R2) = U(A) - U(D2) = 3.7 - 2.7 = 1 V
According to Ohm's law (familiar to everyone from school):
U(R2) = R2 I, where I is the current consumed by the LED, therefore
R2 \u003d U (R2) : I \u003d 1: 0.03 \u003d 33.33 ≈ 33 ohms
Similarly, we calculate the additional resistor R3 for the LED D3:
U(R3) = U(A) - U(D3) = 3.7 - 2.2 = 1.5 V
R3 \u003d U (R3) : I \u003d 1.5: 0.025 \u003d 60 ≈ 62 ohms
On a note! After the calculations of the value of additional resistors, we round the obtained values \u200b\u200bto the nearest standard ratings.
The final circuit with two different types of emitters will look like this:
Installation
The circuit consists of a minimum number of elements, so installation can be easily carried out in a hinged way. The length of the "legs" of the parts will be quite enough to solder without the use of additional wires. After completing the installation and checking the performance of the manufactured luminaire, all joints should be insulated with a thermal pencil or an appropriate sealant.
For those who prefer to mount components on printed circuit board, can do this by using a universal circuit board of suitable dimensions or by making their own.
What is the ceiling made of?
Before telling what forms can be used in the manufacture of a ceiling lamp, let us recall the requirements that must be observed when making the luminaire body on its own:
The solar panel must be located outside on top of the product so that it is well lit during the daytime.
All butt joints between structural elements must be carefully sealed (circuit components are afraid of moisture).
LEDs must be placed in the transparent part of the ceiling.
Otherwise, everything will depend only on your imagination, personal preferences and the materials at hand. One of the simplest options is to use a glass jar as a ceiling lamp (for example, for storing bulk products) with a wide neck and a tight lid:
- make a hole in the lid and pass the wires from the solar panel through it;
- fix the solar panel on the outside with a sealant;
- on the inner surface we mount the battery compartment and circuit elements;
- LEDs are located at the bottom of the jar.
As a practically finished case, you can successfully use a food container made of transparent plastic. On sale there is a large number of such products of various sizes and shapes (round, square, rectangular). The choice will depend on the size of the solar panel and the number of LEDs.
In custody
repeating the simplest circuit and having acquired the necessary manufacturing experience, you will be able to produce the required number of a wide variety of home-made solar-powered lamps. Such economical and mobile lighting devices will not only decorate your backyard, but also greatly increase the comfort of using it at night (for example, if you place them along garden paths, above the front door or near the summer gazebo).
If you have any questions on this topic, ask them to specialists and readers of our project.
Suburban areas, especially with a large area, require night lighting. This problem can be solved different ways, among which the solar-powered garden lamp circuit is becoming increasingly popular. First of all, such devices are used to illuminate the paths, ensuring safe walking in the dark. Illumination of individual elements of the garden emphasizes the overall direction and beauty of landscape design.
Varieties of garden lamps
Garden lamps powered by solar panels are represented by a wide range of models and designs.
They are classified according to various parameters and characteristics;
- Materials used in devices. Most often it is durable plastic, metals and their alloys, hard wood. Each lighting device is mounted on the street, so special tools are used to process materials. Metals are coated with anti-corrosion compounds, and wood is impregnated with substances that prevent drying out and decay. Plafonds are made from various types of glass. Surfaces can be smooth, as light-transmitting as possible or reflective - most effective in cloudy weather. There are more durable tempered glasses that protect against mechanical stress.
- Rechargeable batteries. They are used to store electricity from sunlight. Nickel-cadmium batteries have a capacity of up to 700 mAh and provide lamp operation for 8-10 hours. Nickel-metal hydride models with high technical and economic indicators are considered more modern and efficient.
- Different kinds silicon used in solar cells. The options are mostly used. The former are more expensive, but they are more efficient and durable. The second elements are used in cheap models, since during operation there comes fast loss potential and reduced performance. They are more suitable for decorative lighting and are used occasionally in the summer.
Where are they installed
There are many options for installing garden lights. As a rule, several standard design solutions are used that are suitable for most objects. Among them, the installation of wall lights located on the facade of the building is often practiced. The places of fastenings are the outer walls of houses and other vertical surfaces (Fig. 1).
This installation method requires careful selection of placement points, since correct operation will depend on the intensity of the flow of sunlight. On cloudy days, the battery charge may be low and not last all night. Therefore, it is recommended to additionally install traditional backup lamps.
Pendant lamps (Fig. 2) have much in common with wall lamps. However, the use of special fasteners makes it possible to install them in any place. These can be tree branches, fences, etc. You can highlight certain areas and create a festive decor.
A street garden lamp mounted on a pole is often used (Fig. 3). Initially, they were used to illuminate city streets, and now they are widely used in summer cottages and country houses. Lanterns perform not only lighting, but also a decorative function.
A solar powered park light (Fig. 4) is installed in conjunction with a large and powerful solar panel and batteries increased capacity. Such solar systems provide long-term offline work. The case is made of high quality materials and protected from dust and moisture.
Lawn lamps (Fig. 5) are installed directly on the ground. They are equipped with a small leg stuck into the ground or a special support of sufficient height. Such devices can be easily installed anywhere and can be moved if necessary.
Another type of lighting fixtures is made in the form of decorative elements (Fig. 6). These can be stones, flowers, fairy-tale characters that work on batteries, with the help of which the most spectacular places in the garden stand out.
Advantages and disadvantages
Before you start making a solar-powered garden lamp with your own hands, you need to find out their positive and negative sides.
The undoubted advantages of solar-powered lighting devices are the following:
- It does not require special knowledge and practical skills in working with electrical wiring. Due to this, the installation of lighting systems becomes faster and easier.
- The brightness of garden lamps is low, soft diffused light does not hit the eyes.
- No electricity costs.
- The automatic operation of the lights is very convenient and, in the absence of the owners, provides some protection against unauthorized entry into the site.
- Maintenance of lamps is easy and simple: it is enough just to regularly wipe the lamps and panels from dust and dirt.
- Long service life, protection against negative impacts.
The main disadvantage is the weak resource of the built-in rechargeable battery. In most cases, it is not enough for the whole night, so you have to install a photo relay or. The dim light of the lanterns does not always provide high-quality lighting, in some places you have to install ordinary lamps. In cloudy weather, the charging speed is almost halved, and the lighting period at night is also reduced accordingly. A serious disadvantage is the high cost of high-quality powerful equipment.
If, nevertheless, a decision is made to use autonomous lamps, a typical device and the design of one of them should be studied.
How a garden lamp works
The electrical circuit of a solar-powered garden lamp will be approximately the same for everyone. similar devices. However, the components used may differ from each other in many respects, which also affects the final technical characteristics of a particular device.
A standard solar luminaire circuit diagram consists of the following parts and electronic components:
- Frame. It differs in shape, execution, materials and is selected based on the installation location of the lamp.
- The solar panel is the main source of power for the lighting system.
- Electric lamps. Usually these are LEDs with low power and high performance.
- Automatic control devices. These include motion and light sensors that turn the device on and off at the right time.
- . It stores electricity during the day and releases it at night. Works in conjunction with, providing optimal charging mode.
- The switchgear switches off the appliance when the lighting is no longer required.
Next, you need to select the parts with the appropriate parameters and technical specifications. 3-4 ultra bright 1-1.5 volt LEDs will be enough, which will require a 3000 mAh battery and an output voltage of 3.6 V. The lamp will charge in good weather for 8-10 hours, and the LEDs can work up to 12 hours. The solar panel is selected accordingly. A device with dimensions of 65x65x3 mm, with a current of 90 mA and an output voltage of 4.4 volts, is best suited.
To assemble the electronic control unit, you will need 22 kOhm MLT resistors - 4 pcs, KT503 transistors - 2 pcs, Schottky diode 11DQ04 - 1 pc. All elements are placed on the board, and the tracks on it are created from a copper stranded wire. After all the preparatory work, a general scheme is assembled.
Assembly of circuit elements
All prepared parts of solar-powered lamps are assembled into a common scheme.
The configuration of the lamp and its device is chosen according to your own taste. Next, LEDs are connected to the finished control unit. Instead of a conventional switch, it is recommended to install a motion and light sensor in the power gap. With the onset of darkness, the lamp will automatically turn on and turn off in the morning. When a moving object appears in the area of responsibility, the automation will also work and the device will turn on.
If colored LEDs are used, then a special controller can be connected that will perform color adjustments. He will need a separate power supply, but this is a completely solvable problem. In general, a do-it-yourself solar-powered lantern assembled from improvised materials costs several times cheaper than its factory counterparts.
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