Solar Nightlight

[RestlessMind]

I was wondering if anyone had any instructions/schematics to build a reliable one of these; like the lawn lights people have with the solar panel on top that charges when it's daytime and lights up at night.

Thanks very much!

 

[cj_elec_tech]

Have a look at:
http://www.talkingelectronics.com/projects/SolarLight/SolarLight.html
it explains all about them.


CJ

 

[RestlessMind]

Those things sure are more complicated than one would expect!

 

[robertroneill]

If it were simple, you wouldn't need a degree to be an engineer...

 

[alex88]

This is not complicated circuit. In the commerical product, voltage protection circuit and overfolow current protection circuit is needed.

 

[(*steve*)]

This is not complicated circuit. In the commerical product, voltage protection circuit and overfolow current protection circuit is needed.

Except that is probably a commercial circuit.

Most of these things (and I've taken apart 2 different ones) are as simple as is humanly possible (or simpler).

The sad fact about it is that these things are made by the lowest bidder and anything that can be removed will be.

Most importantly, there is no limit to the charge or discharge of the battery which does not lead to a long life -- especially if combined with extremes of weather. The only saving grace is that a normal cell and a battery holder are obviously cheaper than a battery with solder tags.