Can I put a solar motion detector light in my barn and run the solar panel outside?

sixdogs · May 13, 2018

MossRoad said:
I'd try this one from Harbor Freight...
60 LED Solar Security Light

The manual for it specifically says it comes with 16' of wire so you can mount the solar panel up to 16' away from the motion sensing light. It'll stay on up to 120 seconds after the last motion is detected.
https://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/69000-69999/69643.pdf

Thank you. Do you know if these also have an off-on switch on the back? My hard wired motion lights motion also have an on-off switch on the back.

MossRoad · May 13, 2018

Read The Furnished Manual.... :laughing:

It says there's an ON/AUTO switch on the bottom, so I'm guessing yes.

EddieWalker · May 14, 2018

If I was building a light or looking for one, I would consider Northern Tool over Harbor freight if I was trying to save money, and also expecting it to last more then a year.

diazespam · May 14, 2018

The nice thing about small scale solar stuff is it's all low voltage (12VDC) so you don't have to worry about hurting yourself or someone else. Check out camping/RV stores for all-in-one unit like this one:
Nature Power Solar Motion-Activated 144 LED Security Light, 15 Lumens - RDK Products 22266 - Security - Camping World

If you're feeling adventurous you could run your own system with a small solar panel and regulator connected to a sealed SLA 12VDC battery (same as starting battery for small lawn tractors). Put a regular light switch between the battery and a 12V lighting fixture with 12V lightbulbs. You do have to make sure to use 12V stuff (not 120VAC like in your house).

It's bunch more work but with a big enough battery and solar panel, you can install a really bright switchable 12V LED light.

Basic diagram:

EddieWalker · May 14, 2018

Nice diagram. For wire, You can use speaker wire, or 14 gauge romex. If you use romex, and change your mind about running power from your other building, it will already be in place. You can also use a regular residential light switch with 12 Volts

MossRoad · May 14, 2018

EddieWalker said:
Nice diagram. For wire, You can use speaker wire, or 14 gauge romex. If you use romex, and change your mind about running power from your other building, it will already be in place. You can also use a regular residential light switch with 12 Volts

I'd skip the speaker wire and go with the romex just for the reason you mentioned.... someday he might want AC power in there.

We had a neighbor that worked in the trailer industry..... she wired her house with "borrrowed" speaker wire. Then she couldn't sell the house because it couldn't pass inspection. Defaulted on the mortgage and left the house to rot in our neighborhood. Thanks!

:laughing:

diazespam · May 14, 2018

Yes, make sure your wire is sized right for your fixture. 14 gauge can handle 15A. At 12V that's a 180W which you should be well under with an LED light (probably be more like 30W-50W), but just make sure.

Also forgot to mention you probably want to put a fuse in-line between the battery and the light. It's not critical because it's just 12V but it will save your battery and/or light fixture if there's a short. You can usually find simple in-line fuse holders with wire and the fuse at Home Depot/Lowes. Anything will work fine, glass cartridge or auto fuse, 10-20A rating. You just want something to disconnect circuit if there's a hard short. Wire the fuse in close to the battery on the +12V hot that feeds the switch.

You can get auto fuse holders almost anywhere (Walmart) here's an in-line glass fuse holder:
BK/HHT - Eaton Bussmann - Fuse Accessories

sixdogs · May 14, 2018

What about lightning strikes nearby? I'm on ground that's flat and occasional big storms.

Fuddy1952 · May 14, 2018

My $.02 is simplicity. It's pitch dark outside and I just triggered my $35 Harbor Freight shed light. It's about 12 ft. up so light would be better if lower. I triggered it about 30 ft. away. It's been there at least 5-6 years no trouble. Today was cloudy so not as bright as usual but you can see to get around.