With the advent of special 12V DC, high efficiency Compact Fluorescent lighting from OnSolar.co.uk, it is possible to install powerful lighting almost anywhere!
12V DC CFL Lighting
One of the most gratifying things a horse owner can do is to install a simple 12v lighting system into the stable block allow maintenance routines to be carried out throughout the year in complete safety. It is amazing the difference a couple of well placed low energy fluorescent lamps can make. Even a small 12v 7 Watt cold cathode compact fluorescent lamp will provide illumination similar to a regular 40 watt incandescent lamp, so as you can see, this is going to be Very useful light!
For some horse and pony owners, it can be a little disconcerting to be working perhaps a mile of more from the nearest homestead and perhaps in failing light conditions. Usually, one will of course have a reliable torch to help guide the way. However, wouldn’t it be a lot better if the areas you need to work in were brightly lit? Of course it would, but How? Take a look at the diagram below.
As the diagram below illustrates, for installations requiring long cable runs, there may be a slight voltage drop as power reaches the final or last lamp in a chain but providing quality cabling is used and the length is not too long, there should not be any problems.
Unless using multiple cable runs, one should not exceed the recommended maximum amperage for the chosen cabling. A 7 watt CCFL lamp can be considered as using around .6 of an amp so using four will equal around 2.5 amps which will be just fine for an average application with up to around 20 meters of distributing cabling. Regular domestic 2.5mm ‘twin & earth’ from a local DIY store will be just fine. However, one may need to consider damage from rodents and of course be sure to install a simple car style blade fuse of say 5 amps (in the example here).If at all possible, it is of benefit to install a modest solar PV panel of around 40 watts or more to keep your battery in good health and to ensure power is available at all times. Of course, if you were planning to be a little more extravagant and use more or larger lamps than in the illustration above, one would require a larger PV (photovoltaic panel) of perhaps 80 watts or more; assuming an hour or two an evening using your lighting circuit.
Many things can effect the potential to collect and store electrical current: One may need to consider their site, position, prevailing weather conditions, worst case scenarios such as poor winters (when very little power may be collected form a PV cell), etc.
where can I purchase the barn light in your advert for my stable which is powered by solar panel feeding a battery
Thanking you
Hello there.
The lamps in the illustration are special ‘high bay’ lamps for rough service use. Pretty much overkill for most simple outdoor style lighting installations; there are far cheaper options available; with a bit of checking around.
I would advise taking a look at the various outdoor style lamps available from some of the larger ‘DIY’ stores such as Wicks, B&Q, etc. As long as your proposed lamp fitting is able to take a regular B22 / Bayonet cap fitting OR E27 / Edison screw lamp, you will be able to install a 12V ‘OnSolar’ lamp. Check the dimensions of the bulbs for suitability of matching up with your lamp fitting. You could of course, just use a simple ‘batten’ light fitting (also available form a DIY store).
Take a look at the 12V Low Energy Bulb options at http://www.OnSolar.co.uk