How To Convert An Electric Outdoor Light To Solar

There might be many reasons to turn your electric outdoor light to solar. You end up saving electricity while choosing an environmentally friendly option. 

Obviously, this transformation isn't quite easy. Some homeowners even uproot their previous lighting system completely before installing a new one. 

There are several factors you have to keep in mind while doing the task, like the number of bulbs to be changed, their types, and the locations. Further, the utility is also an important factor, as is your local infrastructure which supplies the electricity. Merely putting in solar panels isn't the right way to go. 

That's where I come in. My name's Stacy, and I maintain a great yard as a hobby. Obviously, outdoor lighting is an important part of the setup. Though I started off with electric variants, I soon converted to solar options for a greener environment. And today, I've prepared a handy guide so you can do the same with ease. 

Let's get into the details. 

Converting An Electric Outdoor Light To Solar: The Essentials To Consider

1. The Efficiency Of Solar Panels

Before converting to solar energy, you should know that most photovoltaic panels have 10% efficiency. This means they can only convert 10% of the collected solar energy to electrical energy. 

You'll not only need solar panels to capture the sun's energy, but batteries become vital to store it as well. When I started off with the conversion, I had a misconception that power and energy are interchangeable terms. 

However, power is actually a measure of how fast one uses the stored energy. Thus, power defines the rate of getting and distributing energy.

2. How Much Energy Is Needed? 

This entirely depends on the kind of lightbulbs you've installed. I use a combination of metal-halide fixtures and LED bulbs. The former are obviously high voltage, while the latter aren’t. It all comes down to crunching some numbers; let me give you an example. 

If you have a 100-watt incandescent bulb that you wish to operate for around four hours each night, then you'll need 400 watts of energy. However, it is best to account for cloudy days when you'll still want to use the lightbulb. Thus, I try to have batteries that can store a greater amount of energy. Something in the ballpark of 1200 watts is a safe choice. 

3. Where Do You Reside? 

All conditions of how much sunlight you receive hinges on where you reside. Since I'm from sunnier climes, my yard receives a lot of sun. But, if you're from areas with greater rainfall, then you might have more difficulties in making the shift to solar-powered options. 

Check the figures for how much sunlight you can expect on an average day, and get a battery accordingly to store that power.

4. Size Of Solar Panel 

Now that you know how much sunlight you can expect and the kind of lights you'll attach, the next step is determining the size of the solar panel. Here you need to remember what I said about the expected efficiency. 

Having a battery to store the power is a smart step, but you need to harness it first. If the area receives plenty of sunlight throughout, then you don't need a very large panel. On the other hand, if the sun is fleeting in your place, then get larger solar panels to make the most of the situation. 

5. How To Convert This Power? 

To go solar you can either connect the light to a solar-powered battery or opt for the standalone option. I've tried both and though the former is a little pricier, it is more preferable. In this case, you can keep your lighting system the same. 

As someone who's taken great care to maintain her yard, it would be really difficult for me to uproot all the lights and install new ones. Moreover, as an active member of the community I often host parties, which are bound to get hampered if I have to dig my entire yard, trying to install standalone solar lights.

Considering Standalone Options 

Before I get to the process of conversion, some users might actually prefer the standalone option. It is best to speak of replacement and how to go about it efficiently.

Solar light fixtures are quite inexpensive and easy to install. If you get photovoltaic panels, you'll notice how cases are often attached to the fixture. The packaging comes with wires, lights, and stakes. Just place them somewhere sunny and you're good to go. 

Despite the numerous upsides, consider the downside for a moment. They grow dimmer over the night as the batteries drain. Moreover, electrical variants are naturally brighter.

Steps To Convert To Solar

It isn't hard to convert your outdoor lighting system to solar, from what I've found. However, you do need some other equipment apart from solar panels. I'll get to them in a moment, but first, I’d suggest you shift to LED from incandescent bulbs. It is a more economical and environment-friendly option. 

Now, let us get into the details of the components. 

1. Battery Bank 

It is best to choose a deep cell battery for these lights. Opt for those that can last long, so even if there are cloudy days, the system remains unaffected. Usually, these batteries have to be powerful so they can support the inverter as well. 

If the battery holds the charge for a long time, then the lights can function uninterrupted. But, a bigger battery has to be matched with a solar panel of the right size too. 

2. Solar Panels 

This brings me to the crucial component. If the solar panel is large, the battery will charge at a faster pace. Some users prefer to go with a single 120-watt panel, but you can also do what I did. I've combined numerous small panels so they amount to the right wattage. 

3. Inverters 

You absolutely need an inverter that can convert the 12 volt DC to 120 volts AC. I've tried wiring the line straight to the inverter, but it isn't possible. Instead, get a variant of around 600 watts. Not only will it give enough power for the lights, but you won't damage your batteries either. 

Needless to say, I struggled with this bit for some time. But, the variant I've recommended has worked the best for me when it comes to longevity. 

4. Charge Controllers 

Normally, this isn't a mandatory component for your solar lighting system. But, in my years of experience, I've found that charge controllers can be quite handy. The first time I went with a solar-powered system, my batteries were overcharged and they gave way after some time. 

As a retired teacher, I tend to be meticulous. So, I made it a point to get the controller the next time. Now, it prevents the battery from overcharging as it is connected to the panels. 

How To Set Up The System? 

When I set up the panels in my yard, it soon became evident that though the lights were waterproof, solar panels were not. Hence, I had to move them into my small shed to keep them safe from the elements. 

Solar panels work more efficiently and enjoy a longer lifespan if they remain protected in such enclosures. But, there is a catch to it. When I put it in my shed, I noticed they took longer to charge, which affected the functioning of my lights. Some modifications were then made to the roof, so these panels would be exposed to sunlight throughout the day. 

After you've installed the panels, you need to set up the charge controller. Place it close to the battery for best functioning. You have to use a low voltage wire for this connection. Then place the controller, linking it to the battery cables. Finally, you have to connect the inverter to these cables as well, once again placing this device close to the battery. 

After you've set up these components, all you need to do is connect the light to the inverter to get power. Since inverters usually come with receptacles, you can easily disconnect the light fixtures from the electrical panels. Then, run a cable outdoors joining your inverter and the lights. 

Put one end in the lights, install a plug, and then finish it off by joining the other end to the inverter. If you get sun throughout the day, your lights should burn all night long.

Getting The Switch 

This is considered to be the final step in the conversion process. Nobody wants their lights burning all day long, so a control switch is necessary to turn it off and on. Although I prefer lights that come with sensors and turn on automatically sensing darkness outside, several homeowners like the manual switches. 

They should be set up in areas that are easy to access. Run a cable from the light to the switch and a second one from the switch to your inverter. You also have to install a plug on the wire between the switch and the inverter. 

Some people might have sensors in their inverter, in which case it is best not to leave the device in a sunny place but keep it in the shade instead. Once you're all set up with the switch, there's nothing left other than to enjoy your exterior lighting arrangement.

Mounting Options

Now that you have your lights, you can choose to mount them for more diverse arrangements. I'm handy with tools, so I can design fancy mounts or wall hanging options to beautify my yard. 

But, if you aren't too comfortable with handiwork, don't bother spending too much money on the mount. After all, it is supposed to be cheap and efficient. Saving money on the light only to spend a fortune mounting it doesn't make sense. 

Instead, buy some standard shelves from stores. You can set them up in different parts of your garden and place the lights there. 

If you opt for a hanging fixture, that's a good choice as well. I recommend drilling in hooks and then using a stainless steel cable to tie the lights from them. However, there are various other ways to mount your solar lights apart from the method I've suggested. 

At the same time, you should remember that your lights must be spaced at an adequate distance so that they can brighten up your entire landscape. When I started out, I had the habit of cluttering my lights together. But now, I try to keep them six to eight feet apart. Of course, this will depend on the brightness as well.

Finishing Touches 

When you've got your lights up and running, you might still want to add some finishing touches. Once I switched to solar lights, I knew I'd have them on for a long time. Therefore, I took the trouble of getting custom paint jobs and even protective finishes for some of them. 

Obviously, this is not a necessary investment, but if you want to go the distance in drawing attention to your lighting, I recommend you follow this step. 

Try and ensure the coloring goes with the overall aesthetics of the yard while still managing to stand out in some ways. Usually, I go for darker shades but add shiny finishes. Using waterproof paint is a smart move here for preserving the look.

Final Words

Now that I've outlined all the steps to successfully convert to a solar outdoor lighting option, you should set about the task immediately. With summer steadily heading towards us, this is the perfect time to change. 

The days are getting longer and soon you'll be eagerly participating in outdoor activities. Turning on solar lights is an environment-friendly option and will save you a lot of money. 

I recommend you definitely know the ins and outs of the installation process before you begin. Make sure all the components are in place, and add the final touches for an unparalleled finished look. If you still have any other doubts about the conversion process, feel free to reach out. 

Until then, I take your leave.