My first Solar Powered LED Light

In the last post, we discussed a basic architecture of a Solar Power Generator.

If you wish to try something of your own and implement this model for learning purposes; a custom built Solar Powered LED light can be a good project to work on.

This can be implemented by spending very small amount of money.

Though we are doing it for learning but I bet you that this light would be much better and much more efficient than the Chinese ones available in the market. 

You just have to plan a trip to electronics market  and you'll be done with all required components.

The system will require the following stuff. 

- LED Light panel (You can design your own LED light if you have time -- But here, we will stick to the one readily available in the market)

- Solar Panel

- Dry Battery

- Charge Controller.

LED Lights,

 Some videos are available on youtube that provide details of how to make your own LED light. An easier option is to just buy simple 12V LED light available easily in electronics market (In my case, that would be Hall Road since I am a resident of Lahore). 
You can also buy 12 volt 18 - 243 LED bulb instead.
Just roam around the market and you will find some best buys. Like I know a very good vendor of LEDs in Lahore on Hall Road named "3D LED"

Solar Panel,

            For LED light, you can begin with 3-5Watt Solar Panel which can be bought from any of the renowned vendor.
We will also teach you how to build you own panel in upcoming posts .

Dry Battery,

            You can use 12Volt 4.5 - 7 Amp battery. Preferably dry battery.
But please make sure that you select a good quality battery. Your backup time totally depends on this battery.

Solar Charger,

            You can get a custom made solar charger kit readily available from any of the electronics shops where university students usually visit for their projects.
I use to buy such stuff from a shop named "Electronik 2000" from Hall Road Lahore.

Now last part is connecting every thing which is quite simple. Just make sure you ask from vendor which wires connect to what while purchasing solar charge controller. Solar charge controller will be connected to all three devices.

Estimated cost would be:

            12V 18LED for Rs.50-100

            Solar PV 3 Watt for Rs.600-750

            12V 4.5 Amp dry battery for Rs.900-1000

            5 Amp custom built charge controller kit for Rs.100

So, for Rs.1700 to Rs. 2500 you can design your own light which is far better than the emergency lights available in the market.

Once you are done with this small project, you'll gain confidence and it will be encouraging for you to proceed for designing a bigger system.
Also by roaming around the market, you will get a priceless experience..


Good Luck..