115vac and 12vdc LEDs

[Doc1]

We've been collecting and using both 12 volt DC and 115 volt AC LED lightbulbs for quite a while now. You can find reasonably on eBay or other online vendors.

I use the 115vac types for outdoor lighting and interior nightlights. The 12vdc types are for emergency lighting. Though we have a few automotive types and some battery powered LEDs, my favorites are the ones with the Edison base, screw-in type, just like a regular lightbulb. I buy used light fixtures and lamps at flea markets and yardsales cheaply, cut the plugs off and use them for the 12 volt LEDs. This works very well! Even old car batteries will light an LED for a very long time.

Best regards
Doc

[danoon]

I agree. Last year I bought 5 boxes of 60 white LED Christmas lights. I ran one string around the workshop for a yard light and they work great and only use 4 watts. Thats a lot cheaper than a 100 watt flood light and it doesn't bother the neighbors. I also mounted three solar LED spot lights in the yard for the dark areas. The spot lights aren't very bright but you would be surprized at the light they put out on a dark night.

The deep cycle battery will run a couple strings of lights for days without having to hook the solar panel up to it.

[eyewonder]

I've been thinking of getting a solar powered 12V (car) battery charger. Anyone have any recommendations for a good/low cost unit?

I'm thinking of using that, along with a 12V inverter (12VDC -> 110 VAC) to power essential items (furnace in winter, etc) in case of power outage.Anyone have good luck with inverters?

[danoon]

I've been thinking of getting a solar powered 12V (car) battery charger. Anyone have any recommendations for a good/low cost unit?

I'm thinking of using that, along with a 12V inverter (12VDC -> 110 VAC) to power essential items (furnace in winter, etc) in case of power outage.Anyone have good luck with inverters?

First.. you aren't going to find a good solar panel thats cheap. Those darn things are pretty expensive for what you get. I have a small 18V. panel 18" x 10" [or close to that] and it was $120.

To power a furnace you would need a bank of 8, or more, deep cycle batteries [as in golf cart batteries, car batteries won't work] and some major solar panels to keep them charged.
One battery will run a light and maybe a coffee pot or laptop but will need recharged every day.

I'm far from an expert on solar power so maybe someone here can clue you into a good system but if you google solar power you can learn a lot about prices.