Get your Dollars worth - Solar Light Hack and Repurposing

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  • Опубликовано: 28 окт 2024

Комментарии • 126

  • @WINDGENEERING
    @WINDGENEERING 9 лет назад +13

    Hi Steve, Those micro solar panels are really amazing. I bought 50 of them as driveway lights for about $45.00 in 2004 and they are all still working. I never expected them to last that long but it's truly one of those "junk" items that's 'not junk' at all lol.

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  9 лет назад +7

      That's true. I almost hate to admit it, but I've got over a hundred of these things I've bought over the last few years, As long as they're in direct sunlight, they go and go. I've had to clean the occasional battery contact or re-solder a corroded wire, but they all still work.

  • @Deoxribonucleic
    @Deoxribonucleic 2 года назад +2

    I've been thinking of using these lights for around my camp and keep them on a toggle switch, but to my own shame I didn't even think to use the metal pieces for something. Let me clarify, actually; I didn't think of checking whether or not they are actually stainless or not. Just that simple little thing opens a whole new realm.
    Pretty good video, and there isn't even a lot to it; which I think makes it even better.

  • @ElRazTheGreat1
    @ElRazTheGreat1 8 лет назад +5

    I used those lights to make LED Mason jar lights, you can move them around where you want some accent light. However I changed the batteries with higher Amp to get more out of them. Nice video! Godspeed, Raz

    • @ElRazTheGreat1
      @ElRazTheGreat1 8 лет назад +2

      The 23 negative feedback did not know the polarity of the LEDS!

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  8 лет назад +2

      El Raz you are my brother. From another mother!

    • @ElRazTheGreat1
      @ElRazTheGreat1 8 лет назад +1

      hey thanks davarish!

  • @dand8282
    @dand8282 7 лет назад +11

    if you wired both the solar base and LEDs in series, you can run just one pair of wire, and the light output would be slightly higher due to the lower cable loss from running 3x the voltage. you could even do 4 solars and 3 lamps for brighter lights.

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  7 лет назад +4

      That's a very good point. Thanks for sharing that thought!

    • @franksmith7271
      @franksmith7271 5 лет назад +2

      I just used 3 in series to light up a fake candle led, thinking of adding the flicker circuit to make it a little stranger.

  • @brianroberts5740
    @brianroberts5740 2 года назад +2

    I buy the solar yard lights specifically for the batteries. I then solder them together to construct my own el cheapo battery packs for RC vehicles.

  • @davidgaylord2035
    @davidgaylord2035 8 лет назад +1

    hey that was a great idea, another thing is during a power outage bring a couple or more in mine stay lite all night, during a recent rainy and cloudy period these little buggers were still charging during the day so mine don't need direct sunlight

  • @WarbirdPylonRacer
    @WarbirdPylonRacer 9 лет назад +2

    We've got them all over the yard and property lines but since I live in the mountains and in the path of resident black bears they are constantly getting trampled and we have to replace every year. Ha ha ha! The $10 spotlight one with the 3 LED's is absolutely awesome and is still going strong for 5 years now. Put under the tree out front and pointed up. Looks nice at night like a Malibu Light and sometimes can watch the bats flying around it as they frenzy for dinner. Great stuff Steve! Keep up your awesome pilgrimage!

  • @MrDynamitd
    @MrDynamitd 9 лет назад +2

    One of the 3 types of stainless steel is magnetically attracted to a magnet (Martensetic) and the other two are nonmagnetic , and dont say there are more types than 3 - there are over 100 grades - but only 3 types , so the magnet test is not always reliable , good videos and will subscribe , thanks

  • @777-Phil
    @777-Phil 8 лет назад

    Thanks, You've given me ideas to use these for tree lights (moon lights). I've bought hundreds of these is the past. Most last about a year in Alabama ... but they are worth it ... especially with you ideas.

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  8 лет назад

      I'm glad it helped you with your own creative ideas. Thanks!

  • @possumpete
    @possumpete Год назад

    Great fun those things even the "classy" ones with actual glass covers (and Nickel plated if that is (also) useful ) are worth playing with :)
    The internal LED "Cup" is the Cathode. The Negative side.
    (Any other side is the Anode and so the more Positive side:)
    The Anode is often indicated by a flat side or a longer leg ...
    though this does not seem to be "durable" (it a reused thing trimmed up legs ) or consistant..
    the Cup is always the Cathode, on any LED.
    Or at least that works for me for the few hundred I've played with... (not all garden lights !)
    Those white (blue plus phosphorus GaN ) LEDs are genius, relatively robust, useful things to repurpose.
    2.3 to 2.8 fVd. (almost all the cheap ones are 2.8fVd)
    Those little garden lights actually have a clever integrated , simple cheap chip on them that boosts the battery voltage and flips the thing to charge when there is voltage on the solar cell.
    Up the Battery to Nickel Metal Hydride at around 1000mAh or whatever you have at hand.
    ( Tough tough chemistry that one, especially in the cold)
    BTW... not a huge amount of point going past 1500 ish as the tiny cell can only collect so much energy per day.

  • @johnmay5957
    @johnmay5957 7 лет назад +1

    stainless steel can be either. depending on weather it is ferrous or non ferrous.. it just depends on how it was manufactured. using a magnet does not tell you if it is actually steel or not. it could be brass with anodisation or paint. if you want to know, scratch it, if the color changes and it looks like brass or copper you can rule out it being steel. also, you should be able to tell by how difficult it is to scratch.. if the metal feels relatively soft and easy to bend, its probably not stainless..

  • @peacefulprepper2402
    @peacefulprepper2402 9 лет назад +4

    Great project. I have some old deck post lights I need to do something with.

  • @121293g
    @121293g 7 лет назад +2

    If you take the shiney plastic from a flash light and put it behind the light on your steps it will be even brighter.....I was thinking of that as i was watching your video i figured i would put the idea out there....Great idea though with the phone wire to the LED light im working on making a solor battery charger with 6 of these solor lights....Once i figure out how im going to build it ill upload a video

    • @miraclevortex
      @miraclevortex 7 лет назад

      yes, nobody talks about the optics, a magnifying glass being a dioptric lens or and old reading glasses lenses will make a real difference.

  • @ziongite
    @ziongite 3 года назад +3

    What's up with the 122 dislikes? I seriously struggle to find anything this guy said or did that could trigger 122 people.

  • @waynemarsh1358
    @waynemarsh1358 8 лет назад +1

    Love your site Lots of good Ideas I just thought I would add I used one as a switch to turn my out side light on and off. if you wire up the led in the day the light will be off at night it will turn on. I have a 12v led light system and by braking the red + wire and hooking up the + to - + to just thought you might want to try it and do a vid looking forward to seeing it LoL keep up the good work

  • @travismoore7849
    @travismoore7849 Год назад

    If you get a higher current 2v solar panel and a 1.5ah battery you can run an led at higher current. The inductor controls the current, small inductors for higher current and larger inductors for low current. I think 330 is as high as you may want to go with the circuit. A high efficiency led would work better for high inductance. But if you get a bright led you may need more current with a smaller inductor. I got a solar pannel from Amazon or Aliexpress. I found a 1.5ah nicd sub C batter out of an old electric razor. I got the circuit from a dollar light. And used a 10mm white led that I think uses 20ma to 30ma.

    • @travismoore7849
      @travismoore7849 Год назад

      Though if you want a really good battery I wonder if a small seven dollar 2.4v lithium titanate battery would work at about 3ah.

  • @warlockcommandcenter
    @warlockcommandcenter 7 лет назад +3

    I swapped out the leds for IR led and use them as range and down range light with my NVG's.

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  7 лет назад

      Wouldn't IR LED's have such a high power drain it wouldn't last very long?

    • @warlockcommandcenter
      @warlockcommandcenter 7 лет назад +1

      Steve Robertson yes I increased the batteries

  • @aldesrochers
    @aldesrochers 9 лет назад +4

    Great tip on those lights.. For the price, this is a profitable investment.. Light is in the primary need off or on grid.. Thanks Steve!!

  • @wulfclaw4921
    @wulfclaw4921 5 лет назад +2

    Good hack on the step lights! Did you put tinfoil behind them or a pot pie tin to make em brighter?
    Ihsve been using them in my walls too. I built an earthbag hybrid house so the unfinished walls are 12" thick. I used wine bottles in the walls and also added these yard lights on the outside -so they charge by day and I have some accent lifhts at night on the stairs and in the walls.
    Keep em coming, brother !
    Much appreciated ! 👍
    Wulfy

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  5 лет назад

      Wulf Claw I didn’t do anything extra with them at all. But they worked very well for helping me see the steps at night.

  • @XspeedXracerX
    @XspeedXracerX 5 лет назад

    Good repurposing idea! Look forward to your next DIY vid!

  • @garyrichmond7857
    @garyrichmond7857 2 года назад +1

    That's cool I never thought of that thank you Steve

  • @Chorkaloopa
    @Chorkaloopa 9 лет назад

    Great job, Steve. Have you tried putting a reflector around the LEDs (like from a flashlight) to maximize the light output on the riser installation? Very cool that you were able to do that project for next to nothing. Kudos from California.

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  9 лет назад

      California! Woohoo, thanks. I'm too lazy to put a reflector on them but they're still going strong!

  • @madymisucreations9191
    @madymisucreations9191 2 года назад +1

    I enjoyed this very much. Made me feel like running to the dollar store

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  2 года назад +1

      Thank you so much. Always appreciate the thoughts of a fellow dog lover.

  • @USSBB62
    @USSBB62 9 лет назад +4

    Wow ! That really looks nice. I mean really nice. Completely understand the amount of light needed is only the non tripping amount. Thanks. My wife wants them so its off to the dollar store...

  • @AThreeDogNight
    @AThreeDogNight 6 лет назад

    That is a great idea on the steps, & on your shed lights as well.

  • @flaggism
    @flaggism 8 лет назад

    Im doing this tonight,so far so good,working great!Thanks Steve!!!

  • @esaturn4771
    @esaturn4771 5 лет назад

    the batteries stake lights come with usually aren't meant to hold much of a charge so yes you get a cheap battery, but it is a cheap battery.

  • @trailkeeper
    @trailkeeper 8 лет назад

    Thanks. Hot-Glue is a good thing to have with many projects

  • @youtubecommentpolice2043
    @youtubecommentpolice2043 6 лет назад

    Those dollar tree solars are pretty solid. I bought them few times

  • @PeterGreenLeon
    @PeterGreenLeon 8 лет назад

    why are you using drywall screws outdoors to attach the escutcheon , not only will they corrode in about a second, but they will then pit out the wood with rot as water penetrates the hole. Maybe I am not identifying the screws correctly?

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  8 лет назад +1

      You identified the screws correctly. I would not have done this in a place like Michigan, or if the steps were directly exposed to the weather. But this is Colorado and the climate here is arid. The screws have been in place over a year and everything still works as desired. Everyone will choose their own method, including you - the beauty of pioneering in the off-grid field.

  • @TheBillythekid2010
    @TheBillythekid2010 9 лет назад +3

    Good to see the fullest use of a buck!! And steps look nice !! I like the dollar store too!! Great idea, Thanks:)

  • @sunnysleemen8643
    @sunnysleemen8643 7 лет назад

    Hi Steve, I watched your tube on water heaters. I'm just starting with solar. I'm checking out pool heaters, and these people think I'm new just because I'm blonde. They want 6 K for a solar pool heater. Then I was thinking why wouldn't I just make electricity and power a electric water heater, so I really liked your tube about powering other things after your water is heated. Any other suggestions would be great, I love a man who is frugal, smart and good looking, and who thinks outside the box! You Rock! Ps I live in AZ and my name is Sunny! LOL!

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  7 лет назад

      I'm glad you like the vids, and I agree - 6k for a pool heater is too much. Thank you so much for the compliments!

  • @vidskitkid
    @vidskitkid 8 лет назад

    Nice little project that is very informative and inventive, thank you! I was wondering if putting Al foil behind the LED's would provide even more light out the front for even better illumination?

  • @WIZ56575
    @WIZ56575 4 года назад

    Do you know exactly how many volts and Milla amps that single solar cell put out, second question do you know if those type of solar can ever be linked together to make one amp

    • @robertcrittenden497
      @robertcrittenden497 3 года назад

      Just saw a video posted with looked like 8 of these tiny panels. I saved it. To watch

    • @WIZ56575
      @WIZ56575 3 года назад

      @@robertcrittenden497 ruclips.net/video/Dp-6fOGI6oc/видео.html

  • @AdrianEmbrey1979
    @AdrianEmbrey1979 7 лет назад

    Novice here, but when you said you used the telephone wire, that was for the purpose of having the solar panels placed elsewhere?

  • @kesz40
    @kesz40 2 года назад

    3 or 4 years old and battery still was working well ????

  • @taranbasi1457
    @taranbasi1457 7 лет назад

    Hello, I got 6 of these solar lights in the UK. Any suggestions for maintaining them and making sure they don't go yellowish cloudy overtime?

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  7 лет назад

      I've never had that issue with my lights that I've noticed, but a quick search on Google revealed one of my favorite RUclipsrs! ruclips.net/video/eBpfcThXwtU/видео.html

    • @jonathanhughes6946
      @jonathanhughes6946 6 лет назад

      Yes I have a suggestion buy new ones when they yellow cheers.

  • @Totogita
    @Totogita 7 лет назад +1

    what a great idea how long of a wire did you get away with ?

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  7 лет назад +2

      It's about 20ft of 26 gage wire

    • @Totogita
      @Totogita 7 лет назад +1

      Steve Robertson after 100 feet length wires tend to start showing some resistance. thanks for answering.

  • @hikurukutai
    @hikurukutai 9 лет назад +1

    heaps of ideas i can use at my setup cheers

  • @iwantosavemoney
    @iwantosavemoney 6 лет назад

    They make solar Christmas lights that might be a good option after Christmas they even change color.

  • @cathtf7957
    @cathtf7957 Год назад

    Great use for these lights

  • @dennisthemenance5433
    @dennisthemenance5433 4 года назад +1

    I Hacked mine as soon as I got them( bought 3 of my neighbors that went dead after 6 mos..( gave them 0.50 cent ea ave 5 per home = 15 of them..Took them apart, cleaned them up, and then? Converted them to Low Voltage and Use simple clear OD.Caulking on them..I spent ave of 15 min on each one, in my Pellet stove Heated 2 cart Garage and Untility Room and Small Shop..I think all this Solar stuff is a con game, since Right away, I got the 1st ones thru my Wal Mart, took it home and Opened it up and
    1. PLanned Obsolesance- to throw out after 6 mos -Yr and buy another one..
    2. Unable to change the Battery, as you can with Better made Solar lights
    3. Rusting out- not a OD sealed unit, designed to Not last more than 1 yr and at the American Eviorments Expense,
    4. They should be banned and Not Sold Here in Our Country..Its UnAmerican to dispose of them , just into your garbage can, Enviomentally? Dumping Recharable Batteries in our Waste, Not Bioagradeable
    %, I off to my neighbors ( 60 in all on our 4 street community) to just drop off your Burned out solar Lights you can't replace the Battery in, in my Plastic Box down by my MailBox( I Pay off my Postman with free OD Lights for His Home and He, inturn dumps my Junk Mail in anther Plastic Bin Next to my Solar Light Bin..

  • @SyberPrepper
    @SyberPrepper 9 лет назад +4

    More great ideas. Thanks.

  • @wallacesheckells9280
    @wallacesheckells9280 7 лет назад +3

    Very cool idea !!

  • @sharky049
    @sharky049 9 лет назад +1

    Thanks for the detail.

  • @thefaeryman
    @thefaeryman 7 лет назад

    nice tips, thanks
    btw, what video editing software do you use?
    best

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  7 лет назад

      I use primarily Corel Videostudio X10. I've had so many questions about it that I'll probably do a video about doing videos.

    • @thefaeryman
      @thefaeryman 7 лет назад +1

      And I thought it was a unique question!
      I have been learning Final Cut Pro, on mac, at a community cable tv station but I have pc at home. so I don't bother editing my youtube videos.
      thanks

  • @madymisucreations9191
    @madymisucreations9191 2 года назад +1

    I'm cracking up😭😂😂 because the time I spent right in front of my solar lights confused as to why when I touch them they turn off and when I walk away they turn on .. Omg 😭😭😂😂

  • @rupe53
    @rupe53 4 года назад

    Why not save a few steps of labor and just cut off the base on the lamp, then attach them to the stair stringer (side of the step) with a dab of hot glue? No hole drilling and no remote wiring necessary.

  • @jamab2307
    @jamab2307 3 года назад

    A bit of aluminium foil behind the light bulp woud make it shine brighter

  • @yolandaalmonte1771
    @yolandaalmonte1771 2 года назад +1

    Geniuses 🙌🏽💫😌🤩

  • @thebeststooge
    @thebeststooge 6 лет назад +1

    They finally did away with those ss ones for solid plastic. I was sad.

  • @johnfitbyfaithnet
    @johnfitbyfaithnet 4 года назад

    Cool idea

  • @marcisaacs9407
    @marcisaacs9407 2 года назад +1

    Check plus

  • @silverhairdemon
    @silverhairdemon 9 лет назад

    So the solar function is gone I guess? now they are build in the stairs?

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  9 лет назад

      +silverhairdemon No. Only the LED's are mounted into the stairs. The solar cell and battery are on the south end of the porch in full sun. A wire runs from the cell/panel to the LED in the stairs for light in the dark. If the solar function were gone, it would defeat the purpose of doing it in the first place.

    • @silverhairdemon
      @silverhairdemon 9 лет назад +1

      Ahh ok okey thanks for explaining, and good work it looks great.

  • @nathandean1687
    @nathandean1687 8 лет назад

    umm just let you know that those stainless steel parts may be brushed aluminum.

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  8 лет назад +1

      +Nathan Dean That is a good question, but in this case the parts are good quality stainless steel. There are a couple of "home tests" that can be easily performed. When left exposed to the elements, aluminum leaves a thin white, powdery residue (oxidation) that can be wiped off, where stainless steel retains it's shine. Secondly, you can get a small amount of sulfuric acid from a battery and place it on the metal in question. If the acid reacts with and pits the metal, then you have aluminum. If there is no reaction and no scarring of the metal, it is stainless. Please exercise common sense handling sulfuric acid. It eats away clothing as well as human skin.

  • @sbcinema
    @sbcinema 2 года назад

    👍

  • @DaleB809
    @DaleB809 7 лет назад

    great idea. had to.thumbs up and subscribe. Great video

  • @pulesjet
    @pulesjet 5 лет назад

    The batteries they use in those lights are total crap. After they peter out replace them with a Regular Alkaline cell. Yes Alkaline cells will recharge. I have some that have been working longer then the original cells ever lasted.

  • @robbygray8788
    @robbygray8788 9 лет назад

    great idea nice job

  • @WIZ56575
    @WIZ56575 Год назад

    😊❤🎉

  • @nathandean1687
    @nathandean1687 8 лет назад

    ok water you really should be askimng your self. is why we only using water one time. when we should be using the water 2 too 3 times be fore we return the water to the gruond.

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  8 лет назад +2

      +Nathan Dean We can thank the wonderful laws in place to make sure we have no wisdom with our water. In New Mexico, I caught rain water and ran that through the washing machine. That used water ran into a settling tank. That water was lightly filtered and ran to the toilet. The lint and soap scum from the settling tank and filter was composted and used in the garden. The phosphates from the scummy soap residue broke down into fantastic fertilizer.
      Fast forward to today. I am not allowed to catch rain water on my new place in Colorado. That is a misdemeanor. I cannot reuse greywater. My plumbing system would get red tagged and I would be fined.
      Reference: water.state.co.us/SURFACEWATER/SWRIGHTS/Pages/RainwaterGraywater.aspx
      Because of the new carbon tax laws coming soon, firewood burning will be as illegal as burning coal. Welcome to the New Order of government control. Ref: truenorthreports.com/this-years-really-bad-idea-a-carbon-tax
      Aside from being restricted by higher powers, I would love your idea. But there's only so much common sense we're allowed to use and stay out of jail.

  • @pagghr51
    @pagghr51 4 года назад

    you look and sound like Kenny Rogers from that MAD skit..

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  4 года назад

      pagghr51 I did look a little like him. I’m older now but still have the same voice.

  • @partpanwar939
    @partpanwar939 3 года назад

    Here is the beautiful Solar post lights I like so much: amazon shops sogrand

  • @1701spacecadet
    @1701spacecadet 7 лет назад

    Since when is stainless steel not magnetic??
    I have stainless cutlery and guess what? Magnets stick to it.

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  7 лет назад

      That's a reasonable question deserving of a reasonable answer. As I mention in the video, non-magnetic stainless steel is most desirable for creating a HHO gas generator, also known as Brown's gas (something else for you to Google). This is because non-magnetic stainless steel has less ferrous iron in it to interact with the chemicals. But for just a good ol' explanation of the difference, someone else already did all that for me here: greenwoodmagnetics.com/resource/what-is-the-difference-between-304-and-316-stainless-steel/

    • @1701spacecadet
      @1701spacecadet 7 лет назад +1

      Steve Robertson Thanks. That was some interesting reading!

  • @ernestpereyra1934
    @ernestpereyra1934 6 лет назад

    Bull those light work with 🔋

  • @wasblind4835
    @wasblind4835 8 лет назад

    ok. he puts McGiver to shame.

    • @OffGridLivingSteve
      @OffGridLivingSteve  8 лет назад

      Thank you! I take that as a compliment. I'll have to tell Darren to take you to lunch for that!

  • @gospellover333
    @gospellover333 4 года назад

    Thanx i love solar lights!!! I want to repurpose the battery operated lantern turn it into a solar light can you help me with this..thanx..GODblz Bsav out there LivnluvinCHRIST ph

  • @wasblind4835
    @wasblind4835 8 лет назад

    ha-ha Heeeellllppp