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Rec's for solar power flag pole?
- Thread starter Geo's66
- Start date
Tscott
Well-known member
Guys, have a 30' flag pole need to light. Too far from house to run power to. Any thoughts on a solar light? Thanks!
I've used a few of the solar lights in the past, and was not really impressed. They work OK at first, but only for a few hours after dark then the battery dies. In my experience even if the LED's are bright enough and the panel can charge the batteries completely during the day, they will only last a year or so before the batteries decide they don't want to play anymore. I suppose some of the high end units could have better battery tech, but I'm guessing they still won't last much over 2 years if your lucky.
How far is the pole from the house? If your just running lights you can go a long way before voltage drop becomes and issue, especially with incandescent bulbs. CFL's would be a little more finicky.
Tom
Gary S
Well-known member
I agree with Tscott. I tried a solar LED light, but it didn't do much. Luckily, my flagpole is close enough to my house that I could mount a florescent flood on the house and aim it at the flag to solve my problem.
There are likely some high end solar lights out there with big enough solar panels and big enough batteries to do the job, but I can't recommend any.
There are likely some high end solar lights out there with big enough solar panels and big enough batteries to do the job, but I can't recommend any.
hh76
Well-known member
There can be a big difference in solar lighting. Don't judge it all by the products that are purchased randomly, off the shelf at H.F., or the Depot.
Talk to a solar guy in your area to have it sized correctly.
Talk to a solar guy in your area to have it sized correctly.
hh76
Well-known member
Thanks, let me ask you this since I'm a novice. How would I get power to a light for the flag? It's about 40' from front of my house and there is one outlet on that side of the house.... Thanks!!!!
40' trench about 12in deep would only take an afternoon. You could tie into that outlet and bury some wire rated for direct burial. Or, you could get a low voltage light that just stakes in the ground and plugs into that outlet. Usually come with cord that can be buried.
hh76
Well-known member
Hh, would it be difficult to run line to house AND tap into my internal switch that works the porch light? Thinking is they both would be on/off at same time anyway..thanks!
Really depends on where the switch is, and how to get the wire there. I'd simply get power from the nearest source, and use a photocell to have the flagpole light turn on at dusk.
Here is a simple kit
http://www.lnt.com/show_product/52109-238422/?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_term=52109-246999
MFortie
Well-known member
Tscott
Well-known member
Really depends on where the switch is, and how to get the wire there. I'd simply get power from the nearest source, and use a photocell to have the flagpole light turn on at dusk.
Here is a simple kit
http://www.lnt.com/show_product/52109-238422/?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_term=52109-246999
Agreed, 40' is nothing. Dig a trench lay some pipe (you could direct bury wire, but I prefer pipe) and pull power off the outlet you mentioned. Buy lights with a photocell control or you could get fancy and wire a timer. Should take you a day to finish and cost less than $150.
Tom