DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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Outside Solar powered lighting
We only have a small porch light by our front door, and when we had the guest room built, we didn't think to have outside lights included----if you
don't request something, it does not happen. 
Instead of adding the wiring now, we were wondering about solar powered outdoor lights. We have seen some on the Internet that have their own little
solar panel, but are wondering if anyone has used them.
We are not looking for the decorative type lighting, but regular lighting attached to the house.
Any opinions?
Diane
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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have several, work great.......go on line to Home depot or Lowe's and check the variety
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bufeo
Senior Nomad
Posts: 793
Registered: 11-16-2003
Location: Santa Fe New Mexico
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In Arizona we use solar lights that we purchased at one of the home improvement centers. I can't remember which one. They work fine to outline the
driveway and garden paths. Plenty of ambient light.
A neighbor in Baja has a dedicated 12V battery that is maintained by a small solar panel and the battery supplies energy to an outside light. It's a
12V light and one can even read by it.
For our off-road trailer (Horizon by Adventure Trailer) we have several LED lights that run off the 12V battery in the nose of the trailer. These
provide good ambient light.
I would think that if you only want to 'mark' the entrance one of those solar lights I mentioned first will work. If you want a little more for
after-dark patio use you may consider dedicating a 12V battery and solar 'maintainer'.
I'm sure you'll receive more and better suggestions.
[Edited on 1-19-2008 by bufeo]
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Santiago
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3512
Registered: 8-27-2003
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http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnu...
I see these things everywhere and even have one in my casita's bano. I wouldn't call it a bright light but at least Andy can find his you-know-what a
lot quicker than before.
edit for spelling
[Edited on 1-20-2008 by Santiago]
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oladulce
Super Nomad
Posts: 1625
Registered: 5-30-2005
Location: bcs
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We had a Brinkman solar motion sensor light several years ago and I wouldn't get another. Husb never found the correct angle to position the little
panel for max sun exposure and ultimately the battery se murió . I couldn't find a replacement battery anywhere and had to toss the whole thing.
Our neighbor had the same brand light and it never worked when he wanted to go out to his garage in the dark. But it worked great when the foxes came
out later at night to sleep on his palapa roof.
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Mulegena
Super Nomad
Posts: 2412
Registered: 11-7-2006
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Gee, I never heard of putting one on a banjo... guess Andy can really play a new kinda tune. 
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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Mood: Full Time Residents
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we tried everything solar for lighting
the torch lights (and we have ALOT of them)
are ok for markers but don't put out alot of light
they use rechargable AAA batteries which are hard to find
we finally decided to use compact florcent (2WATT) bulbs for the casitas outside around the pool
These put out 15watts of light for 2watts
They run on the inverter and batteries
Theu use VERY LITTLE power
for spot lights i'd go LED...
these 110v bulbs are available on ebay and come from china
they are not available in the states
LED spot bulbs use 5WATTS and put out 50-60WATTS of light
I havent used them long enough to tell you how long they'll last
bottom line i'd hard wire in a light that turns on frronm the inside
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bajadock
Super Nomad
Posts: 1219
Registered: 12-20-2006
Location: Punta sur de \'Nada
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GEEZ Bob and Susan's posts read like they've built hundreds of homes! Glad I have less experience than those hardy nomads. The solar lighting I
have used from HD or Lowe's is similar to that of a tea candle. Walkway, driveway highlighting or weak living area lighting are perfect for solar.
I bought solar lights for exterior on my new home here. Goal was energy conservation(code for saving a few pennies). Returned them all as they were
subjectively 1/3 of the lighting I was wanting. Went with fluorescent 9 watt(40 watt equivalent) for my 12 exterior deck and garage lights.
Reminder that the display lights at HD/Lowes are wired lights emitting brighter glow than what you will see at home. They haven't figured out how to
open up the roof to let the sun in yet.
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El Camote
Senior Nomad
Posts: 514
Registered: 9-7-2003
Location: Above the clouds
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Mood: y Blues
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I recently bought a Westinghouse, solar, motion-detector, LED light from Costco for $30. Model #217176. Can't seem to find it on their website or
Westinghouses either. I looked for a long time and this was the best model I found and less than half the price of others. I mounted it on the side
of my mother's house after some P-nche thief rifled through her car in the middle of the night and stole her disabled parking placard. Can you
imagine?
Anywho, so far this unit is performing flawlessly and I think I'll get another for our shed in Baja. 
Knowledge is good. - Emil Faber
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wornout
Senior Nomad
Posts: 595
Registered: 10-24-2004
Location: San Felipe, Baja California
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Mood: No Bad Days
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I have been using the one listed below from Harbor Freight for a few months now. Works great, no problems. I waited till it went on sale at half
price (happens all the time at Harbor Freight) and bought it. Next time it goes on sale, I am buying two for the casa.
[Edited on 1-20-2008 by wornout]
This Space Available, E-Mail Me If Interested.
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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Mood: Full Time Residents
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we did have one of these too...
it lasted about a year...
its a temporary solution and
2 minutes goes by pretty fast when you are in the DARK!!!
bajadoc..when living off the grid using only solar
you NEED to "force participation" in saving electricty
if there's a plug people use it...
no matter what it costs the system
actually looking for lightbulbs and lights that actually work was quite a project for our 5 casitas and lighthouse
i recently dropped the wattage in the lighthouse from 200watts to 50watts when ALL the lights are turned on
AND
you can STILL see very well at night
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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Thanks for all the feedback---beginning to think solar might not be the way to go---want bright light---dang, it was my idea and now I may have to
tell John he wins again.
Diane
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obafla
Newbie
Posts: 16
Registered: 1-20-2008
Location: Ocean Beach, CA
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Mood: hitchhiking hwy 1
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Bob and Susan, thanks for reminder on so many off-grid nomads. I am so spoiled to have my CFE power, but, am conserving more and more with candles.
Had to encourage recent out-of-town visitors to turn off lights in rooms/closets that weren't being used.
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