You feel helpless because you don’t know what caused it, where the problem is, or when it will be fixed. You walk around the house, shocked at how reliant we are on a vast network of wires. Without thinking, you flip light switches.
You sit down at the computer, oblivious to the fact that you can’t check the weather or look up the lyrics to that Sauti Sol song stuck in your head. “God, I wish I had an installed solar lighting system” you whisper to yourself.
What exactly is going on? You are perplexed. Perhaps it is the end of the world. Then, without warning, the power comes back on, deep down you let out a sigh of relief or sometimes you scream and jump with joy and just like that, you stop thinking about electricity entirely but that thought of you feeling helpless never goes away.
It is funny how electricity and especially lights bring a sense of security and allows you to relax a little whether you are at home or walking out at night in a well-lit neighborhood.
“I should install a solar powered light system or buy a backup generator”, you think to yourself but just as fast as you had thought about it, you quickly disregard it because of the high cost of switching to solar. On average, the cost of switching to solar in Kenya ranges from ksh 300,000 to ksh 360,000 but fear not.
In this post I will show how this problem can be solved with a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Solar Lighting system for home. Portable solar panel systems enable you to generate and store your own electricity through the use of ultra – light, portable solar panels, charge controllers, batteries, and inverters.
Portable solar panels are available in a variety of configurations, ranging from folding suitcase panel kits that can be set up on the floor to flexible panels which can be suspended from your car or other horizontally surfaces.
Portable solar lights system for home, like roof-mounted panels, are made up of many silicon solar cells. Panels have both a positive and a negative layer, resulting in an electric field. When sunlight strikes solar panels, an electric current is generated.
Panels are then connected to a charge controller, which regulates the amount of current flowing through a battery. Batteries both store and generate direct current (DC). An inverter is used to convert DC power into AC power in order to use household AC appliances such as blenders, laptops, and phone chargers.
The GDLITE solar panel system is a portable solar system that charges the GDLITE GD-8006 6V 4Ah sealed lead-acid accumulator by day and runs three individually switchable, high-quality 6V DC LED lamps at night using a 9V DC 3W solar panel.
Using the provided multi-adapter (USB to nine different plugs), a USB output socket generates 5VDC 0.5A power to charge cellphones, iPhones, iPads, or similar devices. The accumulator can be fully charged by exposing the PV panel to direct sunlight for 12 hours.
It can also be charged using a 110V-240V 50/60Hz alternating current power supply. This system provided plenty of light for a two-person camping trip in the wild for a week by charging the accumulator with the solar panel during the day and using three LED lights at night.
You can find excellent solar panels on Jamboshop, Jumia or kilimall at a relative price.
Pros of Portable Solar Panel Systems
Portable solar power systems are a great option if you don’t think you’ll need a lot of solar power or if you can’t justify installing roof-mounted solar panels. One advantage of their portability is that you can move them between homes and you can use it for multiple rigs, ranging from your car or van to an RV.
They are also an excellent addition to any disaster preparedness kit. You’re often limited in which direction you can place the solar panels especially with roof mounted panels because you need to make sure the panels on your roof get the most sunlight exposure.
But with the GD Lite solar panel, they can be placed wherever they are needed. It’s a great way to taste the solar waters. Portable solar panels are a great way to start trapping the power of the sun If you’re new to solar panels and want to test it out before going through the full process of installing panels on your roof.
Cons of Portable Solar Panel System
One of the biggest disadvantage the portable solar panels especially the GD lite solar kit is that you have to set them up every time because your panels are not mounted on your roof, you will need to set them up whenever you want to begin charging your batteries. It’s not as simple as flipping a switch.
You can’t charge while you’re not there without risking theft or damage. One significant advantage of rooftop panels is the ability to charge them while you are away from your home or vehicle for those who are seeking adventure in the wilderness.
However, if you are concerned about theft or panel damage caused by weather or other outdoor elements, portable solar panels may not be the best option for you.
Conclusion
Finally, you can create a perfect solar home lights for your home or outdoor use. You can finish the process in a few simple steps. A homemade solar light, on the other hand, has some limitations. You can avoid them by incorporating high-quality products.
On the other hand, if you want extra brightness and a light from a reputable manufacturer, you can purchase a complete solar lighting package from a well-known brand.
However, custom lighting will give you more control over your lighting needs and will be easier to install. Don’t rush for results; instead, take your time and follow the steps. The light will improve your nighttime experience at a low cost.