Solar-powered 12v garden lights

[Bratman91]

I am not sure if this is the right forum but here's my query. I want to install some garden lights but, for various reasons cannot use a mains source of power so am considering 12v lamps powered by a 12v 12Ah sealed, rechargeble lead-acid battery (eg a Yuasa NP12-12). I thought that a solar panel, for example a 12v 4.5W charger, would keep the battery topped up. Based on empirical evidence (not vendor's often overly-exaggerated data), would this be a viable arrangement and, if so, how many lights could I reasonably run from the same battery (say, 3 hours lighting a few evenings a week)?

 

[electronicsuk]

I don't think you'd stand a chance of keeping 12Ah battery charged with a 4.5w panel, certainly not in this country. However, with a more reasonably sized panel, smaller battery, or combination of the two, you could happily run some 12v LED lights.

 

[Steve]

A 12Ah battery can supply 1 amp for 12 hours, or 12 amps for one hour. THEORETICALLY.

So if we have 20 watt lamps, these are 1.7 amps. The battery will power this for just over 7 hours.

If you have four 20w lamps, the battery will last 1.7 hours.

Get a bigger battery

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Bratman - are you aware that you will have to apply for Building Regulations approval for all this before you start?

 

[ColJack]

on the basis that it is a special installation by being an "extra-low voltage lighting system which is not a pre-assembled lighting set bearing the CE marking referred to in regulation 9 of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) regulations 1994"??

( which as a side note means that 240V downlighters aren't notifiable unless in kitchen or special location, but 12V ones are.. ? )

 

[Steve]

Bratman - are you aware that you will have to apply for Building Regulations approval for all this before you start?

Who cares?

Would you?

 

[LoveRocket]

Bratman - are you aware that you will have to apply for Building Regulations approval for all this before you start?

Ha ha ha! HA HA HA HA HA!!!

Nice one, Banal!

Don't forget to notify before placing that rechargeable camping lantern on the patio table either!

You crack me up Banal!

 

[Bratman91]

There seems to be a substantial amount of opinion on the various DIY web sites that the lights would be notifiable if they were NOT, repeat NOT, an "extra-low voltage lighting system which is not a pre-assembled lighting set bearing the CE marking referred to in regulation 9 of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) regulations 1994". This means, I think, that if they have the CE markings, they are not notifiable, and wouldn't lights on sale in the UK by a reputable vendor have them?

 

[bongos]

I think that they are notifiable either way as they are a permanent fixture outdoors.

Have a read and decide for yourself.

 

[Stoday]

The building regulations don't apply in this case and BAS is wrong to say that they do.

The regulations only apply to an electrical installation, which is defined in the Regulations as "fixed electrical cables or fixed electrical equipment
located on the consumer’s side of the electricity supply meter;”

The 12V battery powered circuit is not "on the consumer’s side of the electricity supply meter" because the 12V installation is not connected to it directly or indirectly.