New DIY LED lighting for my room

[djQUAN]

Old panels and wind generator are taken down. Moving them to another house in the province.

Yes, they are a little harsh to look at but doesn't seem to bother the other members of the household. I can't take the flouro lamps out as they are still used if solar power isn't enough or I'm fixing or working on the system.

 

[djQUAN]

:bumpit:

Made some LED lights for the garden using plastic drinking glasses and 72 Osram PLCC SMD LEDs in each.

 

[BShanahan14rulz]

those make nice diffusers, and with the plcc LEDs, probably easier on the eyes too. Nice

 

[mithelamithi]

I ordered some COB LED strips from DX a while back and made high power LED drivers for them. I planned to use them at home since I already have an alternative power system (wind/solar) and off the shelf 12V LED lighting strips/bars aren't bright enough for me.

I used an 18" length of aluminum C channel and mounted the powersupply and two LED modules each and installed them on the ceiling. Turned out the two 16W LED strips from DX driven at only 1A was much brighter than the 40watt 4foot flouro tube in the ceiling. I had to turn it down to 550mA and it's still brighter. If interested, I can take Lux readings comparing the flouro tube and new LED lamp.

Check out the pics and here for details of the powersupply and lamp assembly.

It is good to hear that you are using LED lights for your home. I have checked all links those you have shared. Good job. I have also brought some LED lights for my bed room and my office from LED drivers, Power Supply, Constant Current Driver LED - AC Electronics.

 

[Blaster]

Awesome project looks great so far + when system allows

 

[djQUAN]

The deep cycle battery we were using (local branded) did not last as long as expected, we were hoping to get at least 5years but lasted only 3 years. So I decided to get quality ones from a friend who imports C&D Technologies Dynasty batteries. At almost twice the price for the same total capacity, this one should be better. It also has a 3 year warranty and it's sealed. No need to worry about acid spills and corrosive vapors

 

[Cyparagon]

Hydrochloric acid is the one that has corrosive vapors. I don't think sulfuric does.

 

[djQUAN]

It's probably acid mist due to bubbling of the electrolyte. Still, a sealed battery is better in this regard as the battery bank is under my workbench.

I'm thinking of adding another one or two for more reserve capacity. The panels fully charged the pair from dawn to just a little past noon.

 

[djQUAN]

We're getting pretty beat up right now. storm is still on our area and there's no mains power but the solar power system is providing us lighting and internet. Hopefully, the panels stay on the roof until the storm passes.

 

[BShanahan14rulz]

djQUAN, I'm glad you at least have power for critical applications such as lighting and checking LPF :beer: Oh, and I guess you're also checking on storm progress. I'm glad you checked in, though. When I first heard about this, I started wondering how solar panel LED house guy (that's your name in my head) would be doing.

 

[djQUAN]

Yeah, we're checking the weather and keeping in touch with other relatives. The sun is shining now but the winds are still strong and has changed direction. I've been awake since 2am and it's 6am now lol So far, the panels are still on the roof. Storm is said to be doing 185km/hr gusts.

 

[Sigurthr]

After the storm is gone you may want to go up on the roof and check the panel supports for damage and loosening. Glad to hear you're managing well though.

 

[djQUAN]

Yeah that's the first thing I'm gonna do. We actually tied the panels down for additional measure yesterday before the storm hit.

All windows and walls of houses are covered with shredded leaves. Looked like someone went to town with a leaf muncher and blew it all over the place.

We've been pummeled by strong winds for over 7hours now. The storm is on its way out so the winds are starting to die down but still rather strong.

In other news, here's a pic my bro took. A branch broke and almost hit my dad's car by a few feet.

 

[djQUAN]

Sorry for the double post. Here's an update. Solar panels survived with only the mounting frame slightly bent. There are no major damage on our properties.

 

[Sigurthr]

Glad you made it through undamaged!

slightly OT: I'm always of the opinion that as long as the OP is adding content there shouldn't be any issue with reasonable multiposting. I'm not a mod though.

 

[djQUAN]

It's the second night of still no power but we're not totally in the dark and we don't have to tend a noisy and smelly generator for backup power. :beer: