Free Power

By Paul Bianchina

Energy prices are steadily on the rise. Many home owners are searching for an alternative energy source in an attempt to save money. With the advances in solar technologies, harvesting the energy of the sun is now easier than ever.

Solar powered accessories make use of a technology called photovoltaics. Small collector panels convert radiation from the sun into direct current (DC) electricity, and that electricity is then used to supply power to the light or other object. Larger panels, or combinations of several smaller panels, can be used to generate larger amounts of electricity, and the DC power can also be converted into alternating current (AC) through the use of an electrical device called an inverter. As technology improves and the conversion process becomes more efficient, solar panels are being used for ever more wide ranging applications, including power for an entire house.

Lights

One of the most useful and practical solar accessories for many areas around your home is the solar light. Solar lights come in a surprisingly wide variety of shapes and sizes and, since they require no power source or wiring, they are extremely easy to install.

Yard lights are one of the most common variations of the solar light. Small "pagoda" or "mushroom" style lights have a solar collector panel mounted directly on top of the fixture, and utilize a surprisingly bright 3 to 4 watt fluorescent bulb. One day's exposure to sunlight will typically power the light for about 5 hours, and a photocell is used to turn the light on at night and off in the morning. Many lights also have an external jack for the connection of an AC adaptor that will charge the light in the event of prolonged periods without sunlight or to provide consistent power for a longer period of time, such as when you're entertaining. Larger pole mounted lights, which utilize larger panels, are also available for lighting a larger area, and also work great in many commercial applications.

Another popular solar light is the motion detecting flood light. This mounts to the wall in the same manner as a conventional light, but without the electrical wiring. A small solar panel is mounted on the roof or in any other convenient location that has good solar access, and connects to the light with a 10 to 15 foot cord. A built in motion sensor turns the 20 watt halogen light on when anyone crosses its beam. Most have a battery backup that will power the light for up to two weeks without sunlight, making it a great security light for when you're away from home.

A variation on this is the solar house number sign, which also uses a remote solar panel to power the illumination for your house numbers. The backlit, photocell controlled sign holds up to five numbers, mounts just about anywhere and can be seen from quite a distance.

Solar lights are available at home centers, lighting stores and electrical retailers. Some models will require special order.

Solar Gate Operators

Solar powered operators for gates are a great innovation. These powerful motors can lift surprisingly heavy gates. Many can handle gates up to 16 feet wide and weighing upwards of 600 pounds. And the fact that they require no electrical wiring makes them perfect for a wide variety of remote locations. Solar powered gates can be used at the end of residential driveways, on rural access roads, for livestock corrals and in many other areas. There is no costly trenching and no monthly fees for electrical use.

Solar powered gate operators come in three basic forms-vertical operators, which lift the gate up on a pivot at one side; swing operators, which swing the gate open horizontally; and linear operators, which slide the gate horizontally to one side. The operator can be adapted to just about any type of gate, stock or custom made, to allow you virtually unlimited design options. Activation options include push button keypads, remote controllers or card swipe readers.

You'll find solar gate operators available through most fencing companies, typically by special order.

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