Light bulbs are responsible for a large portion of the electricity bill at home. Reducing that expense can help you save quite a bit of money in the long term.
Therefore, you can connect solar panels to light bulbs through alternating current (AC) to prevent them from being counted in your monthly utility bill. The good thing about this process is that it’s straightforward and doesn’t require a lot of equipment. The only materials you’ll need for the circuit are:
- Wires
- An inverter
- A solar panel
In this article, we will discuss the following:
- How to connect a solar panel to a light bulb
- What materials you’ll need for this project
- What the materials are and why you will need them
- The advantages and disadvantages of using solar energy panels for your home’s light bulbs
If you’re ready to save some money on your electricity bills, then you should read on for a simple and effective solution. In addition to saving, this renewable energy source will also help your home operate sustainably, reducing the overall impact you have on the environment.
How to Connect Solar Panels to Light Bulbs
Before you begin, you should know that you can only get 12 volts (direct current, i.e., DC) when you use solar panels. So, you’ll require 220 volts to light your home’s bulb (alternating current, i.e., AC).
Therefore, the process will need to convert the current from 12V (DC) to 220V (AC) current. Thus, you’ll need an inverter to accomplish that.
You will need to first purchase a solar panel. You can then use wires to connect it to your inverter.
Make sure that with every wire connection, you ensure that the positive terminals are connected to the opposite positive terminals, and the same is done for the negative terminals.
After that, use an additional set of wires to attach to the output section of the inverter for AC power. This is where you will connect your light bulbs.
What Is an Inverter?
An inverter is a device that converts DC into AC. This device is essential for powering items in your home because you cannot run lightbulbs and other items through direct current (DC).
Therefore, most electrical appliances can only operate via AC. Moreover, solar panels can only provide direct current (DC).
Thus, the inverter allows you to connect solar panels to light bulbs and power them.
See also: Solar Panel Lights (How They Work Best)
Selecting the Right Inverter
You will need to select an inverter based on the number of light bulbs that you want to power via your solar panel. So, a good reference that you can follow is provided below:
- A 500W inverter can power up to about 8 50W bulbs.
- Moreover, considering LED bulbs consume less energy, you could use up to about 16 LED bulbs with a 500 W inverter.
- If you want to power more household electrical appliances using solar panels and an inverter, you should invest in an inverter with more power output.
How to Choose a Solar Panel That’s Best for You
As mentioned above, the inverter’s wattage value and the number of bulbs are important considerations when you want to connect solar panels to light bulbs.
Therefore, using the example above, you will need a solar panel with a total wattage value of 500W if you use a 500W inverter.
In some cases, you may need two solar panels, especially if you plan to power many light bulbs in your home. So, you can connect solar panels to light bulbs in the following ways:
- A parallel circuit
- A series circuit
You should choose your solar panels based on how you want to connect them to your light bulbs. Each method will yield different results in terms of the total voltage and current (in amperes).
Here’s how to connect your solar panels in both methods.
How to Wire Your Solar Panel in a Parallel Circuit
The voltage won’t increase when you connect solar panels to light bulbs in a parallel circuit. However, the amperes (A) will increase. In that case, you could use a 12V inverter for this particular circuit.
This circuit type is straightforward. So, all you need to do is:
- Connect the positive terminals on your solar panels to the positive terminals on the other panels.
- Do the same for the negative terminals.
- You will then have to connect it to the inverter.
The output on the inverter will then power your light bulbs.
So, say you were to use 4 solar panels that are rated at 12V 5A, all of which are connected in a parallel circuit.
In that case, your solar power will provide a total output of 12V and 20A.
Therefore, the voltage stayed unchanged, but the amperes increased (through addition) by every subsequent panel.
How to Wire Your Solar Panel in a Series Circuit
It’s the opposite with a series circuit, and the voltage increases when you connect solar panels using this method. However, the amperes remain unchanged. In that case, you cannot use a 12V inverter for this particular circuit.
This circuit type is a little more challenging than a parallel circuit because you’ll need to determine the total output voltage.
Based on that calculation, you should search for an apt inverter that matches the output voltage of the circuit.
So, make sure that you do all of your measurements before you make any purchases to prevent wasting money on incompatible equipment.
What you need to do is:
- Connect the positive terminal on one solar panel to the negative terminal on another panel.
- You must continue to do that until a terminal from each panel at the ends of the series circuit connects to the inverter.
- The output on the inverter will then power your light bulbs.
So, say you were to use 4 solar panels that are rated at 12V 5A, all of which are connected in a series circuit.
In that case, your solar power will provide a total output of 48V and 5A.
Therefore, the amperes stayed unchanged, but the voltage increased (through addition) by every subsequent panel.
How Can You Use Solar Energy in the Night?
You can use solar energy at night by installing a battery in your system to store the energy generated in the day.
Therefore, the battery will power the light bulbs when there’s enough power stored in them.
You will need to make the following change if you want to install a battery in your solar power system.
- You must first use a charging controller to connect your solar panels to the battery.
- The purpose of the charging controller is to manage the battery’s charging levels. Therefore, when enough power is stored in it, it cuts off the charging so that the battery doesn’t overcharge.
- You will then need to connect the battery to the inverter so that the inverter can generate AC to the light bulbs.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Connecting Solar Panels to Light Bulbs?
If you’re still not certain whether this energy solution is right for you, consider some of its advantages and disadvantages.
The Advantages of Solar Energy for Powering Light Bulbs
Here’s an overview of the advantages of this unique sustainable energy solution.
Reduction in Electricity Bills
If you connect solar panels to light bulbs, you can expect a significant reduction in your home’s electricity bill. Light bulbs are often used in the day as well, which can greatly increase your bill. Solar panels offer an affordable solution.
Long-Term Energy Solution
Another advantage of using solar panels is that they are a long-term solution. You can expect them to last about 25 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the raw materials. In addition to that, many solar panels come with 20 years of warranty.
That in itself is a testament to how long these energy solution materials can last.
Sustainable Energy
With a rise in climate change, sustainable energy offers an excellent opportunity to keep that in check. In addition to that, it allows you to power your home independently.
The Disadvantages of Solar Energy for Powering Light Bulbs
Here are some potential disadvantages of this sustainable energy solution.
High Installation Costs
The upfront costs of installing solar panels in your home can be high, depending on the system you’re getting.
You’ll have to purchase an appropriate inverter, one or more solar panels (depending on how much power you require), and the wiring.
However, the upside is that you have a long-term solution that you can continue to use. So, you will end saving money in the long term.
Setting Up the System
While the process on paper is rather straightforward, setting up a solar panel system can be challenging.
If you plan to do it yourself, you should educate yourself on all aspects of it beforehand.
In addition to that, you should consult your local energy regulations to ensure that you meet them. If you want to hire a professional, you’ll have to pay for their services.
