Can this be set up so it does NOT automatically turn lights on or off? I ask because I want to be able to manually turn the output on or off. This would power led strip lights in my shed but I wouldn't want it to come on after dusk and keep my shed illuminated while I am not there... Or does anyone know of a charger that would charge the 12v battery with a solar panel(ups backup battery) and allow me to manually turn the lights on and off just like if I were to use an on/off switch..etc. Can this be set up so it does NOT automatically turn lights on or off? I ask because I want to be able to manually turn the output on or off. This would power led strip lights in my shed but I... » Read More Can this be set up so it does NOT automatically turn lights on or off? I ask because I want to be able to manually turn the output on or off. This would power led strip lights in my shed but I wouldn't want it to come on after dusk and keep my shed illuminated while I am not there... Or does anyone know of a charger that would charge the 12v battery with a solar panel(ups backup battery) and allow me to manually turn the lights on and off just like if I were to use an on/off switch..etc. « Show Less
1122024
This is the kind of charge controller that would charge your 12v battery or battery array so that you can turn your lights on/off normally
1122025
i don't know the answer, the one problem i had was where the wires go the holes r to small for what i need it for of course a solor panel so i don't even use it...
1122026
Yes - this product will do want you want. I have the HQRP Charge Controller hooked up to a 12V solar panel and a 12V deep cycle battery. The controller output is then wired to 7 Malibu Lamps to light up my front porch and driveway. My lights only turn on after I press the button on the controller's front panel (that little white circle on the right side under the charging LED indicator). Any output device will only turn on after that button is pressed. The HQRP is a great controller - has worked perfect for over 2 years now!
1122027
I have something like what you want to do in my shop. The way I have this controller set up has it in between the panels and a battery. No switch so it charges whenever the sun is out. I put a simple rotary switch (like on a table lamp) on the line to the LEDs and turn them on and off when needed.
1122028
There is a 'load' power switch in the upper right hand corner that does what you want ... unless you leave the switch ON, there is NO automatic. HTH.
1122029
Hi Nigel - You'll have to let me know how your solar panel / LED shed light project turns out. I've learned much and had fun with my 50W setup. Let me know how yours ends up. ~Bryan ;-)
2039917
According to the manual it is SUPPOSED to turn itself off ( doesnt say about lights off power down, so I assumed it meant power off the internal amp) after 30 min of inactivity. I have yet to see a sign of that happening even after hours of inactivity. If you are brave you can TRY HK support, but good luck with that. I think i would rather try to communicate with the stray cats I feed about sun spots!!
1859499
I have one installed in a metal box on the roof. It has already been down to -10 F and probably to 100 F. That said, you may want to look at a MPPT charger. It seems you never get enough power out of a solar panel and the MPPT charger can get up to 30% more power to the battery / load. Its because a solar panel is a constant current device. The current is a function of how much light is hitting the solar panel and with a PWM charger you are pulling the voltage down to the battery voltage instead of allowing it to work at about 19 volts, which is the maximum power point for most 12 volt panes. I have one installed in a metal box on the roof. It has already been down to -10 F and probably to 100 F. That said, you may want to look at a MPPT charger. It seems you never get enough power out of a solar panel and the MPPT charger can get up to 30% more power to the battery / load. Its because a solar panel is a constant current device. The current is a function of how much light is hitting the solar panel and with a PWM charger you are pulling the voltage down to the battery voltage instead of allowing it to work at about 19 volts, which is the maximum power point for most 12 volt panes.
1538887
Jana, Thank you for your purchasing. The light also use the solar panel as a light sensor. if you put the panel indoor in daytime, the lux indoor still can make the panel works(very small current), and the circuit will think it still in day time and the led light is off. But if you cover the panel by sth. , the panel will no output, and the circuit will think it is at night and will let the light on.And since it is in winter, the sunshine is not so powerful to full charge the battery inside in many area. In summer, the working time will be longer.
868225
I would imagine you could put an extension cord in one of the day time slots to give you more plug ins. The lights don't draw that much electricity that it should be a problem. But just in case I would keep an eye on the temp. of the extension cord. Hope this helps.
1596361
This is the description provided of a similar product: "Hardwired photocell control, post eye control. Turns light on at dusk and off at dawn. Adjustable light sensor." So basically you can install this product to your yard lamp-post or outdoors wall lights so that they turn off automatically while the sun is out and turn on when it's dark. Installation instructions are provided with it but I think it's best to consult an electrician (especially for those who don't have any prior experience with electrical wiring).
132008
It's a 12 volt system you can convert voltage into amps with an easy Google search. Another way is to tack it out with a voltage meter when the system is running it will also depending on the length of time on. I've left mine on overnight several times without any problem the next day. LED systems consume the less amount of power. Hope this helps
281232
hey Icepuck, did this work? Could you do same with a battery charger I am wondering? Im trying to run 12v lights off a generator and trying to find a solution... FF here too and rigging out a response trailer..
1596357
This is the description provided of a similar product: "Hardwired photocell control, post eye control. Turns light on at dusk and off at dawn. Adjustable light sensor."So basically you can install this product to your yard lamp-post or outdoors wall lights so that they turn off automatically while the sun is out and turn on when it's dark. Installation instructions are provided with it but I think it's best to consult an electrician (especially for those who don't have any prior experience with electrical wiring).
1318351
The instructions doesn't give enough explanation. I called the company for my inverter and asked if solar is compatible with their inverter hooked up to the charge controller. They said to keep the inverter connected to the battery. The only thing I can think of is using a 12 volt light or a small apliance could be connected directly to it instead of using the battery power. If a 12 volt light is connected directly you are taking advantage of the solar imediatly. If the same light was connected to the battery instead, the charge controller doesn't let the solar charge the battery until it drops to a certain voltage. So solar panel isn't being used to its full advantage. The instructions doesn't give enough explanation. I called the company for my inverter and asked if solar is compatible with their inverter hooked up to the charge controller. They said to keep the inverter connected to the battery. The only thing I can think of is using a 12 volt light or a small apliance could be connected directly to it instead of using the battery power. If a 12 volt light is connected directly you are taking advantage of the solar imediatly. If the same light was connected to the battery instead, the charge controller doesn't let the solar charge the battery until it... » Read More The instructions doesn't give enough explanation. I called the company for my inverter and asked if solar is compatible with their inverter hooked up to the charge controller. They said to keep the inverter connected to the battery. The only thing I can think of is using a 12 volt light or a small apliance could be connected directly to it instead of using the battery power. If a 12 volt light is connected directly you are taking advantage of the solar imediatly. If the same light was connected to the battery instead, the charge controller doesn't let the solar charge the battery until it drops to a certain voltage. So solar panel isn't being used to its full advantage. « Show Less
971641
Ok. another newbie here. I was thinking about getting this to install on my shed so that I can put my motorcycle in the shed in the winter and still have the battery tender connected. Would this do the trick? Would I still need to use the battery tender or could i connect the solar panels directly to the motorcycle battery?
531850
Jana, Thank you for your purchasing. The light also use the solar panel as a light sensor. if you put the panel indoor in daytime, the lux indoor still can make the panel works(very small current), and the circuit will think it still in day time and the led light is off. But if you cover the panel by sth. , the panel will no output, and the circuit will think it is at night and will let the light on. And since it is in winter, the sunshine is not so powerful to full charge the battery inside in many area. In summer, the working time will be longer.
1277524
I think it is the ON position. On mine, if it is ON and I plug it in, the light goes off. And if I pull it out of the socket, simulating a power outage, the light comes on. If it is OFF/Charge position, you can pull it out of the socket and nothing happens. If it is in the night light/charge position, the night light is always on. The only think I am not sure of is if it getting charged when it is in the ON position and plugged in.Sorry, I noticed too late that geeker answered the same way.
1886952
This was a failed project for me, one of my 2 controllers died, There were times one of 2 lights worked. I might have my controller on one side of my 220 line and the sockets on the other side. What I can tell you is that manually turning the lights on with the switch in the garage, they don't come on. I think "Francois" has answered the question for us. If I saw his thoughtful answer before I started to respond, I might not have replied. Thank you Francois.
644340
Yes and no. The better question is how the solar will be getting set up. If you use your panel to charge a battery and use the battery itself to power the light, then you will be golden, the panels will absorb what they need during day so when it gets dark the light can keep going off of the battery reserve. If you wanted to hook the light directly up to the panels THEN you would need the full 250watts, and it would only work in direct sunlight, you see? the goal is not to have enough power strictly from solar panels, but to have enough to charge a battery with the panels and use the battery with an inverter to power intended devices. Long answer short, buy a cheap deep cycle battery to hook an inverter up to, and hook your light up to said inverter, with this set up your light should work just fine. Hope that helps virtual pal.
944291
After you set the house code (which you use for all your controllers) you set the individual unit (such as a lamp, or fan), then, you need something like (SC503 PHC02 X10 Maxi Controller By X10 Usa ). Thecontroller turns the lights on and off, and even dims them. You can have a clock controller that doesthis automatically. I have my whole house controlled this way, with controllers in various room plusauto clock controls. I hope this helps you. Nick
1731298
The item is shipped with the switch turned off. You have to remove the plastic film on top of the solar panel and turn the switch "on". It will automatically light at night and will re-generate during the day under the sun. If there's not enough sunlight where you put it, it may not give you a bright light at night. Hope this answer your question.