PV Gap

Janice Said:

Why has one of my solar lights flipped to come on in daytime?

We Answered:

there is a little photo electric eye probably on the top - make sure it is not covered with dirt or anything else... might look like a small round hole or a little domed button... check the lights that work to find it and see if something is different on the 'bad' light. If you can not find anything, the light sensor (electric eye) may have shorted out...

Mike Said:

Solar light questions anyone out there that can help?

We Answered:

It would depend on how clever you are and how well your fine motor skills are doing. Not meant to be funny, but most of those solar-powered light systems that stick in the ground are all on one chip including the battery such that switching parts is no small task.

You would be better served to purchase a small solar panel, gel-cell-type battery, obtain the blinking/flickering LED lamps directly and rig what you want where you want it. In addition to which you would be able to make some real light from the battery if needed.

I am sure this is not the answer you wanted, but I hate to see you spend money on something that will not work properly or require much more effort than it is worth. The whole system detailed below can be done for less than $60, much less if you find a cheap source of sealed batteries.

Brandon Said:

solar light people out there?

We Answered:

Small L.e.d.s can be made to fliker using a 555 timer in an astable circuit. Or to simplify just get the LED that flash, you wont be able to control the speed of the flash this way though. You will need a solar cell with an out put greater than you circuits total amp usage. Or just goto the store find something cheap(lights for in a pumpkin) hack the guts and cicuitry from the bought device and use it for your application. Many ways to go about it, does it only come on when its dark? you will need a photo resistor.