By Mick O'Brien · carpenter & builder · sheds-to-homes, cabins and things that stay up in a storm
“I once wired a cabin with cheap solar bulbs that died in a three-day storm, costing me three hundred dollars in wasted parts.”
By Mick O'Brien · carpenter & builder · sheds-to-homes, cabins and things that stay up in a storm
“I once wired a cabin with cheap solar bulbs that died in a three-day storm, costing me three hundred dollars in wasted parts.”
Stop buying single bulbs that look like a prison cell. Off-grid cabins need three light types. That's it. No more, no less.
This is the overall glow. Not bright, not dim. Just enough so you don't trip over your own feet. Solar-powered LED strips or low-wattage globe lights. No halogen. They suck power and get hot.
Supplier: Solar Electric (solar-electric.com.au)
Product: 5m LED strip (12V, warm white)
$45 (plus $15 shipping)
Tip: Run these along the ceiling edge. Not on the wall. Walls look like a cave if you do that.
Reading? Cooking? Fixing a leak? This is the focused light. No more squinting at your hands in the dark. Must be adjustable.
Supplier: Off Grid Solutions (offgridsolutions.com.au)
Product: 10W adjustable LED work light (12V)
$65 (fits any solar panel)
Tip: Mount one above your kitchen bench. One over the desk. That's it. Don't waste money on fancy "smart" lights. They die in the bush.
Highlight your cool timber wall or that weird rock you found. Not essential. But if you want it, do it right. Low-wattage, battery-powered.
Tip: Stick them on the cabin's edge. Not on the floor. They'll get stepped on. And don't use white light. Warm white only. It's Australian.
Worth a watch: #12 Solar Lighting -- LED vs Incandescent 12 Volt Light Bulb Comparison by WV Cabin Living · WV Cabin Living
While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:
Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.