After the grid goes down

**myakka** · 07-20-2012, 07:54 AM

I was in walmart and saw a product that I have had in the garden before,

It's a small solar powered yard light. These can be purchased for a dollar now. Today is payday, so I think I will buy a handful of them and just store them away for a "dark" time.

**Bue** · 07-20-2012, 08:00 AM

Good thought, If you play with them a little you may find that they can be used to charge other batteries for use in different devices. I have some that use a AAA battery. Cheap chargers!!!! And a light as well

**ZAGran** · 07-20-2012, 09:15 AM

Does anyone know if there are any transisters in the solar lights? That would effect the way I would store them. My favorite is the type that has a solar panel about 6"X6" with 3 lights at the end of 20' wires. I currently have this set up to light my back porch and am considering one for the basement. (I can run the wires through the plumbing access hole and recaulk.) They are pretty tough. A wind storm took out the porch roof last Jan along with the entire set-up. I stripped back the wires where they were broken and re attached them. Worked as good as new!

**Buggyout** · 07-20-2012, 12:05 PM

They don't give off a whole lot of light, I bought a few last year. They are neat to place up your walkway.

**RICHFL** · 07-20-2012, 05:31 PM

I use them in the bath rooms when we loose power. It helps a lot to wash hands or use the toilet when you have a little light. It's light is about the same as a night light!

**jezcruzen** · 07-21-2012, 07:25 AM

I have a few that I bought at Lowe's. They do, indeed, have AA batteries as the power source, and you can switch them out and charge other AA rechargeables.

I place them inside at night during power outages. They give off enough light so that you can maneuver around inside your house with about the same amount of light as a night light would give. Mine only last about fours hours. Still, a great (and cheap) asset.

**El Gringo** · 07-22-2012, 06:43 PM

Wouldnt ya think something like a battery operated camping lantern like from Coleman be a better investment? Why would you want to put your trust in something cheap and not for its intended use... arnt these just to put off enough light so you dont trip on the sidewalk?

**myakka** · 07-22-2012, 08:24 PM

My thought is that as a self powered shtf night light source well worth a couple bucks.
battery lanterns are fine if you can keep buying batteries, or have a means to charge them.

**countrygirl74561** · 07-27-2012, 06:46 PM

doctor i would really like to learn more about that thermal electric core you are talking about.

**Chefsimms** · 07-27-2012, 07:23 PM

I also have some out side lights that I bring in when I need them...what I found that works best for me is my wind up flash lights. I got a few at TJ Maxx for just a few dollars they put off a lot more light then the solar lights. every time I wind them they last for about 15-20 mins.I keep one in each truck and a couple in the house