I recently had some windows enlarged, and the builders messed with the porch light wiring, causing the lights to flicker constantly. I've tried swapping out the bulbs, but the issue persists, so I'm assuming it's the wiring. Rather than going through the hassle and expense of more construction, I want to know if it's feasible to connect my current lights to a solar panel mounted on the roof. I've seen some solar lights with separate panels available, but they're not my style, and I'd prefer to keep the classic lantern aesthetic. Can this be a DIY project?
2 Answers
I don't think retrofitting your current lights to solar is the best idea. Since your porch lights likely run on 120v AC, the equipment needed to hook them up to a solar system might end up costing as much as troubleshooting the original problem. Have you considered that the flickering could be from a dimmer switch interacting with your lights? If there is a dimmer, you’d need compatible bulbs or just switch it out for a regular one.
Testing for continuity is a good step. First, disconnect the porch wires on both ends. Make sure there's no current running, then connect the hot and neutral wires at the breaker box, and check for continuity at the porch. If there’s continuity when connected and none when disconnected, you’re in good shape. But if you see erratic readings, that could indicate you have a short somewhere.