Convert solar lights to 240v

[afarr86]

I purchased two sets of Christmas lights for garden path last year but they did not do very well - I think because of poor amount of daylight in the North. They have a small solar panel to power 4 spiral trees. See attached pictures. The advert says they are powered by

Solar panel: 2V 60MA.
Battery: 1.2V 300MAH NI-MH

What I want to know is if I can join these together to make one set of lights and can plug into 240v UK socket please? Thanks

 

[DPG]

Not sure if this is a serious question. But just in case, do not connect these in any way to the mains supply.

 

[afarr86]

I have no real experience of electrical work so I am assuming my question is not a possibility. So can I join these together and use a bigger solar panel? If so what would I need please?

 

[littlespark]

You could do it with one of those small plug in transformers… but need one to go down to 1.2v dc.

It would have to be plugged in inside, so would need a long enough cable added to reach where it was going.
This in turn might introduce voltage drop, causing the 1.2 to reduce when it gets to the lights.

Save a bit of hassle and buy something else

 

[Avo Mk8]

As above.
Ideally you need someone a bit familiar with electrical/electronic wiring to help! ?
If you used something like "bell wire" to extend the leads indoors, you might get away with using one of these to power all the lights;

1.5Volt 200mA AC/DC Power Supply Adaptor 1.5V 200m

1.5Volt 200mA AC/DC Power Supply Adaptor 1.5V 200m 100% Brand New Condition. Perfect for appliances 1.5V such as clocks. Please check appliance is 1.5 Volts before purchase, can be +-5% deviation. Specification: AC/DC ADAPTER UK Wall Charger Output: 1.5 Volts, 200mA Input: 100-240 Volts...

thehomehut.com

The dc power has to be connected "the right way round" for it to work! ?

Another option could be to see if you can open up the solar panels without ruining their weather proofness, and establish if the Ni-Cd battery inside is a typical AA or AAA type, in which case you might be able to swap it for one of these:

KERDEJAR LR6 AA 1.5V Battery Eliminator USB Power Supply Cable Replace 1pc 1.5V AA Battery for Radio Electric Toy Clock LED Strip Light Calculator: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Shop KERDEJAR LR6 AA 1.5V Battery Eliminator USB Power Supply Cable Replace 1pc 1.5V AA Battery for Radio Electric Toy Clock LED Strip Light Calculator. Free delivery and returns on eligible orders.

www.amazon.co.uk

(you can find these with a dual output, to operate two sets of lights simultaneously)
Then use a USB extension lead to plug into a standard USB charger.

As has been said, probably quicker and cheaper to replace the lights completely.

 

[afarr86]

You could do it with one of those small plug in transformers… but need one to go down to 1.2v dc.

It would have to be plugged in inside, so would need a long enough cable added to reach where it was going.
This in turn might introduce voltage drop, causing the 1.2 to reduce when it gets to the lights.

Save a bit of hassle and buy something else

Yes, probably best and just chuck these away