Frequently Asked Questions - Geo 1 - Mains Free Solar Lighting Kit

Question:

Hi, Looking to purchase this for my shed. 1) can you confirm expected run time for a 40w blub? Would this be suitable especially in winter if used for 1 hour every other day? 2) my shed has a sloped roof which I assume contains asbestos- can I still fit the panel onto the roof ?
By Harry on Oct 26,2021

Answer:

If you purchase the recommended battery, that will provide up to 48 hours of run time. 

In terms of the panel, you will have to screw the black plastic panel holders in place. 

As long as you can secure the holders on the roof the panel would be attached.

You might have to use different type of screws suitable for this surface.

Question:

I am working out where to position the switch, battery and solar panel prior to buying this system. Please can you tell me the dimensions of the recommended battery and the length of cable supplied? Thank you.
By Suzanne Bradbury on Oct 5,2021

Answer:

The length of the cable is 10 metres. The battery dimensions are:

 

L 149mm x W 96mm x H 96mm

Question:

Hi, I have a south facing window in my garage, would the solar panel work from inside the glass as i am unable to put on the outside ?
By Chris Robson on Apr 28,2020

Answer:

We do not recommend this. The panel needs to be outside. 

Question:

What are the dimensions of the Geo 1 solar panel? You say there are plastic squares to attach it to a roof, but my roof slopes slightly away from the sun, so I was thinking to place the panel on a sloping support, thus towards the sun. Is this possible with this panel?
By Marcia Machin on Aug 20,2018

Answer:

With this kit we don't include any sort of bracket angle the panel as everyone roof/location is different, we'd recommend going to a local DIY store for bracket to suit your needs. Panel size:  

• Size: 364mm x 164mm x 17mm
• Encapsulation: sealed with low iron tempered glass and anodized aluminium alloy frame

Question:

I would like to use this kit (12Ah battery) to power an external 12V PIR (as for sale on your website) with very occasional use of an internal light as well (approx 2hr/week). Is this suitable and can the extra light be wired in easily?
By Glenn on Jan 3,2018

Answer:

The size of the panel is designed for one light but more can be attached, it would depend on the amount of use and panel position. It sounds like with the occasional use of the light along with a PIR this would suit your needs. If you think you use will be high then consider the model up the GEO 2 

Question:

I bought the geo1 with the solar charger & 12 v battery. can you tell me which way to do the connections as the controller wiring is different from the video & instruction sheets, also would it be possible to wire a 2nd 12 v battery in parallel thanks Ron
By ron hatcher on Aug 3,2017

Answer:

The charge controller has been updated but you should be able to see the panel icon, battery and light icon with + and - 

You could add a second battery but you would need addtional panels. Feel free to contact us in you need more info

Question:

Is it possible to fit a different bulb holder or is this a special one for DC power?
By Anthony Willis on Jan 30,2017

Answer:

Yes, you can use any bulb holder, and any 12v bulb.

Question:

Does the electronic timer work with geo1 light kit ? And do all yor items come with gaurentee , thanks
By Stewart on Jan 25,2017

Answer:

Yes, this timer is fully compatible with all the Geo Kits. Any 12v items are compatible with the Geo Kits. All our items come with a minimum 12 month warranty.

Question:

Ineed to light a shaded area during the day - Could the 3w LED bulb run directly from the panel without using the battery {eg no battery in circuit} as a direct coupled system?
By Anthony on Nov 27,2015

Answer:

No. It requires a battery and charge controller for daytime running. The current is not powerful enough to run a battery directly.

Question:

HOW MANY LIGHTS CAN I RUN FROM A GEO 1 PANEL AND A 12AH BATTERY?
By IAN MACLEAN on Nov 24,2015

Answer:

This depends on the wattage of the bulbs and how long you want them to run. We have designed it to run 1 x 3w LED lightbulb for up to 18 hours. If you add more bulbs (or increase the wattage) then it will run for less time.

Question:

Hi I already have a Geo 2 with a large battery & controller. I'm looking to reduce the time required to charge the battery by adding another solar panel to my setup. What are the specifications of your standard GEO kit solar panel as I would like to buy another one. Thanks
By David Hamilton on Oct 18,2015

Answer:

The Geo 2 uses a 10 watt solar panel which you can purchase from our website.

Question:

i have 2 geo 1 kits and i want to wire them together and put it through a charge controller, do i wire one panel to the next and on to the controller or wire them both straight to the controller? Thanks
By paul on Mar 28,2015

Answer:

You need to wire one panel to the other panel and then to the charge controller. It must be positive to positive and negative to negative when connecting the solar panels.

Question:

What size of wall bracket would I require for this panel?
By Ian Maclean on Mar 25,2015

Answer:

The Geo kits come with plastic squares to help you attach it to a roof.

Question:

Does the kit include the battery?
By David hopper on Aug 6,2014

Answer:

You have the option to add the battery (recommended size or other) at time of ordering.

Question:

I'm thinking of the the ego 4 light for a cabin. I believe that all the lights will go on at once, I was hoping to have three areas of which not nessasary wanting light at all times can they be separate or is it to buy three single lights thank you
By Dawn Muggridge on Mar 3,2014

Answer:

You can purchase further light switches and add them into your circuit to stop all of the lights turning on at once.

Question:

Ive recently purchased the Geo 1 - Mains Free Solar Lighting Kit plus charge controller. Ive noticed that the the video, instructions and diagram all show different ways of connecting the kit. Can you please confirm which way is correct. i used the video, and the light is working but i only done it today so dont know if the batterys going to charge.
By Steve on Feb 15,2014

Answer:

The video is the best method as you can see it directly as it is happening: step by step. All of the instructions should say the same thing although the Geo 1 Mains Free Solar Lighting Kit doesn't normally have (or use) a charge controller.

Question:

Would i need to use a charge controller with this kit?
By Steve on Feb 7,2014

Answer:

No. You do not need a charge controller with the Geo 1 or Geo 2 Mains Free Lighting Kits.

Question:

I have bought a 600watt oil heater to put in my summer house behind my gagage it has electricity but would like to run the heater seperately with a solar panel need to know what size to get and would it work with a timer THANKS
By ada on Feb 3,2014

Answer:

Unfortunately we cannot provide the solar kit that would be required to power the oil heater. Our systems have been designed to run lights. Anything else will drain the battery very quickly.

Question:

Can I use a timer on this system?
By Paul on Jan 23,2014

Answer:

Yes, you can easily add this 12v timer into the lighting circuit.