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LIGHT WITH
LESS POWER
Photovoltaics convert just 10% of
sunlight's energy into electricity. Ordinary light bulbs
convert only 10% of that electricity back into light
(the rest becomes heat in the bulb). Because lighting is
a major part of power used in solar homes, special high
efficiency bulbs that save 75% of the power are well
justified.
COMPACT FLUORESCENT
BULBS make far less heat and more light. Using one
fourth the power of ordinary bulbs, a 15 watt CF has the
brightness of a 60 watt incandescent. It runs 4 times as
long on the same power. They give the same soft white
light and should last as long as 6 ordinary bulbs. The
cost of these lamps is much less than adding extra solar
modules to run low cost incandescent bulbs.
Backwoods sells compact fluorescents
that have electronic ballasts which are silent, have no
flicker, and no PCB oil in contrast to heavier low cost
magnetic ballast sold in stores. Only electronic
ballasts will start a Trace inverter that is idling in
search mode. Dimmer switches work only with fluorescents
specified for dimming, and usually need true sine wave
power.
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ORDINARY INCANDESCENTS cost less,
but are only 10% efficient.
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QUARTZ HALOGENS are longer lasting,
brighter incandescents; some have reflectors.
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STANDARD FLUORESCENTS give a lot
more light for the power used.
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COMPACT FLUORESCENTS give best light
quality and efficiency.
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LED (LIGHT EMITTING DIODE) LAMPS are
the newest lamp type. They have much longer
lifetime, rated 100,000 hours, and ruggedness
exceeding all others. Half a watt power use. Light
color quality and prices are improving.
Lamps used most can save the most
energy. Put efficient bulbs in lamps used 20 minutes or
more every day. Lights seldom used save only a little
energy, so ordinary low cost bulbs are fine for closets
and other rarely used fixtures.
Numerous wall switches to control
multiple low-watt lamps close to each work area are
better than one big light in the middle of a room.
Several small lights give more choice in lighting so can
use less power. Lighter room colors, skylights and
windows placed for day lighting also reduce energy
needed for lighting.
Timer switches
save energy for outdoor lights, basement & children's
rooms.
120 VOLT AC OR 12 VOLT DC? 120 volt AC compact
fluorescents are the best choice overall for a house.
They are available in more sizes and shapes. AC wiring
is easier and very standard. Even a 300 watt inverter
will run lots of 15 watt lights (giving light equal to
60 watts). But DC doesn't require an inverter, so uses
slightly less power. A small cabin or RV with 5 or less
lights might best use 12 volt DC CF and LED lights.
12 VOLT DC MOTION SENSOR LIGHTS are always on duty
to work whether inverter is running or not, and will not
accidentally be left on.
PLEASE NOTE THAT
OUR 12V DC LIGHTS DO NOT COME WITH 120V AC TRANSFORMERS.
AC/DC LIGHT SWITCH TIMER
Who keeps leaving that light on?
 |
TIMER SWITCHES fit in
standard wall switch box. A twist winds it
up, then it clicks off when time expires.
Perfect for children's room, closet,
basement, outdoor sheds, garage and porch
lights.
Works for 15 amps AC, also
works DC but only 4 amps max which is plenty
for DC lights. NOT UL rated for DC use.
|
| Item
Code |
Description |
Buy Now |
| O-TIMESWT15 |
Up to15 minutes wind up time switch |
$28 |
| O-TIMESWT30 |
Up to half hour wind up time switch |
$28 |
| O-TIMESWT60 |
Up to an hour wind up time switch |
$28 |
Also see
electronic timers on the Electrical Parts page.
Return to the top
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR 12V DC LIGHTS DO NOT COME WITH 120V
AC TRANSFORMERS.
12 VOLT
DC MOTION SENSING LIGHT SWITCH
with TIMER
10 year warranty
 |
RAB motion and heat
sensing switch is 12 volt DC powered so it
can work full time even if your inverter is
off or in standby mode. Turns lights on at
approach, and holds for adjustable time, 5
seconds to
12 minutes after
motion stops. Sensitivity distance is
adjustable, up to about 50 feet out, farther
in colder weather with a test LED showing
pick-up area.. Connect directly to any 12
volt light, or use a 12 volt relay to switch
a 120 volt light. Set for night only
operation, or use as security alarm, by
setting for day/night operation. Switches 8
amp DC. 7
milliamps idling; 44 milliamps when
activated.
|
Quality and performance are excellent.
We use them at Backwoods!
| L-RAB: $98 |
|
Minimum shipping $12 per whole order
covers all items with no shipping listed
12 volt
DC NIGHT WATCHMAN PHOTOSWITCH
This dusk to dawn controller is outdoor rated and can
withstand salty marine air environments.
It can handle up to 10 amps of 12v DC
current with a momentary 600 watt surge. In standby
mode, it consumes only 0.15 milliamps and 16 milliamps
when powering a load.
It will turn incandescent, halogen, or
fluorescent lights ON in the evening within one half
hour of sunset and OFF in the morning within one half
hour of sunrise.
Installation is simple with only three
wires and an LED located beneath the Watchman's lantern
indicates if the load is on. It measures 1" x 1" x 1"
and surface mounts. Made in the USA. Two year
warranty
| L- NIGHT
WATCHMAN............$40 |
|
Return to the top
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR 12V & 24V DC LIGHTS DO NOT COME
WITH 120V AC TRANSFORMERS.
12 or 24 VOLT DC
COMPACT FLUORESCENT
 
7W
15W
30W
BULB WITH BALLAST IN SCREW-BASE
Bulb with ballast in the screw-base, all
one piece, makes an easy 12 volt compact fluorescent.
These just screw into a standard full size light bulb
socket of a table lamp, ceiling fixture, or other
standard fixture connected to 12 volt DC. Just screw
this in to replace 12 volt quartz or 12 volt energy
gobbling regular screw-base bulbs. You can use the
original switch on the lamp, or connect through a wall
switch. (Socket must be wired correctly with + to tip.)
ONE YEAR WARRANTY.
The compact fluorescent bulbs give four
times the brightness of a regular bulb of the same
wattage. Proven good reliability. At 12V, 7 watt uses
about l/2 amp. The 15 watt uses just over 1 amp. The 30
watt uses just over 2.5 amps. 15W is also available in
24V, it uses less than 1 amp.
Choice of light color between
warm yellow (2700K) or cool white (4100K) fluorescent
fuller spectrum in all sizes. Brightness of each equals
incandescent bulb of four times the wattage.
Installation and use note: Polarity must be
observed with the center tip being (+). And once on, the
bulb must stay on for at least 20 minutes for longest
life.
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WARM YELLOW BULBS |
| L-CF 7: 7 watt, approximately
325 lumens, total
length is 5 1/2": Warm yellow color 12V ONLY
$11 |
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| L-CF 15: 15 watt, approximately 1200 lumens,
total length is 6": Warm yellow color
12V Version
$14 |
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| L-CF 15-24: 15 watt,
approximately 1200 lumens, total length is 6":
Warm yellow color 24V Version
$21 |
|
| L-CF 30: 30 watt, approximately 1800 lumens,
total length is 8": Warm yellow color
12V ONLY $27 |
|
|
COOL WHITE BULBS |
| L-CF 7: 7 watt,
approximately
325 lumens, total
length is 5 1/2": Cool white color 12V ONLY
$11 |
|
| L-CF 15: 15 watt,
approximately 1200 lumens, total length is 6":
Cool white color 12V Version
$14 |
|
| L-CF 15-24: 15 watt,
approximately 1200 lumens, total length is 6":
Cool yellow color 24V Version
$21 |
|
| L-CF 30: 30 watt,
approximately 1800 lumens, total length is
8": Cool yellow color 12V ONLY $27 |
|
Return to the top
Minimum shipping
$12 per whole order covers all items with no shipping
listed
12 VOLT DC FIXTURES
Compact Fluorescent Reflector Lamp
Bright light for serious work
Indoor/Outdoor
  Great
for reading or work light. Mount over the bed, above
kitchen counter, or on wall above desk. Swivels and
locks to any tilt with 180 degree adjustment. Includes
bulb and ballast, and stainless switch-cover plate to
mount fixture on a standard electric outlet box in a
wall or ceiling.
These quality fixtures have SE-13 watt 4
pin compact fluorescent bulbs and 12 volt DC ballasts
using only one ampere of 12 volt DC. Cool spectrum
light, with no flicker. The parabolic curve reflector
projects light for maximum illumination. Weatherproof
for outdoor use. One year warranty.
Fixture is 9 inches wide, 4 inches high,
about 6 inches out from wall depending on aim
adjustment. 24V is available by special order.
| Item
Code |
Shipping |
Buy Now |
| L- ELF WHITE |
$12 |
$56 |
| L- ELF BLACK |
$12 |
$56 |
| L- ELF GREEN |
$12 |
$56 |
Minimum shipping $12 per whole order
covers all items with no shipping listed
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR 12V DC LIGHTS DO NOT COME WITH 120V
AC TRANSFORMERS.
12 VOLT CF THIN
FIXTURE
Strong extruded aluminum wall or ceiling
lamp. Compact size for RV or computer work station
market. A good reading or bed light, with warm color 13
watt 4 pin SE compact bulb included and electronic
ballast and on-off switch built in. Two year warranty. 9" x 4-1/2" x 1-1/2"
| L-949: $52 |
|
12 VOLT GLOBE CEILING LIGHT
6" Round, fogged white, glass globe for
general area ceiling light. Fixture with TE-13 watt
4-pin warm white bulb and electronic ballast mounted in
metal base with polished brass finish. Also can take any
3-1/4" fit antique globes. One year warranty.
| L- GLOBE 6: $56 |
|
PLEASE NOTE THAT
OUR 12V DC LIGHTS DO NOT COME WITH 120V AC TRANSFORMERS.
MUSHROOM FIXTURE
12 volt
3" deep x 11" round
Low profile mushroom shaped lens is made
from high impact white acrylic. Energy efficient ceiling
light for bath, kitchen, hallway. With electronic
ballast and 4 pin warm white SE13 watt compact light, or
dual lights for 26 watt total. One year warranty.
Click here for replacement bulbs
| L-1035M with one SE 13 watt bulb and ballast
= 13 watt:..............shipping
$12.... $55 |
|
| L-1040M with two SE 13 watt bulbs and
ballasts = 26 watt:.............shipping
$12 ... $68 |
|
Return to the top
Minimum shipping $12 per whole order
covers all items with no shipping listed
REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR 12 VOLT 4 PIN COMPACT
FLUORESCENTS
| L-SE13 watt
6.25 inch single loop 4 pin bulb used in
12 volt fixtures: warm yellow color $9 |
|
| L-SE13 watt 6.25
inch single loop 4 pin bulb used in 12 volt
fixtures: cool white color $9 |
|
| L-TE13 watt 4 inch triple loop 4 pin bulb
used in CF13 set: warm yellow color $9 |
|
| L-TE13 watt 4 inch triple loop 4 pin bulb
used in CF13 set: cool white color $9 |
|
| L-TE18 watt 4-1/2" triple loop 4 pin bulb
used in CF18 set: warm yellow color $9 |
|
| L-TE18 watt 4-1/2" triple loop 4 pin bulb
used in CF18 set: cool white color $9 |
|
| L-SH12-13: Electronic
Hard wired Ballast for 4-pin SE, DE, &
TE13 bulbs(this ballast does
not screw in): $22 |
|
Minimum shipping $12 per whole order
covers all items with no shipping listed
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR 12V DC LIGHTS DO NOT COME WITH 120V
AC TRANSFORMERS.
DC
FLUORESCENT FIXTURES
COVERED STRAIGHT TUBE FIXTURE WITH SWITCH
 12
VOLT DC STRAIGHT TUBE FLUORESCENT FIXTURES are nearly as
efficient as the compact fluorescents though quality of
light is lower. This special fixture uses standard AC
fluorescent tubes but contains a 12 volt DC electronic
ballast. The high frequency ballast gives light without
flicker but does interfere with AM radio and weak TV
reception. These three models have radio noise filters.
Warranty is two years on fixtures, not tubes.
These are surface mount fixtures with
enclosed bulbs and a built-in on-off switch. Regular
wall switches can be used to control these lights as
well. Constructed of all aluminum with white plastic
diffuser cover. Tubes included
| Item
Code |
Description |
Shipping |
Buy Now |
| L- 139 |
32 watt
2.4 amp, with F32T8/CW tube 2850 lumens 48" |
$12 |
$68 |
| L- 116 |
30 watt
2.1 amp, two F15T8/CW tubes, 1740 lumens 18" |
$12 |
$52 |
| L- 193 |
15 watt
1.3 amp, with F15T8/CW tube,
870 lumens 18" |
$12 |
$44 |
Return to the top
BARE STRAIGHT TUBE FIXTURES
 Anodized
aluminum housing with 12 volt electronic ballast. No
switch on unit. These should connect to a standard wall
switch. Ballast converts 12 volts to high voltage to use
ordinary fluorescent tubes available anywhere. 12 volt
only. Includes AM radio interference reduction option.
Two year ballast only warranty.
20
WATT, uses 1.6 amps. 24" long. 1250 lumens
Uses F20T12/CW standard fluorescent tube |
| L-151X: without tube, safer for shipping,
tubes available locally: ...shipping
$12.......$49 |
|
32 WATT uses
under 3 amps. 48" long. 3150 lumens
New tube replacing old F-40T8 is F-32T8 |
| L-153X: 32 watt ships safer with no tube.
Buy F-32T8 locally:...........shipping
$12........... $56 |
|
Minimum shipping $12 per whole order
covers all items with no shipping listed
CIRCULAR FIXTURE
22 Watt, 1.6 amp. On - off switch in center, or use a
wall light switch. With FC8T9 tube and electronic
ballast. Replacement tubes are locally available but
cost is twice that of straight tubes. 1100 Lumens. Two
year warranty .
| L-109: $49
shipping: $12 Replacement bulb below
|
|
22 WATT CIRCULAR
8 inch FC8T9 bulb in adapter containing a 12 volt
electronic ballast. It all screws into the regular bulb
socket of a table lamp or any bulb socket where there is
8" diameter clearance. Under 2 amperes. Two year
warranty.
| L-108: $48 shipping: $12 |
|
| L-108 or L-109 bulb
same bulb for both fixtures: $9 |
|
Minimum shipping $12 per
whole order covers all items with no shipping listed
Return to the top
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR 12V DC LIGHTS DO NOT COME WITH 120V
AC TRANSFORMERS.
DC QUARTZ
FIXTURES
TINY HIGH INTENSITY QUARTZ REFLECTOR LIGHTS
Tiny, but this is a very bright, surprisingly good
reading light. Mounts flat on back surface, hidden wood
screws included. With 20 watt quartz bulb and reflector
and 5 feet of cord included. Good under-cabinet kitchen
light, closet or stairs. Great in RVs, because it's only
1 inch thick.
| L-ES1: 2-1/2 inch round: $18 |
|
Minimum shipping $12 per whole order
covers all items with no shipping listed
QUARTZ HALOGEN BULBS
A 12 VOLT quartz bulb within a regular frosted bulb.
Screws into any standard lamp. These stay brighter and
whiter than ordinary bulbs because filament deposits do
not darken the hot quartz glass. They use far more
energy than fluorescent but less than plain bulbs. For
less used locations and outdoor lights.
| L-Q20: 20 watt, under 2 amp: $11 |
|
| L-Q35: 35 watt, 3 amp: $11 |
|
| L-Q50: 50 watt, 4 amp: $11 |
|
| 24 VOLT
VERSIONS: 35 watt only |
| L-Q35/24 volt: $16 |
|
Return to the top
Minimum shipping $10 per whole order
covers all items with no shipping listed
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR 12V DC LIGHTS DO NOT COME WITH 120V
AC TRANSFORMERS.
SMALL
GOOSENECK LAMP
For 12 Volt DC power
 LITTLITE
HIGH INTENSITY LAMP is a high quality 12 volt DC, 18"
flexible gooseneck lamp with a one foot cord for hard
wiring. Best for lighting a small area for computer
work, or reading in bed. Flashlight size 5 watt (l/2
amp) quartz bulb has life of 240 hours at full
intensity, greatly extended when lamp is slightly
dimmed. All metal construction. Screws down to table or
wall, or use the weighted base accessory to make a
movable table lamp.
NEW model utilizes
LED
technology to produce either a red
colored output or a white, warm color, good for
5,000 hours light at 1/10 amp current.
A rocker switches allows you to select either red,
white, or off. (Lamp cannot be retrofitted to
LTL3)
For both Littlelites
there is a Limited lifetime warranty on non-bulb parts.
The LED circuit board has a two year warranty.
| L-LTL3: LITTLITE: Traditional model with
quartz bulb: $40 |
|
| L-LTLED:LITTLITE: New LED light; no dimmer:
$64 |
|
| L-LTL BASE: Weighted Portable Base:
$20 |
|
| L-GOOSE5: Extra 5 watt HALOGEN bulb for
LITTLITE: $7 |
|
| L-1815 BULB: Low intensity plain bulb 1/4
amp fits LITTLITE: $1 |
|
Minimum shipping $12 per whole order
covers all items with no shipping listed
PLAIN 12 VOLT BULBS
Ordinary incandescent surface mount
fixtures give less light using more power, but that is
fine for closet, stairway, pantry, woodshed, battery
room, for short usage where efficiency makes little
difference. Low prices make it easy to add many
convenience lights throughout your home. Use them on
outside porches since they are not affected by extreme
cold like fluorescents.
PLAIN 12 VOLT BULBS
Low cost but not efficient use of power.
Used in seldom lit areas in closet or woodshed. Operate
direct from 12 volt DC. two of these may be wired in
series for 24 volt, easier to obtain than 24 volt screw
in bulbs.
PLAIN BULBS
12 volt screw-in
| L-25: 25 Watt 2 amp: $4
|
|
| L-50: 50 Watt 4 amp: $4 |
|
TINY 12 & 24 VOLT
BULBS
3/8" BULB WITH WIRE LEADS
Nightlight uses low power, low cost for
low light. Just 0.2 ampere. Makes five night lights.
Five bulbs per order.
OR Build a re-charger for small ni-cad batteries
or cordless appliances from 12 volt power. These same
lights limit charge current from house battery to
flashlight/radio batteries. With instructions for
charging AA through D cells.
| L-5 Tinybulb 24 volt, 140 milliamperes
$6 |
|
Minimum shipping $12 per whole order
covers all items with no shipping listed
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