Off Grid Chicken Coop - Solar Chicken Coop Light

Solar Chicken Coop Light - Increase Egg Production
Our chickens are (not) laying down on the job. Egg production is down and we are trying to ramp things up.
Today we are installing a solar powered chicken coop light with timer. This light will come on early in the morning to give the chickens some extra light and hopefully increase their egg production.
All the solar panel lights with timers were not what we were looking for so this is our own version.
12 volt battery: amzn.to/2M1mvWU
Charge Controller: amzn.to/2LzfmgZ
Timer: amzn.to/2XPeVS1
Coop Light: amzn.to/3nUr3fh
Solar Panel: amzn.to/3oUNkuC
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[@pb8970]

@sheratonparkfarms Would you consider doing a follow up video on how things went with your setup?

[@bigdaddeo76]

Here's a thought to make moving the whole thing faster and easier. Attach the post to a corner of the coop. When moving, you'll have to adjust the angle of the coop to face the panel south. Won't have to mess with the wires or the post/panel each time.

[@christymartin9404]

We are fortunate enough to have power in our chicken coop so I hang two heat lamps & they run 24/7. They serve a dual purpose, heat & light. I also feed a little whole corn in the winter. Our girls keep laying so we must be doing something right. Love your mobile setup. I wish our holler was level enough to do that for our chickens. Also love your since of humor about your electrical skills.

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Sounds like y’all have a nice setup. Thanks for watching

[@shawn8163]

I have also heard feeding whole corn during winter helps egg production. This is my first winter with chickens

[@christymartin9404]

@@shawn8163 I've been feeding whole corn in the winter for around 5 years. It seems to work so I'll keep on doing it.

[@terrykunst3883]

Great video. Looking forward to seeing the results

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Thanks. Hope it helps.

[@pb8970]

Exactly what I had in mind. Thanks

[@davidbullins7988]

A pull push plug and They are waterproof. Mount the solar panel on a round pole and then attach to the trailer. Pole can be turned.

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Never thought about that. Great idea. Thanks

[@arthall9563]

I use the same timer for my solar system in a greenhouse. Took me about 8 hours and many choice words till I finally figured out how to use it. Have had it in place a couple of years now and always worked flawlessly.

[@SheratonParkFarms]

the wiring was a big challenge but it seems to be working so far. Love the timer and see there could be a lot of applications for its use. Glad to hear the feedback. Thanks!

[@kmeyer52172]

No need to disconnect.....just create a holder on the outside of the coop to place your T post solar panel so you can just set it in there when you move the coop......kinda like a hand tool holder in your garage.

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Great idea! Thanks

[@matthewscott6255]

I had the same thought. How about a old satellite dish mount. Then you could move it some to get the best sun

[@tanyajenkins919]

I always have my girls a light in the winter it always helped alot v

[@SheratonParkFarms]

thanks. Hope it helps mine out too.

[@user-xt6ng5jh8i]

I would mount the solar panel on the coop

[@AztecWarrior69]

17:50 You need to be able to disconnect the solar power panel you can use the Solar Charging System connectors. They seal but are NOT meant to be used as an everyday disconnect. In this case it be ok. However I would recommend you mount a pipe on the side with the ammo can and use an old cable tv satellite dish mount. That way it moves with the coop and you can easy rotate it to the sun. No having to put a t post and have to remove it, plus you DON'T have to disconnect. There is also Anderson Connectors/Plugs. They come in different amp sizes. They are actually meant to connect and disconnect frequently. For you the 15 amp should do. tips: Mount your ammo can vertically with the bottom to the wall. The way you have it, it looks like it won't close correctly. Mounted vertically where the lid hangs down it will be out of your way. Drill some vent holes at the bottom, in case the battery ever decides to vent fumes or burst.

[@shawn8163]

Good Idea, I only have 5 white leghorns mine are slowing down as well

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Thanks. Hope they pick back up soon.

[@jae878]

Just put yourself a couple hooks on the coop so you can just hang the t post on the coop when your moving it the stick it back in the ground. No fooling around with wire connections that will eventually fail anyway. Good luck! Thanks for the videos!!

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Good idea! Thanks

[@kjtraveladventures6508]

use SAE connector for your solar panel. I use them for all my marine connections when I DIY boats.

[@michaelgirard4445]

so just stumbled across this - and yes u said your not a spark - but you've wired the timer wrong ( 12v dc doesnt need earthing ) anyway - the load in side you'd connect to the load out on the solar controller and on the switch side the load out you'd connect to the light also noticed the cables going out of the tin can - ideally there should be a rubber grommet and the wires going throu that otherwise over time the insulation on the wires could wear out and cause sparks.....and the solar quick disconnection / connection plugs are called MC4

[@charlielewis6849]

I think its a great idea for you beacuse your in business and if u don't take care of business you will be out of business but for me im just interested in breakfast so I dont use a light I hope it works out for you guys 😉

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Thanks. Appreciate y’all watching

[@Wo0ody]

@SPF Thanks for the informative video. I'm not an electrician either, but it seems to me that you need to mount the two items with their screens facing away from the wall of your coop so you can see them just by lifting the lid. Good luck Wo0dy

[@SheratonParkFarms]

You are correct. I didn't think it through. Going to move some things around to make it more user friendly.

[@dfishman76]

You could use a regular plug for a drop cord. I would also put some tap over your battery terminals incase it turns over

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Good idea! Thanks

[@soyoucametosee7860]

Put the solar panel on a swiveling pole attached to the side of the coop. Extend the pole about the roof. Make it so you can fold it down if needed.

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Good idea! Thanks

[@ronaldclemons5520]

Also a magnet would work good on back of controller🙂

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Good idea

[@ronaldclemons5520]

Looks good. Maybe mount the solar panel on the building on a swivel. Then you could turn anyway you want. Then the wire would not have to be disconnected every time. Bless

[@ronaldclemons5520]

Blessings, and enjoying your channel🙂

[@patt208]

Shoot I just wanna know how well it has worked for you so far. Love the idea

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Working pretty good. We've seen a little bit of increase in production so far.

[@patt208]

Well that's awesome . Also didnt know how well that battery would hold up so far

[@CoastalGardening]

😎👍

[@andresmith6738]

Try looking up DELFI WEATHERPACK CONNECTORS, I use them on lights all the time, I work on public transportation vehicles!

[@andresmith6738]

Sorry that's DELPHI

[@SheratonParkFarms]

We’ll do. Thanks for the tip.

[@MosaicHomestead]

Use MC4 solar panel connectors, water proof, the right connectors

[@davewygonowski984]

Hello Chuck!!! I am a novice at the chicken thing as well as not much of an electrician. It would be VERY helpfull to me if you could show a bit of more detail as to what connections you made and where so that those of us amatuers who bought everything you had on your list could follow along exactly, step by step... that would be most appreciated.

[@peachykeen7634]

Like a wiring diagram? Yes that would bless me greatly because I am wanting to do this for my coop as well as our greenhouse

[@nickamandus5072]

Did either of you guys get the wiring fidgeted out? I’m starting to look into this now and would appreciate any advice

[@SheratonParkFarms]

I went back and found the video I used to wire it up. The video is at the bottom of the product page on Amazon. Here is the link. amzn.to/3iHOAn2

[@nickamandus5072]

@@SheratonParkFarms thanks for posting it, I think I got it figured out, will be nice to verify. Hoping the birds get back to full production soon

[@bgwhiten]

Use a trailer plug, like for trailer lights. They make 2 wire plugs, but a 4 or 5 wire would work just fine.

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Good idea.

[@davewygonowski984]

Hello Chuck!!! don't see a link for the "amazon videos"? for the connecting the timer?

[@ubuntunewb]

It might help to mount the charge controller on the lid.

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Good point. I thought about that last night when I was checking on them.

[@jasona.neverforgetfukushim647]

I would make sure the wire is long enough to reach all sides that you want to put the panel then just soldier the wires and seal with liquid electrical tape. Then all you do is screw on some boards or angle iron onto the coup above the electrical box as a slot or pocket to put the solar panel into for the move. Then when moving to greener pastures, grab panel loop up the wire and put it in the holder you just built. Then pullout the t post and move. When setting up. First pound in post unwind wire mount panel. Bobs your uncle The last thing you want is to have wire connections outside repeatedly dis/connecting. Now that your setup with power..... The next project will be to set up an electric fence charger with that setup and then you have mobile offgrid eggmobile.lol...serious though thats what im setting up now, all you may have to do is swap out the battery for a larger one, maybe an old car battery. Cheers!

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Good ideas! Thanks

[@RockyMtnGobblers]

You could attach your solar panel to your roof with a handle coming down so you can turn it as needed. Do you need venting for your battery?

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Good idea! Thanks. Not sure on the venting.

[@louieferona]

Use both ends of old extension cord for quick connect and disconnect

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Good idea! Thanks

[@brianleezer9005]

Put your solar panel on a round pole mounted to your chicken coop sticking above your roofline so you swivel your solar panel any direction

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Good idea! Thanks

[@TheAGonzalez12]

Did the light help with egg production?

[@sgtrickards5683]

Might be easier to mount the charge controller on the inside of the lid. When you open it, it'l be right there. I like your setup. I'm looking for a way to keep my watering system from freezing. I used an old cooler I had and plumbed a flexible tube into my run. On the end of the tube, I connected a 2in piece of PVC and installed the nipples. If you have any ideas, I'm all ears...or in this situation, all eyes.

[@shadowbfarms9667]

With you having solar there now any thoughts on making the door automatic open/closed for predator control?

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Probably will on the new coop

[@DrtERotinBasstrd]

Black Astralorps and Isa Browns. Great layers that mingle well together. 300 eggs a year per bird. Just saying. I have 1st years, and out of 13 get 11 eggs a day. Both are cold and hot temp tolerant.

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Thanks. I've had some of both of those breeds. Great chickens. Appreciate ya'll watching.

[@edtraylor9063]

I heard to only use strand wire with DC current and hard wire with AC current flows better and electronics last longer..also stick charge controller to inside lid when you open it you can see display better.

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Good point. Didn’t know that about the wire. Thanks

[@edtraylor9063]

@@SheratonParkFarms no thank you for sharing your farming skills. Just found your channel great information..

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Appreciate y’all watching

[@ThePmloc]

Love your video, did you get many more eggs or is it too soon to tell

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Too soon to tell. Typically takes a few days to stimulate them. Thanks for watching.

[@timlawson817]

My house is on a light timer every year .

[@tillmanfamilyfarm7759]

Love it! We have had solar lights in our trampoline chicken coop for a few years now. We used the single lamp with small solar panels. We turn them on when we last check them and the batteries only last a few hours then recharge the next day. We found that a combination of light and higher protein in the diet was the trick. Our girls don’t skip a beat in the winter. A few things a see that might help you. On your ammo can. Take the screws out and put washers between the can and the wall. Should make it easier to close the lid. To protect your wire. Take old garden hose and feed the wire through it. Then zip tie it to the coop. Why not mount the solar panel on the roof, or side? That would eliminate a step in moving the coop?

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Good ideas. Didn’t think about adding screws as spacers. Decided not to mount the door pane because the coop is oriented differently depending on where we park it. Love the garden hose idea. I’ll add that one. Appreciate y’all watching!

[@shawnprivate5322]

More then 2 reasons,Mites,Stress,Nutrions coming out of molt,illness amongst other things

[@budhames5254]

Hey Chuck is this system still in use and how's it working if it is??? I may actually have some egg chickens soon! Lol

[@SheratonParkFarms]

We just deployed it again this week. Results to be determined. Thanks Bud

[@duncanosborne4871]

Hi chuck, you might want to replace those hens which are 3 yrs old, as hens age they are good upto 3 then past that production falls, heres an idea if you can see it, when buying hens or as they will be pullets, jf you say are keeping 50 birds, purchase 25 in spring and 25 i summer, why you be thinking, well it takes 16-20weeks for pullets to start and lay, so the birds you buy in spring will start and lay in May - June time then around September October time they will go out of lay as they will start too moult do drop off laying during that time,. by purchasing the remaining 25 in July august these. Will come into lay at the time those you got in spring go off lay

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Good idea. We bought 250 in late October. May do another big batch this spring to get the numbers up even more and cover those gaps.

[@everettsanderson4189]

Put clamps on each end of the wire. Alligator clamps.

[@angeleyes9810]

where did you get the diagram for wiring? I didn't see it posted.

[@SheratonParkFarms]

I found it on a KZbin video. I'll see if I can find it.

[@carolosterhoudt9850]

A comment for the algorithm.

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Thanks!

[@Mr123trade]

I think that Charge controller has a built in timer..

[@SheratonParkFarms]

I think it does too after looking at it more.

[@darylbrown7849]

Next to me you look like Bob Villa.

[@SheratonParkFarms]

😂. Thanks. I'm no craftsman for sure.

[@andretrindade8492]

It is true that long hours of sunlight encourages them to lay eggs but not only.. It is also the fact that it is warmer. So if the light set up does not raise their temperature than it will only do half the job 👍🙂 hope it helped

[@SheratonParkFarms]

In my limited experience it is based on daylight. Temperature could certainly play into it.

[@BeeKindHoney]

put solar panel on roof???

[@primegaming3327]

Mount your solar panel to the roof, then no need for a pole

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Good idea! Thanks

[@TheKiltedKraut]

At the 17:15 mark, you asked a question. Here's my answer... Why in the hell did you even bother mounting your solar panel to a t-post?!? It would have been a hell of a lot easier to just Mount the solar panel to the side of the chicken coop with a bracket that allows you to adjust the angle of the solar panel...left and right or up and down. By doing it this way you could have had the wiring fixed to the side of the chicken coop and not dangling in the haphazard way that you have it...and worrying about a quick disconnect plug.

[@shayannah]

Gorilla glue only sticks gorillas! Not worked for anything I tried to stick.

[@JPLawnsMore]

Are you standing in front of your rifle???????

[@SheratonParkFarms]

Its quite possible. 🙄