Solar Powered Shed Lights
Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 | Author: Solar
A month or so ago I purchased a solar powered shed lamp at a local home center. The light has a big solar panel that mounts on the outside of the shed and a small cord is then connected to the solar light. The idea is to have the solar panel outside where it is sunny and the light inside where it is dark (simple concept). Since the whole kit cost less than $30 I figured it’s a cheap solar product that I should test.
Once I got home I figured out that I will never go to my shed after dark, who needs a shovel at 10pm? With tears in my eyes and a broken heart, I decided to mount it on my work trailer. My work trailer has lights but they only work if the truck is on and the power is connected. A few times a week I need to work in my trailer or look for some tools so the trailer was in need of my new solar powered shed light. In a way, my trailer is a shed on wheels!
I mounted the solar panel on the back of my trailer in a way that the wind will not blow it off and it is able to get full sun. After a day of charging I was able to finally test my new light. The LED light cluster is able to light up the entire inside of my 6×12 trailer. Granted the light is not a blinding light but it provides enough light for me to work and find my tools.
I feel that the solar panel is large enough to quickly charge the batteries and provide an unlimited amount of uses for what was intended as a shed light. Some of my ideas so far include:
Installing the solar panel on the side of a home and installing the lamp in a kitchen or hallway to provide light at night. This would provide enough light for people to walk around without using overhead lights.
Using the light to light up a bulkhead or basement entry.
Using the light on boat or RV’s as a backup light.
If you buy one of the lights and come up with a different use please leave a comment!
Friday, 24. October 2008
Could 4-6 be mounted outside, led disconnected after charging at night and brought inside for room lightening at night? Hang on inside wall. Is there an on/off switch? Or does it just come on at dusk? Thanks found your review interesting.
Friday, 24. October 2008
Kathy, it comes with a long cord so you could leave the solar panel outdoors and run the light inside of your home. I’m not sure if the light itself is rated for outdoor use.
The light is portable, you can unplug it and hang it anywhere you want. I’m looking to purchase a couple more of them since I am thrilled on how well the one works in my trailer.
Monday, 1. December 2008
Do you think I could mount solar panel outside and run the wire inside to my kitchen wall? Can I leave the light switch in the on position, that is, will it continue to charge or will that be a losing proposition? I was thinking this might be an altrnative to leaving lights on in the house when I am away for a day or 2 and don’t want the house to look unoccupied.
Monday, 1. December 2008
Good question Mary, I’m sorry that I don’t have an answer. I have tested a few solar panels with photo cell sensors (turn on when dark) and they do not get enough light through the window to power them for more than 1-2 nights.
With the shed light I would assume that the gain during the day might exceed the output but not enough would be left over for the light to burn all night. If you could somehow wire a photo cell sensor to the light it would work.
Sunday, 15. February 2009
where did you purchase this light? Because lights similar to the one shown are normally more expensive. I am building a backyard cottage that will not have electric so I am thinking about using this method for my lighting.
Monday, 16. February 2009
Tisha, I purchased it at the Home Depot, it was outside in their lawn and garden department. The light is still working great and the batteries are still holding up!