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!