Solar light inside a garden shed

[DI-Guy]

I have a shed in my garden that I would like to put a sensor light into. Mostly for convenience but security would be a bonus. If I also had a few Watts of USB power there to power a camera that would be great, but not essential.

Running proper electrics to it would need a qualified electrician and laying cable under a concrete slab somehow, so I suspect that option is out.

I have been looking at solar cells as an alternative and there seem to be a bunch of different options on Amazon, from very basic light/solar combos to huge solar panels with a proper charging circuit that can provide 230V. Most of the basic ones seem to be outdoor lights, but there are a few which have the solar panel and light separated by a cable.

Can anyone recommend a solution that has worked well for them?

And is it actually possible to do this with a plastic shed? I assume I'd have to drill into the plastic roof or wall to attach it, and then drill another hole to get the cable inside. Is that going to create leaks?

 

[pidgeon1]

You can drill your shed, I would get a grommet suitable for your wiring , you can then drill the right hole (carefully) seal the grommet with outdoor silicone.

Try and not to drill hole on the pervading side .
My Solar PIR LED's is not that good if there is not enough sun light, docent last longer enough.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

More light, for less outlay. Use a 12v battery with solar panel charger. You can get 12v ciggy lighter adaptors, to get USB power from that. Lots of options for LED lighting, used on cars and caravans. If the solar is not adequate in winter, take the battery in the charge on a car charger.

 

[CBW]

I’ve bought one of these, and so far so good: https://www.bmstores.co.uk/products/energizer-large-motion-activated-solar-security-light-373199 I’ve just seen there’s a cheaper one too, but not sure on lumens. The linked one is quite bright.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I’ve just seen there’s a cheaper one too, but not sure on lumens.

570 lumens = around 40 to 50w in a conventional lamp bulb.

 

[CBW]

570 lumens = around 40 to 50w in a conventional lamp bulb.

The cheaper one, £12.99 doesn’t give lumens output https://www.bmstores.co.uk/products/energizer-motion-activated-solar-powered-led-light-338631

 

[JohnD]

the current used by LED lamps is very low. In my shed I now have several "camping" lanterns fitted with AA batts

(lanterns and batts from Aldi or Lidl)

With infrequent use, they last for a very long time.

I hang them off the roof and wall timbers on cup-hooks

I've tried solar lamps, and find the battery endurance is very poor. Worst in winter when days are short and dull.

 

[big-all]

general comments
get a system 4 times the capacity you think you need with a big battery storage capacity, then expect it to function well in the summer months when you dont use it much
then in the winter months expect to charge the battery from the house every day to every week dependant on usage and solar gain

in other words solar is no quite there yet for man in a shed lighting requirements with a overactive pir in a security light could flatten a fully charged 35ah/12v battery over night

 

[Diyisfun]

I’ve bought one of these, and so far so good: https://www.bmstores.co.uk/products/energizer-large-motion-activated-solar-security-light-373199 I’ve just seen there’s a cheaper one too, but not sure on lumens. The linked one is quite bright.

Thats no good. The unit will be INSIDE the shed. Something like this. LAP RB0258A Outdoor LED Solar Floodlight With PIR Sensor Black 1200lm | Floodlights | Screwfix.com
I have similar didnt pay much look on Ebay.

 

[CBW]

Thats no good. The unit will be INSIDE the shed.

Yeah I read that, but then wondered, why would you want a motion sensor for security INSIDE the shed?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Yeah I read that, but then wondered, why would you want a motion sensor for security INSIDE the shed?

Why not, I have one in my utility room. It avoids the need to struggle to get to the switch, when your hands are full. In a room, they are called an occupation switch.

 

[Diyisfun]

Yeah I read that, but then wondered, why would you want a motion sensor for security INSIDE the shed?

Security I think was the wrong word the poster used.
For me it works well, enter garage light comes on. Although the switch is next to the door.lol

 

[CBW]

Why not, I have one in my utility room. It avoids the need to struggle to get to the switch, when your hands are full. In a room, they are called an occupation switch.

I’m not fussed about it being motion sensor activated, it’s just OP confused the post by stating for security.

 

[DI-Guy]

Thanks for the helpful suggestions.

The security aspect was really just an afterthought - the main point of the PIR is the convenience. I have been trying to put more and more of my lights on sensors, it's quite satisfying when you walk into a room and the lights just come on!

 

[big-all]

i use these in areas i pass through in the house [not the specific make or supplier but type]
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/353786290575?_trkparms=ispr=1&hash=item525f4e618f:gOsAAOSwq85hLcFM&amdata=enc:AQAGAAAA4HhntCDxbISp3umeQwpLK6kX0vckq8TZUDQ6LcEUGOt+V5a2WFbqfTCbP4+P4GnK+UbRxGt7Ban/Ywzbyvi24R0WWRZUhbUfDvzZqyljkUYO+ftk5gkwhcpTWrvKurCXmTAPFaeZalS1OLGFYDuGt6lH2uX7LB9TytcG/iWpIM7/Jhw7tMMMce6YsT9i7ka07MKOjmCM48g5Rpz1IrZ7hiX0kIxdRalzwEA6UxMqhxfeRkSXUqoNFeG1gWpGGmJpD7RASJ4dIQ9d9KUfthd86VWDtPBkn9BELYrooyaRSm9f|tkp:BFBMyvaStK5f
they use perhaps 0.5 to 1w when off and can be annoying iff constant use is required as they will frequently need "resetting"[ by motion an an area they respond to well] so not suitable for constant uninterrupted lighting