Standalone PV

[seasickstevie]

Anyone had any experience with a standalone photovoltaic set-up?

I'm looking to install some lighting - probably 12v dc or similar - in an outbuilding with no chance of any power supply.

Did think to get some kind of boat or caravan system which might do the job.

Obviously there's going to be a very limited amount of power, and the light(s) would only be used for short periods. But the more power the better.

 

[Chri5]

Do you intend to store the juice the PV makes ?

or will you only use the light durring daylight hours

 

[seasickstevie]

Will need battery, as most likely needed in dark winter evenings and mornings.

Actually going to be used as a bike shed.

 

[Taylortwocities]

If it is just light you need, for short periods, then just buy a ready made solar shed light.
There's loads around just google.

Something like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Proteam-Solar-Shed-Light-Sl1038/dp/B000MSSDRW

 

[seasickstevie]

Thanks for that TTC.
It's a largish shed, so I may need a few of them.

Just wondered if anyone had any experience of how effective the likes of:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Solar-shed-Li...588?pt=UK_Garden_Lighting&hash=item588a133cbc

with 6 leds

or

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Solar-Ray-Power-Shed-Light/dp/B002GN4WGM/ref=pd_cp_light_1

with 36 leds is?

 

[electronicsuk]

No experience with either kit, but the one you link to on eBay claims to have a 1.5w panel, and the Amazon one 0.6w. I'd say the size of the panel is a pretty important factor in getting the batteries fully charged on an overcast winter day, which would make the eBay kit the better choice. Whether or not it will provide enough light is another question.

If you want a decent amount of light then something like this or this may be a little more practical.