Solar charging / lighting for shed

[Mike]

I'm thinking about sticking a few solar panels on the roof of my shed and installing a few LED lights inside the shed and outside and am wondering if anyone has any suggestions. I'm a newb with solar but was looking at a basic starter kit here - http://www.harborfreight.com/solar-panel-kit-45-watt-68751.html#pr-header-back-to-top-link I have a deep cycle marine battery and a 500W inverter already.

Anyone have any suggestions or experience with doing something like this? I plan on running wire to the shed for power but figured it would be cool to run the lights (and maybe down the road a few other things, like a camera) off solar generated power.

Thanks

 

[alphawave7]

Howdy Mike!
For the money, I'd upgrade that rig to 100 Watts for less mulah:
http://www.amazon.com/Solar-Panel-Bundle-100W-Monocrystalline/dp/B00B8L6EFA/ref=sr_1_9?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1398743247&sr=1-9&keywords=solar+panel

The Renology panels get great reviews, moreso than the HFT rig. I would also attain a waterproof case for your marine battery, even if kept indoors...don't need a falling object shorting out and screwing up your setup.

http://www.susdesign.com/sunangle/

 

[Mike]

Howdy Mike!
For the money, I'd upgrade that rig to 100 Watts for less mulah:
http://www.amazon.com/Solar-Panel-Bundle-100W-Monocrystalline/dp/B00B8L6EFA/ref=sr_1_9?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1398743247&sr=1-9&keywords=solar+panel

The Renology panels get great reviews, moreso than the HFT rig. I would also attain a waterproof case for your marine battery, even if kept indoors...don't need a falling object shorting out and screwing up your setup.

http://www.susdesign.com/sunangle/

Thank you, sir! Looks like a nice kit, I think I will pick it up.

 

[fmflex]

Hi Mike

With regards to your lighting, have you considered utilising 12v LED lighting and bypassing the inverter? I've used quite a few products from www.superbrightleds.com over the last decade without any major issues. They're not the cheapest out there but the warranty and support is second to none. If you're after some higher lumen output lighting, maybe consider some automotive lamps.

hth

 

[Mike]

Hi Mike

With regards to your lighting, have you considered utilising 12v LED lighting and bypassing the inverter? I've used quite a few products from www.superbrightleds.com over the last decade without any major issues. They're not the cheapest out there but the warranty and support is second to none. If you're after some higher lumen output lighting, maybe consider some automotive lamps.

hth

Hi @fmflex,

Thanks for the suggestion, that is definitely a great idea. I will look into that for sure!

Mike