Lights for workshop and barn

[plowboy]

What would it take to get power to there?
I'd probably look at renting a ditchwitch and trenching in wire to the shop and putting in a small subpanel.

Then you can have the air-compressor, air tools, and power tools in the shop.
(at least when I think shop, I'm thinking you are very likely to want some power tools and/or air-tools.)

But if all you really want is a few LED lights for a few hours a week, solar panels are certainly an option.
Another might be a couple of flashlights that work off the same battery packs as cordless drills. (which may or may not be more expensive plan than what you're planning now)

Yes, we did look into getting power from the grid. It's a long story but the short is, the power people wanted $3000+ just to put a transformer on the pole along the road. There is a transformer about 50 feet away, so I don't understand that entirely except they were concerned about "browning out" the neighbor if I ran heavy. it was another 3000 to get to the barn whether it was overhead or underground. Too much money for this old farmboy.
You're right about the shop though. To do that stuff, I have to haul everything up to the house most of the time. I do run a small generator, but it's not very convenient.

[YCsolar]

Can you advise me on what size LED light/lights would be suitable for over a workshop bench? My barn/shop has no power and I'm confused about what size LEDS to use. Thank you.

About LED light wattage, we should consider illumination area, and height of your workshop bench.

There is no power there, solar energy will be a good choice, how many hours should LED lights work per day?
And you should also consider weather in your place, whether is it often rainy or cloudy, and daily sunshine lasting time.

[plowboy]

About LED light wattage, we should consider illumination area, and height of your workshop bench.

There is no power there, solar energy will be a good choice, how many hours should LED lights work per day?
And you should also consider weather in your place, whether is it often rainy or cloudy, and daily sunshine lasting time.

Thank you for the reply! Height of the ceiling is about 7' and the area is approximately 200 sq. ft..
weather in western mass., U.S.A is pretty good. Solar seems to be catching on here.
I'm in the barn/shed maybe 1-4 hours/ day.
I have decided to start out with a 150 watt kit and see how it works.
Thanks again for the interest and may the sun always shine on your panels!

[YCsolar]

Thank you for the reply! Height of the ceiling is about 7' and the area is approximately 200 sq. ft..
weather in western mass., U.S.A is pretty good. Solar seems to be catching on here.
I'm in the barn/shed maybe 1-4 hours/ day.
I have decided to start out with a 150 watt kit and see how it works.
Thanks again for the interest and may the sun always shine on your panels!

150W kit will be totally enough. It is low consumption system, I guess you can consider a solar lantern, it can work at daytime & night.
150W kit without battery cost will be at least 100USD. But a solar lantern will be about 30-50USD.

[plowboy]

150W kit will be totally enough. It is low consumption system, I guess you can consider a solar lantern, it can work at daytime & night.
150W kit without battery cost will be at least 100USD. But a solar lantern will be about 30-50USD.

Thanks again, great information and I will look up the solar lantern.

[Mike90250]

look at some "tape" strips of LED lights. about a $40 kit at box hardware store. I have a 36" long strip, I cut into 2 halves, and have both valance/soffit lighting and a under cabinet from the kit. Has a 10W transformer, and may run fine from 12V battery. or 2 or 3 kits

[SunEagle]

look at some "tape" strips of LED lights. about a $40 kit at box hardware store. I have a 36" long strip, I cut into 2 halves, and have both valance/soffit lighting and a under cabinet from the kit. Has a 10W transformer, and may run fine from 12V battery. or 2 or 3 kits

Good tip Mike. Those LED strips have come way down in price and can provide more uniform light over a counter top then some of those single bulbs.

That's why I like my 20 watt 4 foot LED lamp. I get pretty good light distribution about 6 feet wide over my workbench but it did cost a lot more then those strip lights.

[plowboy]

Good tip Mike. Those LED strips have come way down in price and can provide more uniform light over a counter top then some of those single bulbs.

That's why I like my 20 watt 4 foot LED lamp. I get pretty good light distribution about 6 feet wide over my workbench but it did cost a lot more then those strip lights.

Thanks, all good ideas!