Kitchen Garden Forum

Has anyone used these? I like the idea of using a shed for starting off seeds etc but all the solar lights I’ve looked at get terrible reviews. Anyone use these and find them good / useful?

I was interested in getting solar powered timed watering for the tunnel & even outside & found it a minefield. Mostly it was the language used as when you ask questions it is the most passionate person that answers who is totally confident with the process & lingo. Many years ago I had a cheap one in the old greenhouse, it was OK, but really not enough light generated for the number of plants as it didn't bank the energy into batteries, but I couldn't afford that kit.

Like most things re-chargeable, it's the batteries, it usually means the cheaper an item, the poorer the battery. I didn't get solar panels on my house as the amount of sunlight they needed in the winter/early spring was not here, in summer when the light is good, I don't really need the electrickery so much, my neighbours are disappointed with solar power, one is seriously thinking of having it removed. LED lights don't need huge amounts of power, do you need solar, is there no power supply choices?

Have thought using Led lights, usb connector and battery power pack (those used to charge phone away from mains) would be a good combination for off grid sheds.

Brought small kit to try out, did not see any great improvement then power pack failed.

As for solar panels when I found out how long they would take before they showed a profit I said forget it I probably be in my box by then.

Westi wrote: ↑Mon Jul 08, 2024 7:05 pm I was interested in getting solar powered timed watering for the tunnel & even outside & found it a minefield. Mostly it was the language used as when you ask questions it is the most passionate person that answers who is totally confident with the process & lingo. Many years ago I had a cheap one in the old greenhouse, it was OK, but really not enough light generated for the number of plants as it didn't bank the energy into batteries, but I couldn't afford that kit.

Exactly this Westi, I look at the terminology and just switch off. I have no idea what they’re talking about.

I was thinking a leisure battery from a motorhome could be used to store excess energy but then there’s something about converters…

Funnily enough we’ve been thinking about solar panels on the house as our neighbour has them and says they’re great. Ach, I’ve no idea, think I’ll get hubbie to do some research, he has more of a technical brain than I.

Hi Myrkk! The good thing if you get solar panels is the guys that install them, do the whole thing re; setting up selling back to the grid etc, which buttons to push etc so no new language required. There are some good deals at the moment from the proper companies, I have one on my radar that is a BOGOF deal. Reluctant to commit as at some stage we will extend out the back , but expect I'll kick myself for dallying!

Hint from my neighbour if you go ahead; they generally just install them to stand above the roof which turned out in his & the next neighbours case to just offer a nice protected place for the birds to nest so ask for the mesh to go around them to prevent this. OK if little birds but one hell of a mess when the seagulls nest their, poop everywhere & the nests washing down into the guttering.