help me build a solar shed light

[aljsk8]

Hi

ive got a new shed ariving this week and i want some lights inside so i can use it as a mini workshop

my plan is first to paint the inside of the shed white then cree leds on an aluminium section attached to the roof inside

not sure how many leds yet at least 4 maybe 8

it is going to be powered from a battery that will be recharged via a solar panel

i have 2 optons

a 2w solar panel that outputs 6 - 9v and 250ma conected to a 3300 nimh 7.2v battery pack

3,3 or 4 sets of - 2 series leds direct drive (leds will be running over 1amp at times but will be well heatsinked)

OR

2w solar panel 12v 120ma connected to a sla 12v 12ah

2 sets of - 3 series or 4 series leds

ok heres the questions

for eather setup do i need a charge controller or can i just wire the solar panel to the battery

will overcharging be an issue

which system should i chose - bear in mind i already have both batterys

thanks

Alex

 

[metlarules]

I would use a deep cycle marine battery and one of those solar battery maintainers. That should do the trick.

 

[ken2400]

I think it comes down to how much time you will be using the lights.
If it is a small time then the deep cell batt sounds like the way to go. If so go out and get a modern battery charger to go with it.
Also get a volt meter to keep an eye on the battery.

Good luck.