Solar Shed Light: How to Get Light in a Shed Without Electricity

If your shed doesn't have wiring, that doesn't mean you have to work in the dark. There are many easy and affordable ways to bring light into your shed without needing to access the electrical panel. From solar shed lights to battery-powered fixtures, there are many reliable options that you can consider to brighten up your shed without running new wiring.

If you're looking for something that offers more flexibility, such as powering lights, tools, or a fan, you can consider a solar generator like the Jackery Solar Generator. It gives you power without the hassle of wiring, and it's easy to move around as your needs change. For example, you can use the solar generator to run power tools in your shed workshop without having to deal with complicated wiring or take the solar battery backup to the backyard to power mini-freezers and fans.

Key Takeaways 

• The choice of the best solar shed lights depends on the type of use case and the required illumination.
• Some popular types of backyard shed lighting options include LED lights, pendant lights, solar-powered lights, and strip lights. 
• When choosing the best solar shed lights, several factors to consider include brightness level, battery capacity, aesthetics, and the size of the shed.
• Jackery Solar Generators can power various shed appliances, including lights, mini-freezers, TVs, and power tools, without the need for electrical outlets.

Solar Shed Light Requirements Based on Use

The kind of solar shed light depends on how you use the space. For example, a simple storage shed may only require a low-lumen light for quick visibility, while a gardening or hobby shed needs brighter, longer-lasting lighting. If your shed doubles as a workspace or studio, you'll benefit from a more powerful solar shed light setup with a battery backup. Here's a table revealing the best solar shed light requirements based on different use cases:

5 Types of Lighting Options for Sheds

There are endless lighting options available for sheds, but not all are equal. The choice of the best lighting option for your shed will depend on the type of illumination and your budget. Here are some of the popular kinds of shed lighting options:

LED Lights: These energy-efficient shed lights have a long lifespan. They provide uniform lighting that illuminates the entire space. They are available in various styles, sizes, and color temperatures, allowing you to match the lights with the aesthetic of your shed.

Solar-Powered Lights: Solar-powered lights are eco-friendly fixtures that can be recharged during the day and automatically turn on at night. This is one of the best indoor solar shed lights that offer soft and warm lighting without the need for any electricity.

Pendant Lights: These are hung from the ceiling and are typically used to create focused lighting. They are suitable for concentrated lighting, such as workbenches and other areas with high lighting requirements. They also come in various designs and lighting capacities, allowing you to select one that suits your shed's needs.

Adjustable Task Lamps: They are versatile lighting fixtures that can provide direct light. You can install these lights near workbenches, desks, or any other area in your shed. Thanks to their adjustable nature, you can position these lights anywhere you need them.

Strip Lights: These are low-profile lighting solutions that can be attached to any surface. You can create ambient lighting or highlight areas within the shed. You can select from a range of colors and brightness levels to customize the lighting according to your needs.

Out of all options, solar shed light kits help you illuminate the space without access to the main electricity supply. They can be recharged with the help of clean solar energy to provide illumination during the night.

How to Choose the Best Solar Shed Light

When it comes to choosing the best indoor solar shed light setup, there are several factors that you must keep in mind. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting the best solar light for the shed:

Brightness

Start by checking the lumens rating and aim for solar shed lights that produce at least 400 lumens. For basic visibility in small shed spaces, a single light with around 100-300 lumens may be enough. However, if you're working in the shed or need stronger illumination, consider using a light source with 500 lumens or higher. Make sure to consider the level of illumination required for the specific shed use, such as walkways and gathering areas.

Battery Capacity

The battery size determines how long your shed light will stay on after dark. Look for lights with higher mAh ratings (such as 2000mAh or more) if you want reliable lighting that lasts through the night. Remember, a good solar shed light should last several hours after sunset. In addition, you should also consider how long it takes to fully recharge using solar power.

Shed Size

A single solar shed light might work well for a compact shed, but larger or multi-room sheds may need multiple fixtures or lights with wide-angle coverage. You should choose a solar shed light setup that matches your layout and ensures there are no dark corners, especially if you store tools or work inside the shed.

Aesthetic Design

While function is of utmost importance, you must also consider choosing a solar shed light that complements your shed's aesthetic. Some lights feature a more rustic lantern style, while others have a modern and sleek appearance. If your shed is an extension of your backyard vibe, you need to pick a solar shed light design that matches your space.

DIY Guide to Installing Solar Shed Lights

Installing DIY solar shed light is a simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly task. Here, we will reveal how to run electricity to shed lights to illuminate spaces for storage, gardening, or workspace and brighten up the space:

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Start by determining the best spot for the solar panel and light fixture. You should position the light fixture in a shed where it can provide the maximum coverage. The solar panel should be placed in an exterior spot where it can receive maximum sunlight during the day, such as a shed roof.

Step 2: Mount the Solar Panels

If you've rooftop solar panels, make sure to mount them using the provided screws to the chosen surface. Be careful while attaching the panel to the bracket and ensure it faces the sun at an optimal angle. You can even use a measuring tape to ensure the solar panel is level.

Step 3: Install the Light Fixture

Now, it's time to install the light fixture in the shed interior where you need the illumination. You can use an electric drill to drill holes for the screws or use adhesive strips for a non-drill option. Finally, secure the light fixture to the ceiling or shed wall.

Step 4: Connect the Panel to the Light

Most solar shed lights come with a cable that allows them to connect the panel to the light fixture. You can simply run the cable through any small openings or vents in the shed and plug it into the light fixture. Make sure the wires are securely fastened to avoid tripping hazards or any damage.

Once connected, you can test the solar shed light to make sure it works perfectly. But how to charge solar lights without sun? In this case, you can consider investing in a small battery backup that stores the electricity generated by the solar panel during the day to keep the lights powered at night. Jackery Solar Generators are powerful yet portable solar-powered generators that can power lights and other shed appliances for long hours.

Best Jackery Solar Generators for Sheds

Some people use their sheds as a storage space for gardening tools, whereas others use sheds as a workshop or a cozy retreat from the house. Installing solar shed lights can help you make the most out of the space and illuminate the darker corners.

Jackery is a global leader in manufacturing solar panels, solar generators, and power stations. The solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, whereas power stations can store the excess electricity for powering shed appliances. They are portable, so you don't have to spend time installing the solar power supply system.

Check out the best Jackery Solar Generators for solar-powered sheds:

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is a reliable battery backup solution that can power essential shed appliances. You can power the essential tools, such as hand drills, table saws, and pruning saws, and use the shed space as your workspace. The battery capacity can also be expanded from 1.2kWh to 5kWh with the add-on packs, ensuring shed appliances remain powered for extended periods.

Appliances Running Time

• Shed Light (100W) = 8.8H
• Hand Drill (700W) = 1.4H
• Pruning Saw (800W) = 1.3H
• Mini-Freezer (300W) = 3.3H
• Ice Maker (500W) = 2.0H

Customer Review

I am new to solar generators, but the Jackery was easy to set up and put into operation. Runs the basics I need, i.e., accessories, charging light & fan with power to spare. Love it!

— Robert LaQuerre.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a reliable home battery backup solution that can be used to power appliances in sheds or backyards. It has a compact design with a sturdy handle, pull rod, and double wheels for easier transportation. Similar to the previous model, you can expand the capacity from 2kWh to 24kWh with the additional battery packs.

Appliances Running Time

• Shed Light (100W) = 14.2H
• Hand Drill (700W) = 2.3H
• Pruning Saw (800W) = 2.0H
• Mini-Freezer (300W) = 5.3H
• Ice Maker (500W) = 3.2H

Customer Review

I gave my Jackery 2000 and 500W solar panels a run-through and am absolutely delighted with the performance, output, and input. A real tool that frees me to go off-grid without reservation. Love the ability to upgrade/add more modular power with ease. I've no doubt this is the top brand for solar/electrical power banks.

— Thomas Lanen.

FAQs

How to add solar lights to a shed?

Adding lights to a shed involves investing in solar panels to convert the sun's energy into electricity, a battery to store the power, and a light fixture to illuminate the shed. You need to connect the solar panels with a battery backup and then plug the lights into the output ports for illumination.

How much solar power is needed for a shed?

For a typical shed, a 200-watt solar panel and a small solar battery backup are often sufficient to power basic needs like lighting. However, the exact wattage needed for sheds will depend on the shed size and appliances used.

How can I power a light without electricity?

There are various non-electric lighting options, such as solar lights and battery-powered lights, that can illuminate the shed space without relying on electricity.

How to add electricity and lighting to my garden shed safely?

If you are installing wiring or adding electrical outlets to the shed, you need to call a professional electrician. However, if you are using a portable solar generator or battery backup to power lights in the shed, you can do the setup without professional help. 

How can I safely pass power from an extension cord through a shed wall?

If you want to safely pass power from an extension cord through a shed wall, drill a small hole in a low, dry area and insert a rubber grommet for the conduit sleeve to protect the cord from abrasion. Make sure to use an outdoor-rated extension cord and seal the gap around the cord with weatherproof silicone caulk to keep out moisture, insects, and dust.

Conclusion

The functionality of the shed is directly influenced by how well the space is lit. Installing solar shed lights can transform your shed space, helping you complete tasks with more productivity. If you want a simple and robust solution for extra reliability, you can consider going ahead with the Jackery Solar Generators. These solar generators can not only power lights to illuminate the space but also power different shed appliances, such as mini-freezers, TVs, fans, or even power tools. The portability ensures that solar generators can be easily transported from one place to another