[colinjmx5]

Hi
what is best plan for power for allotment shed,   solar or wind ?

Any useful tips most welcome

Thanks

Colin and Thembi

[joyfull]

It might depend on much power you would be needing.

[GrannieAnnie]

It would indeed!    If you only wanted say a light in there, then solar powered shed lights are getting cheaper, but if you want to run any power tools, then you are getting into money!!!

[plot53b]

I have been looking at the same thing - a friend of mine who knows about these things says that solar power (like for like) is best on my plot.

The only constructive comment I can make is that in terms of price, Maplins seems to be the best on almost complete packages (except bateries).

[Yorkie]

Frankly I wouldn't risk either on my allotment - far too high a risk of vandalism or theft.

[Headgardener22]

Frankly I wouldn't risk either on my allotment - far too high a risk of vandalism or theft.

I agree.

Solar might be able to be more "discrete" though (a panel on a shed might not show up as much as a turbine)

[colinjmx5]

I was going to get some solar stick lights for evenings.   working on solar and or wind ideas

Thanks for tips

Colin and Thembi

[grendel]

make the lighting LED and you can get away with very small panels.
Grendel

[John]

make the lighting LED and you can get away with very small panels.
Grendel

I've been looking at replacing some fluorescent under-cupboard lights with LED and it looks like 5 times as efficient. i.e. a 30W tube is replaced with 6W of LED. Also LED are 12V which simplifies everything when talking of solar power and batteries, no inverter required.

You'd need to calculate likely usage and gear the system accordingly. If you have a fair amount of space and it's feasible (neighbours) you could consider a large wind turbine and a grid connection. I'm sure I had an email from River Cottage about community power schemes & grants that could be worth looking into.

[grendel]

these little units come with different connectors to directly replace existing 12v bulbs - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300650233862?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
I have no connection to the seller, but was thinking of using some in the caravan.
Grendel

[Gwiz]

Frankly I wouldn't risk either on my allotment - far too high a risk of vandalism or theft.

Never a truer word spoken, but if I was going to risk it, I'd go for solar (less noticeable to interfering fingers)

[Trillium]

The exact same thought occurred to me too, Gwiz. Far too many thieves/vandals out there today and the less conspicuous you make it, the less likely you'll have problems.

We can't afford solar panels and badly needed more kitchen light so we opted for a solar tunnel. It's literally an 10" wide tube that goes through the roof, through the attic into the room below and is fitted with a special diffuser in the ceiling. It greatly reflects even tiny amounts of light and has been great. Will be getting another for our dark sitting room and bathroom.

Not sure if they make them small enough for a shed, but it's something to look into.

[GrannieAnnie]

We saw those solar light things at a self build show once Trillium.  Looked good for dark rooms with access through to the roof! 

[Trillium]

They really are amazing. The reflector inside the tunnel is highly polished and shiny yet incredibly thin. On moonlit nights our kitchen glows and we rarely have to switch on lights if we have to walk around. On very sunny days we almost need sunglasses in the house   

[green jack]

i'm thinking of something for the shed to give a bit of light off on the inside and there seems to be a few on ebay but how good they are i don't know, might be worth a try though.