12V shed lights

Size a simple solar setup for shed lights.

Enter the lighting load, backup days, battery voltage, usable capacity, output efficiency, and solar conditions to estimate a nameplate battery and daily refill target.

Quick resultRun estimate

Battery nameplate capacity must cover reserve and battery-to-light output losses.

Inputs

Planning assumptions

Total light wattsAdd the watts for lights used at the same time.Hours per nightTypical nightly use.Backup daysDays of battery without full recharge.Battery voltageMost small kits use 12V batteries.Usable battery capacity percentThe share of nameplate capacity available after reserve and discharge limits.Battery-to-light efficiency percentLoss between stored battery energy and the lights, including any converter.Good sun hoursUse strong-sun hours, not daylight hours.Panel-to-battery efficiency percentSolar collection and charging losses from controller, wiring, angle, and heat.

Use this as a planning estimate

Small solar and backup-power estimates depend on real device draw, temperature, battery age, sun, shade, and product limits. Use the result to narrow a shopping range, then verify exact specs before buying.

Planning notes

What this calculator is checking

Battery

Nameplate capacity is larger than usable energy

The battery target applies the entered usable-capacity share and battery-to-light output efficiency before converting Wh to Ah.

Panel

Panel watts should refill the daily draw

The panel target applies output-path loss and a separate panel-to-battery collection assumption.

Solar recharge time calculator

Check whether a panel can refill the battery within your usable sun window.

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