Hi all,
I am looking for an easy solution for lighting my parents garage. Im not proud of my lack of electrical skills and something simple for my parents, so I am looking for something battery powered.
I would like something motion sensored for security on the outside, and maybe something for my dads work bench.
The combination of (bright enough for a) "workbench" and "battery powered" is pretty much a contradiction in terms, IMCO. Throw "cheap" into the mix, and you are essentially asking for the impossible.
Attempting to do this with replaceable/disposable batteries (such as common dry cells -- i.e., "flashlight batteries") will likely put your parents in the poorhouse if the lights actually get used regularly.
Using rechargeable batteries is technically feasible; but unless you want to saddle your parents with lugging large, heavy batteries back and forth to the house for frequent recharging, you'll need probably half a roof-full of solar panels to keep the "tank" (so to speak) topped off -- and you'd still be looking at replacing the batteries every few years (they DO wear out), which won't be cheap.
Then too, "workbench" also implies tools of some sort -- particularly tools which require power. Yes, cordless hand-held power tools such as drills and sanders, are all the rage these days; but that's still more lugging back and forth, and more expense, and probably still doesn't cover everything your Dad might need (tho' admittedly, some systems are pretty extensive now; the Ryobi "ONE+" system in particular has caught my eye).
All in all, getting a professional electrician to run a line out to the garage from the house's main electrical panel would not only be the best solution, it would likely also be less expensive than either of these scenarios, at least in the long run. Presuming your Dad doesn't need anything exotic, such as a "serious" air compressor, a welder, or really big stationary power tools, something like a 30-Amp line and a small sub-panel should be more than sufficient.
Once you have real AC power in the garage, motion-sensor control for your outside security light becomes child's play. A separate motion sensor can be wired in to any standard exterior fixture; or fixtures with integrated sensors are commonly available.
There is no power in the garage.
Its not so much about the final cost, but I want to keep installation, maintenance, and functionality simple.
Installation is completely painless, presuming you hire someone else to do it. And nothing is simpler to use & maintain, or cheaper to operate over the long haul, than plain ol' 120VAC lamps & wall switches.
Price is important, in the long run more than just the beginning.
Then do it right, from the beginning.
Been reading this thread and wondered what the outcome was?