Help brighten up my life.

November 2, 2006 8:08 PM

I need an outdoor flood light (preferably motion-sensitive) on my garage. The problem is that my garage has no electricity and is about 150 feet from my house.

Eventually, I will have an electrician run power from my house to my garage, but what options would I have in the meantime. I'd like to keep the costs under $150 if possible. I don't need anything fancy (or attractive), just something that will provide a lot of light when I walk from my house to my car and vice versa.

posted by bda1972 to Home & Garden (7 answers total)

Best answer: photovoltaics
posted by caddis at 8:16 PM on November 2, 2006

Something like this?
posted by maxwelton at 8:17 PM on November 2, 2006

Big, weatherproof electrical cord plugged into a motion sensing spot light that is available from Home Depot.

When the electrician comes have him make the spot light a permanent fixture.
posted by Pollomacho at 8:17 PM on November 2, 2006

(if you are going photovoltaic, motion sensing is a big plus as it reduces the amount of energy used at night)
posted by caddis at 8:19 PM on November 2, 2006

I swear that link went to the page:

You are here > Home > Shop > Lighting & Fans > Exterior Lighting > Security & Floods
posted by Pollomacho at 8:20 PM on November 2, 2006

You could also have just the motion sensor on the garage wirelessly trigger a light plugged in at your house (if that would illuminate your garage). This solution would eliminate the need for a solar panel and require a smaller battery, so it would be cheaper. It could also ring a doorbell if someone walked by your garage.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 8:52 PM on November 2, 2006

Best answer: Whatever you do get, please make sure to install a hood on the light, so that the light is directed downwards, and not unnecessarily lighting up the sky. Your neighbors will appreciate it.
posted by Mr. Gunn at 6:39 AM on November 3, 2006