I have my own shed out back, fully wired with NM cable and wired to an inlet that I can plug a 14ga extension cord into on the outside. I plug it into the kitchen window outlet or plug into a generator when needed. This is due to no outdoor outlets, and our panel being full and drywalled around. I keep my total consumption under 1,000w. I use a 2amp stick vacuum, 2a fan, 3a total indoor/outdoor lighting, and about 2-3a with the radio and tv. I try to keep electric usage as low as possible.
I currently have a 65w Lights of American fluorescent flood, and it broke already, as being cheap plastic. Replaced it, and then the bulb went out.
This lights up a large area outside behind my shed. I have 2 traditional floodlights in the front with 2 cfl floodlight bulbs in each one, that lights up the front and doors nicely with the other one flood on each side, pointed to the edge to illuminate the sides of the building. But I need a super bright light for the back to light up a large storage area and 1/4 acre woods.
What kind of light for behind the shed? I'd like to keep the usage of the light around 70w and very efficient. I was thinking a 70w HPS flood or a 70w MH light, but I kinda am worried about using a MH light since I've heard they are a bit dangerous. I like the fluorescents, but they seem to not give out as much light as needed to see and don't get bright even after a while of being on when it's cold out.. The HPS seems to give more lumens per watt for use. What do you think?
Info: Light is mounted about 6 feet off the ground. And my budget is about $50.