Outdoor Solar Lights

I want to use 12vDc rope lighting that is 3 watts per foot and i am looking to use approx 64 ft of light. I am probably only going to have the lights on for 3-4 hours at night. I will be running the lights off a 12 volt car battery. What wattage will my solar panel need to be to recharge the battery during the day. I would appreciate any help, Thank You! I am also looking at led lighting that is only 0.8 watt per foot.

Here is the math.

3W/ft * 64 ft = 192W
4hr * 192W = 768Whr <— energy needed per day

768Whr / 12v = 64Ahr
64Ahr * 200%(d-rate) = 128Ahr <— Your battery needs to be a minimum 128 Amp – Hour to opperate without damaging itself.

At Boise, Idaho — Latitude: 43.6 we get 5 sun hours per day average
If your latitude is less than that, your sun hours will likely be greater.

768Whr / 5hr = 153.6W ~ 160W panel required.

I highly recommend that you get a charge controller in addition to this panel, as it will protect your batteries and enable charging during low light conditions. Some even come with automatic light timers and or motion sensors:

http://www.aurorapower.net/products/list/1/categoryid/13/level/a.aspx

For more information on solar electric components and layout visit: http://www.aurorapower.net/alternative-energy/solar-electric.aspx

Hope that helps!