A growing number of people are putting solar panels on their sheds. What once was a major project to run electricity to a remote part of your yard or property is now a simple project thanks to solar technology. ?

The benefits of having electricity in your shed are numerous. You can turn it into a usable workstation with lighting, plug in power tools, and provide a source of heating and cooling.

In this complete guide to solar panels for sheds, you’ll uncover the pros and cons of installing solar panels for your shed. It lists the particulars, including what size solar panels you need. It will also provide information on how to avoid major pitfalls associated with this kind of project.

Can You Put a Solar Panel on Your Shed?

It is possible to put a solar panel on your shed. In fact, many sheds resemble tiny homes, using sturdy materials and state-of-the-art building techniques.

Whether you want to plug in a few power tools or simply need some extra light to find your favorite yard gadget, installing solar panels on the roof of your shed is a great option.

However, there are a few things to consider before installation:

1. The roof needs to be sturdy enough to hold solar panels.
2. You must position the shed so it gets plenty of sunlight.
3. Check local regulations since many municipalities require a permit to install solar panels, even on a utility structure.

Pros and Cons of Shed Solar Panels

There are several benefits and drawbacks to consider before taking on any solar project. Here are some pros and cons of installing solar panels on your shed.

Pros

Running electricity from your home to your shed can be challenging, especially if it’s more than 50 feet away. Also, there are safety considerations. For example, it’s best not to use an extension cord to power your shed since it could get damaged by the weather.

Having a solar system for your shed takes care of this problem by eliminating the need to run external power from your home. It also saves money on electricity since you would not need to rely on the power grid.

Cons

One of the major drawbacks of installing solar panels on your shed is the initial cost. You’ll not only have to purchase the solar panels, but you’ll also need an inverter, a controller, and batteries if you want to store the electricity for later use.

Another drawback is if your shed is large and heavy but is not located in a spot to receive optimal sunlight. Moving your shed is only an option if you can do so without damaging it.

Last, the amount of electricity produced by your solar panels is limited by the size of your shed. After all, there’s only so much room available on the roof. Still, with proper planning and the correct type of solar panel modules, you can do a lot with very little.

How Many Solar Panels Are Needed to Run a Shed?

System size depends on how big your shed is, where it’s located, and how many appliances you’ll use at once. These factors also determine the number of solar panels you’ll need.

For most smaller sheds, 200 watts of power should be sufficient. You can use one large solar panel or break it into two 100-watt panels. For larger sheds, or if you intend to use several power tools simultaneously, 400 watts is better.

However, keep in mind that your system will need more than just solar panels, including:

• Inverter
• Charge controller
• Fuse box
• Batteries

What Size Shed Solar Panels Do You Need?

If you want to power one light and possibly charge a small device like your cell phone, a 50-watt panel should be enough. But if you are also running power tools, floor heating, and listening to your favorite music on a boom box, you’ll need at least two or three panels rated at 200 watts and above.

With Chint Global’s AstroSemi and AstroTwins, size is much less of a factor since they’re made to be compact and efficient. They also provide up to 30% more power than conventional panels and are lightweight, so they are suitable to place on the roof of your shed.

Where Not to Put Solar Panels

There are several places where you should not install solar panels, for example, in areas where you get shade most of the day. If you know your shed will often be without sunlight, either attempt to move it or build another one where the solar panels will be effective.

Also, avoid placing solar panels under trees or overhangs. Bird droppings and other debris are the enemies of solar panels. They limit their effectiveness and decrease their life expectancy.

Conclusion

When determining if a solar shed is worth it, you must weigh the cost with the benefits, and hopefully, we’ve helped you do that here. The critical thing to remember is that the amount of electricity you can generate is determined by the size of your shed. In general, large sheds will produce more electricity than smaller sheds since you will be able to fit more panels onto the roof.

Also, keep in mind that you will need more than just solar panels. There are also inverters, controllers, and batteries to purchase. Consider Chint Global’s AstroSemi and AstroTwins panels, along with our other products for your next solar project or installation.