Hey everyone! I'm converting a little 10' x 12' shed into a workshop and I'm aiming to run it entirely on solar power if possible. The shed has a skylight which I plan to use for natural light during the day, and I'll need lights for the nighttime. I'm looking to run a few things simultaneously: a table saw (15 amp, 120V), a shop vacuum, and a temperature control system. Ideally, I want the temperature control running 24/7 or at least for several days at a time, mainly to keep my stains and finishes curing properly. Since I can only afford to buy parts one by one, I could really use some guidance on where to start and in what order I should purchase everything. Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! - Jon
3 Answers
To determine your total power consumption, add up the requirements of all your planned devices and then add a bit extra for overhead. A 2000W inverter is a minimum for your table saw, though for bigger setups you might want to look at around 3000W to cover everything adequately, especially since big machines need more juice. I think starting small and expanding as you can afford it might be better than trying to buy everything at once.
It's super important to figure out the power consumption of your heating/cooling system first. A solid approach would be to maximize your solar panels based on your roof’s space. Aim for enough battery capacity to charge fully on a good solar day, and consider using LifePo4 batteries for efficiency. A 5KW inverter could be the way to go to handle your tools and lighting.
When you're talking about a temperature control system, are you thinking of HVAC? It's worth noting you probably won’t be able to power that solely with solar from a small shed. A good first step is to calculate the power usage of everything you plan to run. For larger tools like your table saw, you'd typically need at least a 2000W inverter. Just keep in mind that unless your shed is far from the house, running a power line from your home may be the cheaper option.
The shed is pretty small, so you don't need to prioritize comfort for yourself, but for the materials you’re working with. A mini HVAC unit could work well. I’ve seen options designed for campers that might suit your needs. Since I understand running an extension cord isn't ideal, focusing on a solar system that can at least power some tools is a great start.
That's a great tip! If I plan on using the cooling unit for about 6-8 hours each time, that seems manageable. I just need something that can get me set up and handle a few tools at once. I love the idea of having a progressive approach—starting with basics like a panel and a battery. Any thoughts on how to calculate power needs effectively?