Hey everyone! I'm completely new to solar energy, but I'm planning to set up a gym in a summerhouse I recently bought. I also want to build a storage shed behind it and put DIY camper solar panels on both the shed and summerhouse roofs – the total area would be around 15m2 max. The area gets plenty of sunlight, and I want to ensure I can store enough power in leisure batteries to last through the winter's dark days. I'm not keen on running mains electricity from my house because it's pretty far and my garden has flooded before, so I'd prefer to keep everything elevated. I'm curious about what I could realistically power with this setup. I'm looking to run a small treadmill for 30-45 minutes every day or every other day, a light source (a single bulb would work), a fan heater for short bursts, and maybe a fridge freezer occasionally. Am I being overly ambitious with my plans?
1 Answer
It really depends on where you live. Don't aim too high for winter power production. Running electricity from your house could actually be less complex and cheaper if that's an option. But if it’s too far and you're set on the off-grid route, you could manage it for just the treadmill. Do remember that batteries don’t perform well in cold weather - Lifepo4 batteries can't charge below freezing, and lead-acid types lose a lot of their capacity. Maybe consider just using an extension cord when you're at the summerhouse? Watch out for that fridge/freezer, though, it may require more energy than you expect!
Thanks for your insights! The cottage sits in the NW Cotswolds, where it's rarely below freezing but can flood. Running an extension cord while I'm there could work, and I might skip the fridge/freezer idea. I was just hoping to harness some natural solar energy for free!