Hey everyone! I'm new here and looking for some advice. I've got a 24x48x12 shed for storing hay and parking my skid steer, and I'm currently building a small tack room inside. The shed is about 200 yards from my house, so running power to it isn't cost-effective. I'm thinking about installing four LED lights for the shed and a small LED for the tack room, plus maybe a floodlight pointing at the feeder. I'll mainly use these for about 15 minutes a day in winter when I'm feeding my animals, and not much during the summer. I also want to have a power outlet for a radio and occasionally for charging tool batteries. I have eight years of experience in electrical work as a controls tech, but I'm new to solar setups. I'm curious whether I should go for a solar panel to charge a battery or a power station. The power station sounds simpler, but I want to make sure it can handle Wisconsin's subzero temperatures. I'm looking for the easiest and most effective way to set this up with all the details in mind. Any suggestions?
2 Answers
From what you've described, a power station might not be the best bet for your needs. Most power stations use lithium iron phosphate batteries which aren't great in cold temperatures—they can struggle to charge below 32F and may not work well at all in subzero conditions. You might want to consider using an AGM battery that can handle the cold better. A setup with a Victron 75/15 charge controller, a 100W panel, a small inverter (around 600W), and a 100Ah AGM battery would likely cover your needs without being overkill. Plus, check out the Pecron E1000LFP, which has self-heating capabilities if you're interested!
Thanks for the clarification! Sodium-ion batteries seem too pricey for what I need. I’ll definitely stick to AGM or lead acid as they're more practical.
Have you thought about using a small generator instead? For the limited usage you mentioned, it might be easier than setting up a solar system. Charging batteries in those low temps can be tricky, and you said you'd only need power for short periods. A generator could easily handle running lights and charging tools when needed, though you'd have to deal with gas and noise.
I get that, but I'd much rather just flip a switch for lights than have to start a generator every time. I’m mostly thinking of charging tool batteries during warmer days, and I’m not even sure I need an outlet on the shed. I’m looking at those LED lights that come with small panels for about $30-50 each, but the remotes they come with might get annoying!
Totally agree with this! Even with self-heating batteries, you'd run into problems during those long cloudy days in Wisconsin. I think sticking with a lead-acid or AGM battery is smarter for your situation. That said, I'm a bit skeptical about the Bluetti sodium-ion power station announcement too—I've seen them tease products before without delivering!