Hey everyone! I'm a newbie here, so please be nice! Lol. We recently bought some land and installed a 10x16 shed. There's a well-lit spot next to the shed that looks perfect for some solar panels. We usually visit the property once a month for a weekend. Our main power needs will include running a small window AC unit during the summer, along with charging our cell phones and iPads, using a coffee maker, and having a few lamps and small fans. We're not looking for anything too extravagant—a fridge or TV isn't on our list.
I'm keen to explore solar options but I'm not sure where to start or if it's feasible with the way we'd be using the power. Any suggestions for setups, brands to look into, or tips on how to shop for solar equipment? I'd really appreciate any guidance you can provide for first-timers. Thanks in advance!
4 Answers
To get you started with solar power for your shed, you'll need some equipment. A decent setup might include around 4 100-watt solar panels, which generally run about $60 each. You’ll also need a charge controller (around $70), and some batteries—like those from Wattcycle at about $170 each, and I'd recommend getting 4 in parallel. Don’t forget the wiring and hardware for mounting the panels! Lastly, you'll want an inverter to change the DC from the batteries to AC. A 3000 watt inverter would cost around $160. Just a heads up: while LED lights and phone charging will use minimal power, your AC unit can be quite a heavy draw, so plan accordingly. If you can squeeze in more panels, go for it since they’re affordable and might help with your energy needs!
Who knows, if you insulate the shed well, the AC might not need to work as hard, which could save you some energy!
I’m with you on this project! I’m planning something similar after converting my bus. It's really exciting to see other folks taking on solar! Best of luck with your setup!
If your trips are just once a month, I suggest looking into a portable power station instead of a permanent solar setup. Depending on your area, a stationary system might invite unwanted visitors to take your gear. With a portable power station, you can easily bring it home after each visit, avoiding the risk of theft or damage. They're pretty handy—just plug in some portable solar panels, set the station outside, and connect your devices directly! Also, be mindful that window AC units can consume a lot of energy, often ranging from 500 to 1,500 watts when running. If you want more details, check out Bluetti’s site for some thorough insights on AC power consumption, even though it’s branded they cover general concepts.