Solar panels for my shed? Any ideas? :)

[Samuel1988]

Afternoon all,

I was thinking of getting some solar panels for my shed roof so I can use the power generated for various things and I was wondering if anyone could recommend any makes or even make me aware of some considerations I need to take into account when shopping around?

Thank you for your time,

Samuel

[veggiechicken]

Its not just the panels you'll need but a battery to store the Power generated. I'm sure there's a lot more involved too - like inverters, transformers and other things that I'm clueless about.
Is the shed in your garden or on your plot - 'cos security may be an issue too.

[Samuel1988]

On my plot - the shed is pretty tall so I can imagine a solar panel flat on the roof may not be too outstanding for potential thieves?

[veggiechicken]

Solar panels are usually on a sloping roof, so that they make best use of the sun's rays. They reflect light too so can be quite obvious. I don't want to put you off but it won't be cheap and you must weigh up whether you can afford to have them pinched.

[roitelet]

We have a solar powered light I the shed. Bought it as a kit from a DIY store cost about £25. Gives enough light so you don't trip over things but not enough to read a book by! We have had it for about four years now and it still works fine.

[veggiechicken]

I have some solar lights and pumps around the garden, but none of them generate enough power to use for tools. It really depends on what you want them for, Samuel.
Here's somewhere that sells panels (other sites are available!) - just to give you an idea of cost,
Solar Panel Kits for Sheds Outhouses and Garages - bestECOshop.com

[Samuel1988]

Thank you for your replies

I always try to consider the pros and cons before investing any money.

Perhaps I can 'camouflage' the panel on the roof some how?

[starloc]

It depends what you want to use them for, if you can run 12v things they are great, 12v to 240v inverters tend to waste a lot of power.

I have just bought a few quite large panel kits, from ebay to run 12v system on the house in Bulgaria each 100w kit without battery was about £130

One 100w panel, linked to a solar battery controler and a 115A leisure battery will run my 12v halfords coolbox (12v 45A) every day and all night and the battery stays charged enough after the night to still have a green light in the battery.

For lighting I have bought 12v CFL bulbs, 2 sizes 7W and 20W power consumption and std bulb equiv. 40w and 100W , these also run off another single panel and solar controller and battery , using them for nearly a week and no problems with using too much power on 6 bulbs normal on/off use for a house, back to full charge in no time

I have a third set 250w , but not using it yet, i need to find a inverter that wastes less electric to make 240v

The problem comes in winter, more batteries needed, maybe a wind turbine is needed then

Mine are just outside balanced `here and there` for now angled a bit..... by banana box under one end

[The Nichols']

Starloc gave a lot of great information so I'll just my own thoughts.

The first consideration is how much power you'll need. If you're running a single light for an hour a day, one of those kits from Maplin will be fine.

After this, storage. Generally, I have one battery charging while the second is being used but in winter, the second hasn't been fully charged before the first is used so consider a back up charging method (car battery charger).

Any solar panel over 20 watts will require a charge controller so you don't damage your batteries. They're not expensive (especially compared to the cost of a new battery and replacing a damaged she'd due to battery explosion) and some will even allow you to charge 2 batteries at once.

Most panels available now have MC4 standard connectors. In terms of quality, it's better to go for a manufacturer with ISO and/or TUV approval.

With regards the size, like a greenhouse or polytunnel, go for the biggest you can afford. Generally, they do scale up for £ per watt.

For security, I screwed the panels on my shed roof with 8 wide head bolts to keep them in place.

[Samuel1988]

Shed solar panels

Evening all

Has anyone installed solar panels on their allotment shed roof? If so what does yours power, how much did it cost and would you recommend it? Many thanks!

Samuel

[Samuel1988]

I'm thinking about installing a solar panel and this is my first post (regarding this area) and forgive any ignorance regarding my electrical knowledge.

I am thinking of buying some solar panels for my shed roof which I hope will power (not full time but as and when said appliances are needed) a LED lighting strip and a small water pump to help me wash my produce (and maybe a blender and phone charger).

The solar panel system I am looking to buy is 10watt 12 volts and I was just wondering about the following things:

- what appliances could this power?
- if this solar set-up can power a 10watt appliance for 100hours (for example) would a 20 watt appliance be able to be used and would last 50 hours with this set-up?
- if I buy two systems and have two batteries and connect these together will I then have 20watts and 24volts?
- Will 1 panel take twice as long to charge two batteries and would two panels charge a single battery twice as fast?

Thanks for getting back to me,

Samuel

[veggiechicken]

Here's an earlier thread that may help

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ing_81288.html

[mothhawk]

How much will that lot cost? And how secure is your allotment shed? And how long will it be before it all goes walkabout?

[veggiechicken]

Samuel, I've merged your threads to keep all the answers in one place

[Samuel1988]

Thank you I need to know how you can find my old posts as I would love to be able to easily find them lol