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How Much Solar Power Do I Need For My Shed in California

Have you ever wondered how much solar power you need to light up your shed in California? Well, you’re in for a treat! California’s all about that sunshine; converting it to power up your shed sounds incredible and can save you some bucks in the long run. In this guide, we’ll break down the details so you can figure out how much solar power your shed needs. 

Let’s learn how to turn your shed with sustainable energy.

How Many Watts For Solar Powered Shed?

solar-powered-shed-for-workshop

A 50W solar panel is enough to power a simple storage shed. However, two 250W panels are required if the shed is also used as a home office. If the shed is a power tool workshop, you need at least 4000W–5000W to power the tools, lights, and other things. How much does it mean in terms of money? To give you an idea of how much this costs, a 5,000-watt solar system for a 1,500-square-foot home costs nearly $11,750 in the US.

The solar power would be different depending on what you want to use your shed for. Add up everything in your shed that would need electricity, then make a rough guess. This will give you something to work with.

How Many Watts For Solar Powered Shed?

How Many Watts For Solar Powered Shed?

For Office Shed

An office shed caters to individuals who work remotely and seek a tranquil workspace for daytime activities. Opting for an office shed over a home office provides an environment free from disruptions, sparing the need to rearrange living spaces. 

Depending on the foundational office equipment, a backyard or office shed typically demands between 3000W to 4000W of solar capacity. To estimate the requisite solar energy for your office shed, refer to the energy consumption table provided.

DescriptionPower (Watts)
Laptop/Desktop Computer100 – 200
Printer/Scanner100 – 200
Phones/Tablets10
Lighting (LED)20 – 100
HVAC/Heating (if applicable)500 – 1500

Solar Powered Shed For Workshop

If you’re engaged in DIY projects and own a workshop shed.  Having access to electricity is crucial to operate appliances, power tools, and electrical equipment. Many of the tools used in a workshop demand substantial energy. Even if you’re utilizing a solar generator to supply power to the shed, it’s essential to consider the duration for which your electric tools can run before the available power depletes. 

A typical workshop shed necessitates a power output of 4000W to 5000W. By installing 250W solar panels on your shed’s roof, you can ensure sufficient solar energy to support your electric tools. Provided below is a table outlining the energy requirements for a workshop shed. Remember that all electric tools have both starting Watts and running Watts.

ToolStarting WattsRunning Watts
Jigsaw300W300W
Table Saw2700W1800W
Electric Drill900W600W
Circular Saw4200W1400W
Orbital Sander2600W1200W
Miter Saw1800W1800W
Router1500W600W
  

Solar Powered Shed For Greenhouse

Solar Powered Shed For Greenhouse

A common purpose for an outbuilding is a garden shed, utilized to store gardening equipment and supplies. If you possess adept manual skills, your garden tools might not rely on electricity for operation. 

However, should your inventory include electric garden tools, ensuring ample solar energy for your shed becomes imperative, allowing you to tend to your garden devoid of electricity cost concerns. If you’re inquiring about the requisite wattage for a solar-powered shed equipped with garden tools, you’re likely considering a range of 2000W to 4000W. Refer to the following table to assess your garden shed’s energy prerequisites.

ToolStarting WattsRunning Watts
Electric Leaf Blower0W2500W
Weed Cutter600W500W
Electric Mower0W1500W
Electric Strimmer500W300W
Hedge Trimmer600W450W
Chainsaw (1.5HP)0W900W
Cultivator (1.2HP)1400W700W

Are Solar Power For Shed Worth It?

Deciding whether solar sheds are a worthwhile investment depends on your specific power needs and the shed’s distance from other available power sources. For certain individuals, the electrical systems of solar power for shed may be perceived as costly when considering their relatively modest power output.

From a purely financial perspective, it might be more economical to install buried conduits to bring electricity from the main house to the shed. However, if the distance is substantial, constructing a solar shed could prove to be a more cost-effective option compared to the expenses associated with running underground power lines.

 

Contact Our Friendly, Knowledgeable Staff

Solar Earth Inc., with expertise and certifications, empowers your home for enhanced energy generation. Contact us today to transform your home into a sustainable, long-term renewable energy source.

Get a free quote or Call at (805) 691-8000

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