Are Solar Panels Suitable for Garden Sheds?

Installing solar panels on a garden shed can be a great first step towards a more sustainable lifestyle, or it can complement an existing solar panel installation on the main house. Compared to full-size houses, installing solar panels on a shed is easier and less expensive. However, not all garden sheds are suitable for solar panels. Find out more about installing solar panels on garden sheds and whether it is right for you.

Advantages Of Solar Panels

While not every garden shed needs an electrical outlet, there are many benefits to having one. Electricity can power lights, heating, computers, power tools, treadmills and other exercise equipment, and kitchen appliances. As a result, a garden shed with electricity can be used as a home office, summer kitchen, guest house, workshop, studio, sauna, and home gym.

However, running cables from the main house to the garden shed can be a major project and can ruin a beautifully landscaped garden. It is also not a do-it-yourself project, as wiring systems can be dangerous if not installed by a professional that’s where solar panels come in.

Solar panels are an environmentally friendly, low-maintenance alternative that reduces carbon emissions and provides a garden shed with its own source of energy. Contrary to popular belief, they even produce energy during the winter months, although the output is lower than in the summer.

What type of shed is suitable for solar panels?

To maximise energy production from a garden shed, one side of the roof should face south and not be shaded by other buildings or trees. If a garden shed faces east or west, it will not receive optimal sunlight. While a flat roof is suitable for solar panels, a pitched roof will increase energy production and prevent water and debris from accumulating though you can install a pitched solar system on a flat roof.

Your shed must be able to support the weight of the solar panels in addition to the weight of the roof, the support frame and snow loads in winter. Fortunately, most areas of the UK experience minimal snowfall.

Reliable garden shed manufacturers will be able to tell you the exact roof load capacity of your garden shed. For example, garden houses from summerhouse24 have a minimum roof load capacity of 120-200 kg/m2, depending on the size of the roof.

Do you also need a battery?

In short, no but it’s best to have one. A solar panel system typically consists of one or more solar panels, a battery, an inverter, and a charge controller.

If the shed is not connected to the main house, a battery stores excess energy when it is not needed. This allows stored energy to be used when the solar panel is not producing energy, or to run energy-intensive appliances such as kettles or microwaves.

The inverter converts the direct current (DC) power into alternating current (AC), which is the standard for electrical circuits in the UK. It should be able to provide 50% more than the minimum power required by the appliances in the shed and double the power required by the most energy-intensive appliance.

The charge controller regulates the flow of energy from the solar panels to the battery, preventing it from overcharging and running flat. It must match the voltage and capacity of the solar panels.

How many solar panels does a shed need?

The power requirements of a shed, and therefore the number of solar panels required, depend on what the shed will be used for. Small solar panels produce 50-150 W, while an average residential solar panel produces 250-400 W. The latter are 2×1m in size, so you may not be able to fit many of these on a small garden shed. 

You’ll want to consider the appliances used in your garden shed and how long or how often they are used. The exact wattage of each appliance will be given in their respective product information materials, but there are some rough estimates for some common appliances:

Remember, some appliances only require power for a few minutes a day, while others, such as fridges and routers require a constant supply. Generally speaking, if you want to use your garden shed as a self-sufficient home office all year round, you will need panels totalling 700W, while a simple garden lounge with lighting and a TV, but no heating, will require no more than a 100W solar panel.

Costs of solar panels

The cost of installing solar panels depends on the size and type of panel, the storage capacity of the battery and labour costs. Labour costs tend to be lower for a garden roof than a house roof, as it can usually be done without scaffolding.

A set of two 400W solar panels costs around £500, while a complete set with batteries costs around £1700 for 1200Wh and £4000 for 3000Wh. Installation costs around £100-£200 but getting quotes from different installers can help you find the best deal.

The upfront cost of installation can be costly, but it means free energy for years to come. With proper maintenance, solar panels can last up to 40 years, and many manufacturers offer warranties of 10–25 years. If the shed is connected to the grid, you can also earn extra money through the government’s Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) by selling excess energy back to the grid.

Installing solar panels on a shed or house will also increase the value of the property. Although some people find them aesthetically unpleasing, rising energy prices have made most potential home buyers aware of their benefits.

Do solar panels require planning permission?

Solar panels are usually considered permitted development and do not require planning permission. The installation must follow government guidelines to ensure safety. Different rules apply in conservation areas, national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty, world heritage sites and in the grounds of a listed building. In addition, leaseholders may need to obtain permission from the freeholder.

Are there any disadvantages to solar panels?

The initial cost of installing a solar system is high and may not be worthwhile for every garden shed. If it is only used to store tools or bicycles, charging power tools and e-bike batteries in the main house may be a better option. However, if the shed is used regularly as a home office or guest house, a solar system will pay for itself within a few years.

Another drawback is the need for professional installation. Even experienced do-it-yourselfers may not have the skills and equipment to install solar kits themselves. Given the high cost of materials, it is best to leave the installation to a professional to avoid damage to the system and injury to yourself.

Finally, careful planning is required to ensure that there is always enough energy available – even during long periods of cloud cover in winter.