Many homeowners have sheds where they perform their workshop projects, repair household items, store power tools and other items, or shelter animals. If you’re going off-grid with your shed, solar power is the most effective way to power the load.
While you can cobble together your solar system using individual parts, that requires some know-how and typically ends up being more expensive.
Installing solar kits in a shed is the most efficient way to generate power. It eliminates the costs of installing a power line in your shed and using on-grid electricity.
This guide reviews the best solar panel kits for your shed and offers tips for choosing the one that’s right for you.
5 Best Solar Panel Kits for Your Shed
Solar panel kits are an excellent option for people who want to go green. The best panel kits are easy to install and the ones mentioned below are affordable.
There are a variety of solar panels to pick from, and they come in all sizes. The best types of panels for your shed are the ones with the highest efficiency rating. It helps you save energy bills and maximise the sunlight captured during the day.
Let’s look at the best solar generators and panels on the market and discuss what makes each unique.
1. EcoFlow DELTA + 2 x 160W Solar Panels
Want to run all of your everyday appliances without worrying about electricity? The EcoFlow DELTA kit with two 160w solar panels supplies all the power you need for a smaller shed.
It features 1260Wh of capacity, enough to run power tools, including a circular saw, electric hammer drill, or bench grinder. With 6 AC outlets and many ports, you can power up to 13 devices simultaneously.
With the kit, you receive two 160 solar panels with a 21-22% efficiency rating. The high-efficiency rating helps to maximise solar charging in cloudy and cold environments.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 15.7 x 8.3 x 10.6 in (40 x 21 x 27 cm)
- Capacity: 1260 Wh
- Weight: 30.9lbs (14kg)
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion
- Battery Life Cycle: 800 cycles to 80%+ battery capacity
- Solar Panels: 2 x 160W panels
- Solar Panel Charging Time: 4 hours to 8 hours
Pros
- Fast charging, especially when plugged into an AC outlet
- High output of 1260 Wh to power your appliances
- Lightweight and portable to give you power indoors and outdoors
- Relatively low cost
- Offers remote control access
Cons
- High-wattage power tools can use up 1260Wh capacity quickly, making this more suited to smaller sheds that need electricity for things like lights, a radio, etc.
2. EcoFlow DELTA Max + 4 x 160W Solar Panels
If you’ve got a lot of power tools and need some serious energy to power those suckers up, the DELTA Max kit with four 160W solar panels is a great choice. It is perfect for shed owners who use power tools daily for their projects.
The unit packs a 2,016 Wh capacity giving you all the ammunition needed for your heavy-duty equipment. It can run a circular saw for 1.3 hours, an electric hammer for 1.5 hours, and a cutting machine for 1.7 hours.
Plus, you can add up to two extra DELTA Max smart batteries, giving you a total of 6048 Wh.
Charging is effortless. Using an AC outlet, you can rapidly charge the DELTA Max up to 80% in an hour.
This kit comes with four 160W solar panels, each with a carry bag that doubles as a stand. You can place this stand anywhere, so you’ll always ensure the panels are facing directly toward the sun.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 19.6 x 9.5 x 12in (49.7 x 24.2 x 30.5 cm)
- Capacity: 2016 Wh
- Weight: 48 lbs (22.0kg)
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion
- Battery Life Cycle: 800 cycles to 80%+ battery capacity
- Solar Panels: 4 x 160W panels
- Solar Panel Charging Time: 3.2 hours to 6.3 hours
Pros
- Many output options
- Offers emergency supply mode
- Fast dual-charging capability
- Lots of power output and battery capacity to run large appliances
- Expandable backup power
Cons
- No wireless charging means you’ll have to plug into the solar panels or an AC outlet
3. EcoFlow DELTA Max + 2 x 400W Solar Panels
The main difference between this DELTA Max kit with two 400W solar panels and the previous configuration is the number of panels and their solar energy-capturing capacity.
Instead of four 160W panels, you’re getting two 400W panels, providing an extra 160 watts to fulfil your energy generation needs. Each 400W panel can produce more electricity faster. While it’s a slight difference, it’s worth it if you want to maximise your power.
The panels are IP68-rated water and dust-resistant, making them highly durable and protected against damage from poor weather conditions. And with the extra power boost, you can generate more electricity in less time.
The high solar output combined with the 23% efficiency rating means you can power your DELTA Max generator faster than ever.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 19.6 x 9.5 x 12in (49.7 x 24.2 x 30.5 cm)
- Capacity: 2016 Wh
- Weight: 48 lbs (22.0kg)
- Battery Life Cycle: 800 cycles to 80%+ battery capacity
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion
- Solar Panels: 2 x 400W panels
- Solar Panel Charging Time: 3.2 hours to 6.3 hours
Pros
- Compact and lightweight panels fit on almost any shed roof
- 23% efficiency rating to maximise sunlight exposure
- Self-supporting stand to optimise orientation
- Weather resistant to protect against rain and snow
- Charges quickly
Cons
- Tiny sheds may not need 400W solar panels
4. DELTA Pro + 400 W Solar Panels
The Ecoflow DELTA Pro kit with the 400W Solar Panel offers power, durability, and versatility. The DELTA Pro is the way to go if you’re running heavy-duty power tools or even appliances in your shed.
With 3.6kWh of battery capacity, you can power almost anything. Connecting two DELTA Pro Smart Extra Batteries allows you to expand your capacity to 25 kWh!
The beauty of the DELTA Pro is that you won’t need to wait a long time before fully charging your generator. Ecoflow’s battery management system offers innovative X-Stream charging technology for a fully-charged unit in under two hours. Plus, you get several ways of charging via solar, AC wall outlets, and car adaptors.
The DELTA Pro boasts a 6500 battery life cycle before the generator reaches 50% of the original capacity. It means the system will last you for many years to come.
Using the EcoFlow app, you can monitor, control and manage your energy consumption all in one place. The app provides an intelligent breakdown of your energy usage and habits.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 25 x 11.2 x 16.4in (63.5 x 28.5 x 41.6 cm)
- Capacity: 3600 Wh
- Weight: 99 lbs (45.0kg)
- Battery Type: LFP
- Battery Life Cycle: 6500 cycles to 80%+ capacity
- Solar Panel: 1-3 panels available
- Solar Panel Charging Time: 4 hours to 8 hours
Pros
- Ecoflow’s X-Stream technology delivers the world’s fastest charging
- Expandable battery option for up to 25kWh
- The protective solar panel case acts as an adjustable stand
- Battery lasts for many years
- Monitor and control the system with the Ecoflow app
Cons
- Heavier than the other units means reduced portability if you need to take the solar generator from your shed to a worksite
What Do You Need for Solar Power in Your Shed?
Understanding the various components of solar panel kits will help you to find the right system for your shed. We’ll cover the different equipment you’ll need to switch to solar.
Photovoltaic Solar Panels
Solar panels are integral to your solar system since they capture the sunlight needed to produce electricity. Solar panels have photovoltaic cells, which absorb sunlight. Then the sun’s rays go to the inverter and become usable energy for your home.
The most efficient panels are made from monocrystalline silicon, although polycrystalline panels save on cost.
Shed
If you’re planning on installing your solar panels on the roof of your shed, the number and size of solar panels will be limited by the roof’s surface area.
If your shed has minimal roof space, EcoFlow panels still make installation easy. The foldable kickstand design means you can place your panels on the ground and still capture maximum light. You can prop the panels up on the ground with the stand and quickly reposition the panels to optimise the angle for sunlight.
Charge Controller
Charge controllers prevent the solar batteries from being exhausted so your kit can continue collecting energy for your shed. It’s installed between the battery and the solar panels, ensuring that the correct voltage level charges the battery.
Power from the panels feeds into the charge controller, regulating the flow of electricity, which keeps them working in optimal condition.
Fuse Box
The fuse box is a safety mechanism allowing users to shut down the electricity flow on the system if needed.
They’re installed between the charge controller and the panels to prevent the wires from overheating and protect against overcurrent and power surges.
Solar Battery Storage
Solar systems collect energy and store it in a battery — otherwise known as a portable power station (PPS). Storing energy in a PPS allows you to power your shed, even on cloudy days or at night.
The greater the capacity of the battery, the more energy you can store.
Solar battery storage is necessary if you’re off-grid since you don’t have an electric grid to fall back on. It’s also essential since you can’t directly plug your devices into solar panels. You need a PPS to convert the solar energy and hold the electricity in reserve.
EcoFlow Smart Generator
With the EcoFlow Smart Generator, you can have an extra backup reserve power station in emergencies such as severe storms and extended blackouts.
It gives your solar generators an additional battery source to store energy. And it gives you a fuel-powered backup to recharge your solar generator.
The Smart Generator works with the EcoFlow app allowing you to monitor and control the device from afar.
Inverter
Panels absorb sunlight into direct current or DC power. However, DC power isn’t safe for home use since it would fry most electronics.
Inverters turn the DC power into alternating current or AC power, so it’s usable for your home appliances and devices.
Many solar panel systems require a separate inverter to change DC into AC and vice versa. However, with the EcoFlow solar panel kits, you don’t need to worry about buying additional components. The built-in 600W smart inverters in our solar panels let you power essential devices like power tools and recharge the smart generator from 0 to 80% within one hour.
Solar Performance Monitoring
A monitoring system helps to verify the performance of your solar panel system. It will display how much electricity is generated in a day, month, or year. It’ll also identify any performance changes.
EcoFlow features smart devices that connect to the EcoFlow App. The app lets you monitor, control, and automate your power consumption from your smartphone. For example, you can adjust the charge rate or choose to power your devices when you need them. You can even view your energy usage anytime.
Net Meter
If you plan on connecting your solar system to the grid, a net meter is a crucial component of your system. Utility companies and government programs often offer net metering, which allows you to send back any excess electricity you produce to the grid. Your utility company pays you for the electricity you send, lowering your total electric bill.
A net meter is a device that tracks how much electricity your panel produces compared to how much electricity the utility uses.
Off-grid solar systems don’t need a net meter since they don’t hook up to the grid.
Tips for Finding the Best Solar Panels for Your Shed
Solar panels aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some panels may be more suitable for your energy needs, budget, and situation.
We’ll go over practical tips you can apply to help you determine the best solar panels for your shed.
Evaluate Your Energy Consumption Needs
The number of panels and the amount of power you need depends on how much electricity your shed consumes. Your cost savings will depend on the cost of electricity in your location.
You can determine your electrical needs by simply tallying up all the watts your appliances and electronics require.
Once you’ve determined the energy consumption, you can choose a panel with enough watts to power your shed. For example, for a shed that uses heavy appliances like an electric heater, you may consider the 400W EcoFlow Solar Panel.
Check for Solar Panel Warranties
Like most significant purchases, solar panels should have warranties to protect homeowners from product defects. Always read the fine print before making a purchase decision.
Comparing product warranties can be a way to differentiate between panel options. EcoFlow offers a 12-month warranty on solar panels and up to 36 months for our DELTA and River 2 generators.
Compare the PV Panel Efficiency Rates
The efficiency rate tells you how well your panels convert sunlight into electricity. The industry standard for panels is typically between 15-20%. It means that only 15 to 20% of the sun’s rays that hit the solar panels are converted into usable energy.
The types of panels affect the efficiency. Polycrystalline panels use multiple pieces of silicon separated into fragments. While they are less expensive, they are less efficient as well. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient due to their composition.
Of course, other factors can affect the panel performance, such as temperature, orientation, and shade. Efficiency is critical when you’re trying to maximise the production of electricity in a small available space, like a shed.
Invest in Higher Wattage
It’s common for people to confuse efficiency with wattage. A panel’s wattage measures the potential electrical output the panel can produce under ideal circumstances. The greater the watts, the more electricity it can produce for your shed.
It’s typically better to choose a higher-wattage panel for sheds. That’s because sheds tend to have limited space.
Prioritise Compatibility
Solar panels must work with other system components, such as the inverter and charge controller. Some photovoltaic panels are only compatible with specific types of inverters. As a result, the panels must fit together with other inverters.
It can be pretty complicated to know which panels and inverters work together. Since there are different types of inverters, like optimisers and microinverters, you’ll need to research ahead of time.
EcoFlow solar panels have near-universal compatibility with inverters and components from other manufacturers. However, buying an EcoFlow solar generator kit is the best way to maximise the benefits and get the best features from each component.
FAQs
Once you determine how many watts your entire shed uses, you can determine the size and number of solar panels you need. For example, if you require 1000 watts of power for your shed, you could easily purchase two 400W EcoFlow solar panels and two 110W solar panels.
We’ll examine the common watts needed for common electrical items that you may use for your shed:
• Electric drill: 600 watts
• Modem: 20 watts
• Table saw: 1,800 watts
• Computer: 600 watts
• Lamp: 60 watts
• Electric leaf blower: 2,500 watts
• Printer: 400 watts
• Hedge trimmer: 250 watts
• Coffee machine: 600 watts
• Electric heater: 2,000 to 3,000 watts
It’s good to look at your previous electricity bill for your shed to determine the average watts or kilowatts used per day. Often, you may not use every appliance every single day. Therefore, it’s good to gauge how many watts you need daily to run the necessary appliances and power tools.
If you plan on installing the panels onto your roof, the size of the solar panel matters. A standard shed with a 120-square-foot roof can fit about six to eight standard solar panels about 10 feet by 12 feet.
EcoFlow panels are smaller due to their foldable design. They are 105cm x 236cm, which translates to about 3.4 feet by 7.7 feet, meaning you can fit more panels on your shed’s roof.
EcoFlow solar panels also come with a kickstand that lets you place the panels on the ground. The kickstand gives you greater flexibility with changing the solar panels’ orientation and angle to maximise the sunlight collected. Unlike a permanent or hard-to-reach rooftop installation, a ground panel system lets you easily reposition the panels to maximise efficiency.
Ground systems don’t require roof drilling and eliminate surface area restrictions. You can fit as many solar panels as you can put in your backyard.
Yes, installing solar panels can save you money and help reduce your carbon footprint. Depending on the energy consumption of your shed, you can offset some of your electricity bills or even completely eliminate them with solar power.
There’s a good chance your shed is somewhere that receives significant sunlight — perfect for solar power.
Many sheds are small, meaning you’ll only need a portable solar panel kit to power a limited number of appliances and devices. Therefore it’s often not very costly to install an off-grid system.
Not to mention, most solar panels last between 25 to 30 years. Once you’ve broken even on the initial investment, you’ll be able to receive free electricity for the remaining years of the panels, making it an excellent long-term investment for your shed.
Conclusion
Solar power kits are viable for shed owners looking to power their sheds year-round.
If your criteria are simple, compact, and efficient systems, the EcoFlow Power Kits mentioned above will be the best bet for your shed.
EcoFlow solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations are designed to fit your needs without any complications of outdated solutions while saving you time and money.
