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Best Solar Panels for a Shed: Prices in the UK
The trend of electrifying outdoor structures, such as sheds, is growing in popularity, as it offers a sustainable and practical way to power tools and appliances. Solar panels for a shed are a particularly attractive option, as they can provide a reliable and clean source of electricity, even in remote locations.
In this article, we’ll discuss the topic of the best solar panels for a shed so you can decide if that’s something you would like to install on your property.
However, simply sifting through all the pros and cons of solar energy doesn’t mean you’ll get your solar panels tomorrow. A cold hard fact is that next come hours and days of searching for quotes from professionals.
You can spend your valuable time off with family in favour of googling and reaching out to installers. However, you might still end up frustrated with no reliable contacts at your fingertips.
Fortunately, Household Quotes can help you skip frustrating searches. By filling out a short form, you can receive up to 4 free solar panel quotes from local installers. Just compare the prices and rest assured – you have no hidden fees to pay and no obligation to place any orders. Click below to begin!
Types of solar panels for a shed
The first step in choosing the best solar panel system for a shed is to determine your energy needs. This will involve listing out the electrical appliances and tools you intend to use in the shed and estimating your daily and seasonal energy consumption.
You should also consider your future energy needs, in case you plan to expand your shed or add new electrical appliances in the future.
There are a variety of solar panels available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular types of solar panels for sheds include:
| Solar panel type | Solar panel specs |
|---|---|
| Polycrystalline solar panels | The most affordable type of solar panel, but they are also the least efficient. |
| Monocrystalline solar panels | More efficient than polycrystalline panels, but they are also more expensive. |
| Thin-film solar panels | Lightweight and flexible, making them a good option for sheds with limited space or unconventional designs. However, they are also less efficient than other types of solar panels |
| Flexible solar panels | Easy to install on sheds with curved or uneven surfaces. However, they are also less efficient than other types of solar panels |
| Portable solar kits | Ideal solar panels for sheds that are used seasonally or that need to be moved frequently. However, they typically have a smaller energy output than other types of solar panel systems |
Make sure to consult a solar expert to find an option with the highest solar panel efficiency to fit your project.
Factors to consider when choosing solar panels for a shed
- Size and space availability
- Budget constraints and desired energy output.
- Durability and warranty of the panels you decide to choose.
- Insufficient sunlight or shade.
- Limited space or unconventional shed designs.
- Ensuring safety and preventing potential hazards.
When choosing solar panels for your shed, there are a few key factors to consider, including:
- Size and space availability. The size of your shed’s roof and the amount of sunlight it receives will determine the size of the solar panel system you need.
- Budget constraints and desired energy output. Solar panels can range in price from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds, depending on the size and efficiency of the system. It is important to choose a system that fits your budget and meets your energy needs.
- Durability and warranty of the panels. Solar panels should be durable enough to withstand the elements, and they should come with a long warranty.
However, if the above-mentioned factors can be adjusted to the solar panel you choose, there are some potential challenges of installing solar panels on a shed you should be aware of before installation:
- Insufficient sunlight or shade. If your shed is located in a shady area, you may not be able to generate enough solar energy to meet your needs. In this case, you may need to install more solar panels, or you may need to supplement your solar energy with grid electricity.
- Limited space or unconventional shed designs. If your shed has a small roof or an unconventional design, it may be difficult to install solar panels. In this case, you may need to use flexible solar panels, portable solar kits or even consider solar panels for a farm or a conservatory roof (if that’s an option for you).
- Ensuring safety and preventing potential hazards. It is important to ensure that the solar panel system is installed safely and that all wiring is properly insulated. You should also take precautions to prevent the solar panels from being damaged by strong winds or hail.
Installation tips for shed solar panels
When installing solar panels on a shed, it is important to consider the angle and orientation of the panels for optimal sunlight capture. The panels should be tilted at an angle of 30-45 degrees, and they should be facing south.
You will also need to wire the solar panels to an inverter, which will convert the solar energy into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power your appliances and tools. If you are planning to use batteries to store solar energy, you will also need to connect them to the inverter.
How much are solar panels for a shed?
The cost of a solar panel for a shed in the UK varies depending on the size and quality of the panel you choose. In general, you can expect to pay between £100 and £300 for a single solar panel.
The cost of a solar panel system for your shed will vary depending on the size and efficiency of the system, as well as the cost of installation and the optional cost of solar batteries. However, solar panels can offer significant energy savings over time, and there are a number of government solar panel grants available to help reduce the upfront cost of installation.
The payback period for a solar panel system for a shed typically ranges from 5 to 10 years. This means that you will start saving money on your energy bills within 5 to 10 years, and the solar panels will continue to generate free electricity for many years after that.
Maintenance of shed solar panels
Solar panels require very little maintenance. However, it is important to clean the panels regularly to remove dirt and debris. You should also inspect the panels periodically for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
In winter, it is important to remove snow and ice from the solar panels to prevent them from being damaged. You should also take precautions to protect the solar panels from strong winds and hail.
Best solar panels for a shed
Some of the best solar panels for a shed in the UK include:
| Solar panel manufacturer | Specs and warranty | Price (per panel) |
|---|---|---|
| SunPower Maxeon 3 | Monocrystalline solar panels with a 40-year warranty | £800-£1000 |
| LG NeON 2 | Monocrystalline solar panels with a 25-year warranty | £700-£900 |
| REC Alpha Pure | Monocrystalline solar panels with a 25-year warranty | £600-£800 |
| JA Solar JAM72S30 Mono PERC Half-Cell | Monocrystalline solar panels with a 25-year warranty | £500-£700 |
| EcoFlow DELTA Pro | Portable solar panel kit with a high energy output and a long-lasting battery | £3,000-£4,000 (per kit) |
It’s highly recommended to choose a manufacturer and model for your situation together with an experienced solar engineer in order to avoid overpaying and truly enjoy all solar benefits.
Conclusion
Solar panels can be a great way to power your shed in a sustainable and affordable way. When choosing solar panels for your shed, it is important to consider your energy needs, budget, and the size and orientation of your shed’s roof.
If you are interested in installing solar panels on your shed, the first step is to get a quote from a qualified solar installer. The installer will be able to assess your energy needs and design a solar panel system that is right for your shed.
However, googling the quotes and installers, and reading customer reviews might take hours of your time with no guarantee of successful finds.
Household Quotes is here to help you avoid time-consuming browsing. Complete our short form and receive up to 4 free quotes from trusted solar panel installers in your area. Our service is free and non-binding – just compare the offered quotes with no pressure to place any orders. Click below to get hassle-free solar quotes.