Fantastic Small System Full of Utility
Looking to power your shed with solar but not sure where to start? Whether you need to run lights, charge tools, or keep small appliances running, a solar setup can be a clean, reliable, and budget-friendly solution. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how I powered my own shed using a simple off-grid solar system—no electric company needed!
Why I Chose Solar for My Shed
My backyard shed is my personal workspace—a mix between a tool shop and a weekend hangout spot. But running an underground electrical line from the house was expensive and not worth the hassle. That’s when I turned to solar. With just a small investment and a bit of DIY work, I now have:
- Interior and exterior LED lights
- Power outlets for charging tools
- A fan for ventilation
- A 12V battery-powered security camera
What You’ll Need for a Small Shed Solar Setup
🔋 System Overview
- Solar Panels: 2 x 100W monocrystalline panels (200W total)
- Charge Controller: 20A MPPT controller
- Battery Bank: 1 x 12V 100Ah LiFePO₄ battery
- Inverter: 600W pure sine wave inverter (12V to 120V)
- Wiring & Safety: MC4 connectors, 10 AWG solar cable, fuses, circuit breakers, and a battery shut-off switch
Step-by-Step: How I Installed the System
✅ Step 1: Mounting the Solar Panels
I mounted the panels on the shed’s south-facing roof using a tilt-adjustable bracket set. You can use a flat mount if you’re in a sunny area, but tilting the panels helped improve performance in winter.
Tip: Leave a small gap between the roof and panels to allow airflow and prevent overheating.
✅ Step 2: Connecting the Charge Controller
I wired the solar panels to the charge controller using 10 AWG solar cables and MC4 connectors. I placed the charge controller inside the shed near the battery, out of direct sunlight.
- Wiring order matters! Always connect the battery to the charge controller first, then connect the solar panels.
✅ Step 3: Installing the Battery
I used a single 12V 100Ah LiFePO₄ battery for this setup, mounted inside a battery box on the shed floor. These batteries are safe, lightweight, and long-lasting.
- Added a 50A fuse between the battery and the inverter.
- Included a battery shut-off switch for safety and maintenance.
✅ Step 4: Adding the Inverter
The inverter converts 12V DC from the battery to 120V AC so I can plug in standard tools and devices. I mounted a 600W pure sine wave inverter on the wall and wired it directly to the battery.
- Added a cooling fan nearby for warm days.
- Wired a standard outlet box to the inverter so I can plug in tools easily.
✅ Step 5: Wiring Lights and Accessories
I ran 12V LED strip lights inside and outside the shed, all connected to a DC fuse panel. This lets me run them directly off the battery without going through the inverter (saving power).
- Added a motion sensor light outside
- Wired in a USB charger and 12V socket for phone charging and other devices
How It’s Performing
This setup has been running great for over a year with very little maintenance. On sunny days, the battery is fully recharged by noon, and I can run lights, tools, and a fan without issue.
- Runtime: Up to 10 hours of lights and tool charging
- Winter performance: Still good, but occasionally need to watch battery levels during cloudy weeks
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. The whole system cost me around $500–$600 and took a weekend to install. I now have power in my shed without paying monthly utility bills or running dangerous extension cords across the yard.
If you’re looking for a reliable, quiet, and affordable way to power your shed, garage, or workshop—solar is the way to go. And the best part? It’s fully DIY.
Parts List (with Links Coming Soon!)
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Solar Panels | 2x 100W monocrystalline |
| Charge Controller | 20A MPPT |
| Battery | 12V 100Ah LiFePO₄ |
| Inverter | 600W pure sine wave |
| Cables | 10 AWG, MC4 connectors |
| Safety Gear | Fuses, breakers, shut-off |
| Lighting | 12V LED strips, switches |
Ready to Start Your Own DIY Solar Project?
If this guide helped you or gave you ideas, check out my other posts here on DIY Solar Setups. Got questions about your shed or garage build? Drop a comment below and I’ll help out!