Utilise Solar for Outdoor Buildings This Summer

The Benefits of Solar Energy for Outdoor Spaces

• Reduced Electricity Bills: This is arguably the most immediate and tangible benefit. Once the initial investment in solar panels is made, the electricity generated from the sun is free. This significantly reduces or even eliminates reliance on the grid for these outbuildings, leading to substantial long-term savings on your electricity bills.
• Protection Against Rising Energy Prices: The UK has seen volatile energy prices. Generating your own power from solar panels provides a degree of energy independence, shielding you from future price hikes and making your energy costs more predictable.
• Off-Grid Capability: For sheds and greenhouses, running power cables from your main house can be costly, disruptive (requiring excavation), and complicated. Solar panels offer a clean, independent, off-grid solution, saving you time, money, and hassle on cabling.
• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): While not as lucrative as previous Feed-in Tariffs, if your system is connected to the grid (which is possible for larger setups or if you want to export excess power from your main house) you can potentially earn money by selling any surplus electricity back to the grid.
• Off-Grid Capability: With solar power, you can go off-grid and still enjoy all the modern amenities in your outdoor spaces.

• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Solar energy is a clean, renewable energy source that produces no harmful greenhouse gas emissions during operation. By using solar, you significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
• Eco-Friendly Image: For outdoor offices, especially those used for businesses, powering with solar demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, enhancing your brand image and potentially attracting eco-conscious clients and partners.
• Support for Green Initiatives: Choosing solar aligns with broader UK and global efforts to combat climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.

• Extended Use of Outbuildings: Solar power can transform a basic shed into a fully functional workshop, garden office, or hobby space that can be used comfortably year-round. This means reliable lighting, power for tools, heating/cooling, and even Wi-Fi.
• Greenhouse Climate Control: For greenhouses, solar power can run essential equipment like ventilation fans (to prevent overheating), heating systems (to extend growing seasons, even in colder UK months), irrigation pumps, and automated monitoring systems. This allows for more consistent temperatures and healthier plant growth, potentially leading to increased yields and the ability to grow a wider variety of plants.
• Reliable Power: With battery storage, solar systems can provide a reliable power supply even during grid outages, which can be crucial for sensitive equipment in offices or for maintaining optimal conditions in a greenhouse.
• Flexibility and Scalability: Solar systems are highly scalable. You can start with a smaller setup for basic needs and easily add more panels or battery storage as your energy demands grow or as you invest in more equipment.
• Easy Installation and Low Maintenance: Solar panels are relatively easy to install, especially on smaller outbuildings where scaffolding might not be required. Once installed, they have minimal operating costs and require very little maintenance, typically just an occasional cleaning.

4. Ensure The Key Components For An Off-Grid System

• Solar Panels: To convert sunlight into electricity.
• Charge Controller: Regulates the voltage and current from the solar panels to the battery, preventing overcharging. MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers are more efficient.
• Battery/Batteries: To store excess energy generated during the day for use at night or on cloudy days. Lithium batteries are popular for their longevity and performance.
• Inverter (if powering AC appliances): Converts the DC power from the battery into AC power that standard UK appliances use.

5. Understand Installation Requirements

• Roof Strength: Ensure your building's roof can support the weight of the panels. Flexible panels are an option for less robust structures.
• Orientation & Angle: Panels work best when facing south and angled at 35-40 degrees from horizontal to maximise sunlight absorption.
• Shading: Avoid any shading from trees or other buildings, as even partial shading can significantly reduce efficiency.
• Permitted Development Rights: UK solar panels on outbuildings within your property generally fall under "permitted development rights" and may not require planning permission, as long as they minimise impact on the building's external appearance. However, it's always wise to check with your local authority.

Shop Solar With City Plumbing & Generate Your Own Outdoor Power