Choose the guide that matches the load
Small shed
Lighting, ventilation, and battery charging with short intermittent loads.
Open the DIY solar shed guideGarage or workshop
Saws, compressors, dust collection, welding, and other loads where simultaneous use and startup matter.
Open the garage/workshop guideA concrete shed baseline
For a planning day with shop lights, one tool-battery charging block, and a thermostat-controlled exhaust fan, the database gives:
| Load | Running | Schedule | Daily energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shop Lights | 120 W | 6 h × 100% | 720 Wh |
| Tool Battery Charger | 250 W | 2 h × 100% | 500 Wh |
| Shed Exhaust Fan | 90 W | 8 h × 75% | 540 Wh |
| Total | — | — | 1,760 Wh/day |
At four peak-sun-hours, 75% solar yield, 90% conversion efficiency, and 20% reserve, that baseline points to about 800 W of array. A saw or compressor changes the inverter and battery-current design even if it runs only a few minutes.
Shed power planner
The 24 V garage/workshop preset is a passing conservative starting point for motor loads. For a lighting-only shed, switch to the 12 V single-panel preset in the control panel.
Computed shed and workshop diagrams
- 800 W 12 V shed solar wiring diagram (2S2P PDF)
- 3 kW 48 V garage solar wiring diagram (4S2P PDF)
- 3 kW 48 V workshop solar wiring diagram (complete)
- Browse the full diagram library
Plan in this order
- List each load and whether it can overlap with another load.
- Measure daily energy, then size the array and storage for the worst operating season.
- Size the inverter for the largest simultaneous continuous load and the hardest startup event.
- Keep the battery-to-inverter run short, calculate voltage drop, and protect every conductor for its ampacity and equipment terminals.
- Separate planning from installation: verify listings, grounding, disconnects, structure, local code, and inspection requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can a small shed use a 12 V system?
Often, when the load is lighting, ventilation, and charging. Higher inverter loads push DC current up quickly, so a 24 V or 48 V design can be more practical for a workshop.
Why does an air compressor need a larger inverter?
Its motor can demand several times the running current during startup. Confirm the compressor label/manual and the inverter's duration-specific surge rating.