Do you have a shed or other outbuilding on your property, or are you planning to build one? Wondering how you can get power to the building quickly, easily, and affordably? There are several different options available for powering outbuildings, and each one has its own list of pros and cons. Keep reading for a comparison of your options so that you can choose the best way to power your outbuilding.
Running a Dedicated Electrical Line
One of the most common ways to power an outbuilding is to run a dedicated electrical line from your home to the shed. This option provides the most reliable and consistent power supply, making it a good choice for workshops, home offices, or any building that needs steady electricity at all times of the day.
On the upside, a dedicated line will let your outbuilding function like an extension of your home. You can run high-demand equipment, heating and cooling systems, and lighting without worrying about fluctuations in your power supply. And, just like in your home, you can turn it all on with the flip of a switch.
The biggest downside of this option is the cost. Trenching, conduit installation, and hiring an electrician can add up quickly. Local codes require permits and inspections, increasing the time it takes and the expense to install the electricity. And, if your shed or other outbuilding is far from your house, the installation costs go up even more.
Powering an Outbuilding with Solar
Solar power is an increasingly popular option for sheds and other outbuildings, especially when trenching just isn’t practical. Solar can power lighting, small tools, and even battery, charged equipment, and it does all of that with its own power supply that’s independent from your home.
Solar is cost-effective over time, because you’ll never get an extra energy bill for that outbuilding; all of your energy will be generated by sunlight. Solar power is also easy to scale and can operate independently from your home’s electrical system. It’s especially useful for an outbuilding that you only intend to use during daylight hours, because you won’t have to worry about backup power. However, adding a solar battery is a simple way to keep the lights (and other equipment) on when there’s no sunlight.
Installing solar on an outbuilding is often much less than running a dedicated electrical line, but that can vary depending on the size of the building. If you have a small shed that you just want lights and a fan for, you’ll only need a very small solar power system, with just a couple of Mission Solar modules, so the price can be much lower than you might expect.