Find the right equipment to optimize your solar power system.


Solar panels perform at their best when under direct sunlight. Cloudy days and partial shading won't completely block out the sun, but they will reduce the number of photons that reach a solar array. This leads to lower electricity generation and, for off-grid systems, a chance of running out of power. 

There are a few steps you can take to avoid a loss of power and maximize your energy production, including purchasing the best panels for cloudy days. Let's explore how cloudy days affect a solar array and which panels are optimized for overcast weather. 

## How Do Cloudy Days Affect Solar Panels?

Solar panels generate power by gathering sunlight and converting it into usable electricity. Cloudy days reduce the intensity of the sun — with less sunlight comes less power generation. The sun is never completely blocked out, however, so some power generation is still possible. 

The exact amount of electricity that a solar panel can generate is dependent on a variety of factors, including cloud density, other weather conditions, and the panel's efficiency. 

## The Best Type of Solar Panels for Cloudy Areas

Some panels are better at dealing with cloud cover than others. Most popular monocrystalline solar panels are constructed in the same manner and will achieve similar efficiencies on a cloudy day. 

Bifacial solar modules add a small boost in power generation over basic monocrystalline panels, as they feature solar cells on both the front and back of the panel. However, these panels are impractical for common setups like residential and RV solar systems since the back of the panel should not be obstructed when mounted.

[Shade-tolerant solar panels](https://optivolt.com/optivolt100) provide a solution to shading and cloud coverage problems. These panels are specifically engineered to maximize efficiency when part of the panel or array is shaded. 

![optivolt shade-tolerant solar panel](images/best-solar-panels-for-cloudy-days/angle-long-optivolt-100.png)

Even with the best solar panels for cloudy days, efficiency will be much lower than a day with clear skies. In order to maximize energy production, you can improve the efficiency of your panels by optimizing the factors that are in your control.

## How to Improve the Efficiency of Your Solar Panels for Cloudy Days

On a cloudy day, there will inevitably be less sunlight that reaches your panels. You can still take a few steps to make sure that your solar array is optimized for maximum power production. 

### Orientation and Tilt

Orienting your panels towards the sun is the first step towards higher power generation. Ideally, your panels were installed optimally to begin with. They should sit at around a 40° angle (depending on your latitude) and facing south if you are in the Northern Hemisphere. Tilting brackets can help you dial in precise angles as the sun changes its trajectory throughout the year.  

### Location 

If you have an RV solar system, you are able to move your solar array with ease (unlike a residential system). Use this to your advantage — adjust your vehicle's positioning throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky. 

Solar homeowners should be careful to install their panels in an optimal location for year-round power generation. If possible, the panels should never receive shading or obstruction from nearby objects. 

### Maintenance

Solar panels do require a small amount of maintenance every once in a while, mostly in the form of cleaning. Wash the panels with water and a sponge to remove debris and dust that may be blocking out sunlight. Remove snow promptly to avoid having your panels completely obstructed.

## What to Consider When Purchasing Panels for a Cloudy Area

### Efficiency Rating

[Solar panel efficiency](https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-performance-and-efficiency) refers to the percentage of solar energy that a panel can convert into electricity. Panels with a higher efficiency rating can generate more electricity than comparable models. Even if two panels have the same wattage rating, they may convert sunlight at different efficiencies. The average panel has an efficiency rating around 15-17%, whereas higher-quality models will be rated over 20%. 

### System Size

You may be able to compensate for cloudy days by increasing the size of your system. Residential systems often have roof space to spare — adding a few extra panels can help provide insurance against extended periods of cloudy days. 

![a large solar array with clouds in the sky](images/best-solar-panels-for-cloudy-days/big-solar-array-clouds.jpg)

If you have an RV solar system, you may not have the luxury of increasing your system size. Instead, you can focus on equipping your system with the best solar panels for cloudy days. Shade-tolerant solar panels will maximize your power generation in both sunny and cloudy weather.

### Warranty

Receiving a warranty is a necessity for expensive purchases like a solar array. Most solar panels come with some sort of warranty, but the terms and lengths may vary. Reputable manufacturers will provide at least a 3-year warranty, while the best in the business will usually offer a 5-year warranty. The panels with longer warranties will generally have better construction, higher efficiency ratings, and improved performance on cloudy days.

In addition, a hassle-free return policy suggests that a company believes in their product. Avoid panel manufacturers that don't allow for returns. 

### Off-Grid vs. Grid-Tied

Are you aiming for fully off-grid power generation, or will your home be tied into the grid? 

A grid-tied system can call upon the power grid for extra power as needed, so a cloudy day is less detrimental. If a grid-tied solar array stops generating power due to cloudy weather, the home will still stay powered up as normal (but the electric bill will inevitably go up). 

Off-grid solar arrays need to keep the batteries charged during extended periods of overcast weather, so maximizing the power generation of these systems is much more important. This includes RV and camper van solar setups (unless the vehicle is often parked at a campground with shore power). 

### Shade Tolerance 

Some PV modules are better equipped for shade than others. Traditional [solar panels drastically reduce power output in the shade](https://optivolt.com/blog/do-solar-panels-work-in-shade).

Individual solar cells are wired in series to create a panel. Due to the way that series circuits function, the output of an entire panel can be drastically reduced if just a small portion becomes shaded. 

Optivolt has created shade-tolerant solar panels that maximize efficiency in cloudy weather and the shade. If one of these panels becomes shaded, the rest of the array can still function at high efficiency. 

## Conclusion

The occasional cloudy day is unavoidable and factored into most solar setups. But if you live in an area that receives frequent cloud coverage, you will need to optimize your array to get the most out of the little sunlight that will hit your panels. 

The best solar panels for cloudy days are optimized for shading and overcast weather. [Optivolt](https://optivolt.com) is the only innovator producing shade-tolerant solar panels. Their 100W panel is available for pre-order now. 

## Related Questions

### Do Solar Panels Work in the Shade? 

Solar panels do work in the shade. However, they generate considerably less power. If even one cell becomes shaded, then the rest of the panel's output is affected. Shade-tolerant solar panels offer a solution to this problem, performing better in the shade than traditional panels.


‘Cloudy days decrease the amount of sunlight that reaches your solar panels. Find out which solar panels are optimized for cloudy weather and shade.‘

The Best Solar Panels for Cloudy Days


One of the first parts of planning any solar power system is determining the number of solar panels that the setup will need. This can seem like a daunting task to most people, but luckily, you probably have all of the necessary information to calculate the number of panels you need.

The number of solar panels will differ wildly depending on how the system will be used. Are you installing an off-grid residential system, a grid-tied setup, or an RV solar system? Let's explore the calculations needed to determine how many panels each of these systems will need.

## Considerations for All Solar Power Systems

Residential arrays and RV solar systems both require similar calculations to determine the number of solar panels needed. In either case, you will need to consider these factors:

### Energy Consumption

What is your current energy consumption? Check your past utility bills for an exact answer to this question provided in kWh. Use your highest month of usage as a benchmark to determine the minimum number of panels you will need. For reference, the [average U.S. household](https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=97&t=3) consumed 886 kWh per month in 2021.

If you plan to reduce your energy usage in order to go fully off-grid, take this into consideration as well. What appliances and energy-consuming habits will you cut out, and how will that affect your monthly electricity usage?

### Climate and Sun Hours

Every region provides differing amounts of sun hours, cloudy days, and other environmental factors that affect the amount of energy your panels can produce. Most of the U.S. receives [at least 2 peak sun hours](https://www.nrel.gov/gis/solar-resource-maps.html) per day in the winter months, so we will use this figure in our calculations.

Some parts of the Southwest may receive around 6 peak sun hours per day in the summer, which is 50% more than northern states. This extreme variability is why there is no one-size-fits-all answer for how many solar panels you need — every homeowner has to calculate that for themselves.

![map of the average daily sun hours around the united states](images/how-many-solar-panels-do-i-need/solar-annual-ghi-2018-usa.jpg)

### Solar Panel Efficiency

The efficiency of your panels determines the amount of energy that each module can produce. Even with the same total surface area, an efficient array can produce much more power than lower-quality, low-efficiency panels. Modern panels from reputable brands will have efficiency ratings of 20% or higher.

### Solar Panel Dimensions

The size of the solar panels is sometimes a limiting factor for solar arrays. The average residential solar panel measures 65 inches × 39 inches, or about 17.5 ft². This surface area can add up quickly for homes with limited roof space. Plus, even if a home has adequate roof area, it may not all be facing the [best direction for solar panels](https://optivolt.com/blog/best-direction-for-solar-panels).

Smaller homes may consume more energy than a rooftop solar array can provide. If this is your situation, you may need to instead ask yourself: *How many solar panels can I fit on my roof?*

## Residential

The energy needs of a traditional home are much more than that of an RV or camper van. Let's take a look at how many solar panels the average American family would need to power their home.

![man installing solar panels on a roof](images/how-many-solar-panels-do-i-need/man-installing-residential-solar-panel.jpg)

### How Many Solar Panels to Power a House?
As mentioned above, the average American home consumed 886 kWh of electricity per month in 2021. We will use this in our calculations, but your exact energy usage may be different.

We can approach this question by first finding the total wattage of an array needed to produce 886 kWh per month. If we assume 60 hours of peak sun in the winter months (2 hours per day), we can determine that every 1 kW of panel wattage will produce at least 60 kWh per month:

Energy Production = Array Wattage × Sun Hours

Energy Production = 1 kW Array × 60 Sun Hours = **60 kWh**

Now we can calculate the total wattage of the array:

886 kWh ÷ 60 kWh = 14.77 kW needed for the array

Most residential solar panels are rated at 400 watts, so let's use that number to determine how many solar panels we need to fulfill an array of 14.77 kW (14,770 watts):

14,770 watts ÷ 400 watts per panel = 37 panels

So, the average American home would need a total of **37 panels** to produce 886 kWh of electricity in the months with the least amount of sunlight. Homes that receive more sun hours can get away with less panels, and those that use more energy will require a larger array.

## Other Considerations

You've determined that you need 37 solar panels to supply your home with power. But will all of those panels fit on your roof? And do you need to be fully energy independent, or will you still be connected to the electricity grid?

### Roof Size

The calculations are simple to determine the total surface area of a solar array. Each 400W panel will take up about 17.5 ft². So, we can calculate the total area of 37 panels like this:

17.5 ft² per panel × 37 panels = 647.5 ft² total surface area

Now you can check your roof to ensure that you have enough area to accommodate an array of this size. Preferably, most of the roof will be facing south (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere) to ensure optimal energy production. If you have an east or west-facing roof, you may need more panels to account for lower energy production.

### Grid-Tied vs. Off-Grid

Energy needs are different between grid-tied and off-grid homes. A home that is completely off the grid will be much more dependent on their solar power system. Alternatively, a grid-tied home can always pay the utility company for extra power.

This means that a grid-tied home could install a smaller array if the budget, roof space, or other factors prevent a full array from being installed.

If off-grid homes are running into similar issues, there are a few options:

- **Use Less Energy**: Using less electricity is the obvious way to accommodate a smaller solar array. Instead of using the AC unit, relax outside in the shade during the warm parts of the day. Replace your drying machine with a clothesline. Feel free to be creative wherever you can.
- **Alternative Energy Sources**: When possible, an off-grid home can use other energy sources to supplement its solar panels. For instance, propane or wood can provide heating or cooking power. Candles can replace lights.
- **Optimize the Array**: Most solar arrays are not completely optimized for maximum energy production. Low-quality solar panels and non-optimal orientation will reduce energy production. Make sure your panels are facing south at an approximately 40° tilt, and use shade-tolerant solar panels if partial shading is decreasing your energy output.

### Financial Constraints

Even if you have the space for 37 panels, you may not have the budget to install that large of a system. Have no fear — you can receive a return on a solar investment of any size. Even if you install a few solar panels, you will still be saving money on your electricity bills each month.

## RV Solar Systems and Camper Vans

RVs, camper vans, and tiny homes don't have the high power requirements of a full-sized home. So, you will need less solar panels to keep one of these mobile residences powered.

![rv lit up against a night sky of stars](images/how-many-solar-panels-do-i-need/rv-against-night-sky-with-lights.jpg)

### How Many Solar Panels Do I Need For My RV?

The number of solar panels needed for an RV will vary wildly depending on energy usage, location and sun hours, and solar panel model.

For our example, we will assume that an average full-size RV or tiny home consumes about 400 kWh per month (or 13 kWh per day). This is a little less than 50% of the average residential home energy consumption — mobile home dwellers typically have smaller families and less energy consumption than the national average.

Assuming 4 sun hours per day during summer traveling (and proper positioning of the RV), we can expect to receive at least 120 peak sun hours per month.

If the RV is positioned correctly and the panels are not shaded, we can estimate that every 1 kW of solar array will produce 120 kWh per month, based on the same calculation from above:

Energy Production = Array Wattage × Sun Hours

Energy Production = 1 kW Array × 120 Sun Hours = **120 kWh**

So, in order to find the total wattage of the solar panel array, we can divide our expected monthly energy consumption (400 kWh) by the energy produced by a 1 kW array (120 kWh):

400 kWh ÷ (120 kWh per Array kW) = 3.33 kW Array Wattage

So, we need an array of at least 3.3 kW (3,300 watts) to keep up with 400 kWh of monthly energy usage. This means you will need either **nine 400W panels or thirty-three 100W panels to power your RV**. Most RVs don’t have the roof space to accommodate this, so many campers use solar power to offset their total energy usage. They may use shore power or a generator to supplement the rest of their electricity.

If shading from trees, structures, or cloud coverage will be an issue, choose [shade-tolerant solar panels](https://optivolt.com/optivolt100) when adding solar to your RV. This will reduce the number of panels you need to achieve the same electricity generation as traditional solar modules.

## Conclusion

Everyone's energy needs are different. In order to determine the exact number of solar panels you need, you will have to do your own planning and calculations. Not all homes and RVs can support the size and weight of a large solar panel array, and grid-tied homes will have different requirements than off-grid residences.

[Optivolt](https://optivolt.com) is an innovative company working to produce resilient, sustainable energy solutions for all. Their shade-tolerant solar panels increase energy production in adverse conditions for RV, tiny home, and residential solar systems.

## Related Questions

### How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for 1,000 kWh per Month?

Each 400W residential solar panel can produce approximately 800 Wh per day, or around 24 kWh per 30-day month. If we divide the monthly energy usage of 1,000 kWh by the 24 kWh that one panel can produce, we find that 42 panels are needed to supply 1,000 kWh per month.

### How Many Solar Panels to Run a Refrigerator?

The average refrigerator consumes around 3 to 4 kWh per day. If you have 400W residential solar panels, they may each produce around 800 Wh per day under optimal year-round conditions. So, you would need at least four 400W solar panels to run a refrigerator.

### How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Run My RV AC?

A mid-sized RV AC unit (10,000 BTU) runs at 1,000 watts. A unit of this size will consume 1 kWh per hour, or 3 kWh per day if running it for the hot part of an afternoon. A 100W solar panel can produce up to 400 Wh per day in optimal summer conditions, so you would need eight solar panels to keep up with the AC unit.





Did you know you can determine the number of solar panels you need with just a few simple calculations? Learn more about planning your solar power system.

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?


The basic components of a solar power system are easy to understand: solar panels generate electricity, and a battery bank stores the power. But what if the panels produce more power than the batteries can handle? And what if the current accidentally flows from the battery back to the panels? This is where solar charge controllers come into play.

Solar charge controllers are an integral part of any solar power system. In this article, we will learn about the different types of solar charge controllers and how they regulate the power generated by a solar array.

## What is a Solar Charge Controller?

A solar charge controller — also known as a voltage regulator — is a component found in most residential and [RV solar power systems](https://optivolt.com/blog/rv-solar-panels-guide). These devices regulate the flow of electricity from the solar panels to the battery bank or other loads. They are meant to prevent over-charging or discharging the solar batteries, providing an aspect of safety to the system. 

Solar panels generate electricity in an unregulated manner. The voltage and current that they produce are variable and always changing with the available sunlight and other conditions. 

Solar batteries don't work well with the varying output of a solar array. Instead, they require specific voltages and currents to charge properly without suffering damage. A solar charge controller acts as a mediator between the two system components, conditioning the produced power to match the battery's requirements.

## Key Functions of a Charge Controller

Solar charge controllers perform a few functions that provide safety and power regulation to your system:

- **Battery Protection**: The lifespan and capacity of a battery can be harmed by excessive discharging. Safety issues can occur if the battery continues to receive a charge even if it is full. Solar charge controllers implement overvoltage protection and low voltage disconnect to protect your batteries from damage. 
- **Charge Regulation**: The controller monitors the voltage and current coming from the panels. The power is regulated and conditioned for battery compatibility.
- **Load Control**: Some controllers include load terminals to directly connect DC lights or other devices. This can be useful for basic systems, eliminating the need for an inverter or excessive wiring and setup for a small DC load. 
- **Display and System Monitoring**: Most solar charge controllers incorporate a display and monitoring system. This allows the user to view battery voltage, charging rates, and other system vitals.

## Solar Charge Controllers: MPPT vs. PWM

There are two main types of solar charge controllers: Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). 

### MPPT Solar Charge Controllers

MPPT controllers operate by continuously searching for the voltage at which the highest power output can be drawn from a string of solar panels. This is referred to as the "maximum power point." 

Without MPPT, charge controllers don’t track the “maximum power point” and simply resort to a default voltage setting. Non-MPPT controllers lose out on a lot of available energy during higher- or lower-than-typical lighting conditions such as: morning, evening, cloud cover, cloud lensing, reflection, shading and/or obstruction.. MPPT controllers operate at high efficiency in a wide range of conditions, often resulting in 15-25% additional energy daily with the same solar panels, on- or off-grid.

The energy-harvesting potential of MPPT is further increased when used in conjunction with [shade-tolerant solar panels](https://optivolt.com/optivolt100). These photovoltaic modules incorporate cutting-edge technology to improve the efficiency of partially-shaded solar panels. However, panels like these maintain a much narrower voltage range for their “maximum power point” across many conditions, compared to traditional panels, which vary much more strongly due to [bypass diode effects](https://www.pveducation.org/pvcdrom/modules-and-arrays/bypass-diodes). So, shade-tolerant solar panels also tend to work better with PWM controllers.

Portable power stations and solar generators are popular all-in-one solutions that combine all of the solar components (except for the panels) into one self-contained system. Most of these devices incorporate a built-in controller. If this is the case, adding a charge controller in between the panels and the portable power station would not be necessary.

### PWM Solar Charge Controllers

PWM controllers are another popular type of charge controller. Put simply, they function by rapidly switching the solar panel output on and off to regulate the battery voltage while maintaining a constant solar voltage. They are a less-efficient alternative to MPPT controllers. 

A PWM controller cannot modulate the voltage that solar panels deliver.This leads to a massive loss in efficiency and energy savings over time.

![a yellow solar charge controller with wiring](images/solar-charge-controllers-guide/yellow-solar-charge-controller.jpg)

## Charge Controller Sizing

The charge controller you choose needs to be able to handle the power that your panels will provide. An improperly sized charge controller can lead to safety issues or an efficiency loss. Make sure to check the input and output voltage and current ratings provided in the product specification or manual for any charge controller you are considering, and make sure you do not exceed these in your system. Keep in mind that a single charge controller may list multiple different current ratings which depend on solar array and/or battery voltage.

Charge controllers have a few different power ratings to look for, including: 

- **Maximum PV Input Power**: This designates the maximum wattage of a compatible solar array. There may be different ratings for different voltages. For example, a controller rated for 500W @ 12V will also be compatible with a 1000W system @ 24V. 
- **Maximum PV Input Voltage**: This is the maximum voltage of a solar array that the controller can accept.
- **Rated Charge Current**: This is the maximum current that the controller can work with, usually denoted in amps. This applies to both the power coming in (from the solar panels) and the power going out (to the battery bank). These two amperages may be different if your solar panel voltage is higher than your battery bank. The charge controller should have an added safety buffer of 25%. 
- **Maximum Battery Voltage**: This is the maximum battery voltage that the controller can work with and supply a charge to. Remember that batteries operate at a higher voltage than their rating suggests — for instance, a 24V battery bank will operate between 28–32V depending on its current charge level.

Let's consider an example in which you have five [Optivolt 100W High-Voltage Panels](https://optivolt.com/optivolt100), each having a max current rating of 2.8A and a max voltage of 48V. If the eight panels are wired together in parallel, then the maximum voltage would remain the same (48V). The maximum amperage of the array can be calculated as follows:

	5 Panels × 2.8A = 14A

So the array will have a maximum output of 14A and 48V. If we are using a 48V battery system, then we just need to add a safety buffer:

	14A × 1.25 Safety Buffer = 17.5A

In this case, you would need a charge controller with these specifications: 

**Rated Charge Current**: At least 17.5A
**Maximum PV Input Voltage**: At least 48V
**Maximum PV Input Power**: At least 500W 

**If your panel voltage and battery voltage do not match up, then you will need to perform one more calculation to find the minimum ‘rated charge current’ of your controller.** If we are using a 24V battery system, then the current being sent to the batteries will double (due to the voltage being cut in half):

	 17.5A × 48V = 35A × 24V

So if you were attempting to use a 24V battery bank with the above 500W solar array, you would need a charge controller with a rated charge current of at least 35A. 

Also be sure that the controller is compatible with your battery bank, including the battery type, chemistry, voltage, and wire gauge. 

## Which Solar Charge Controller is Right For Me?

Although they may cost less upfront, PWM controllers will produce much less power over the lifetime of a system. If efficiency is not a concern and you are just powering a few lights or a pond, then PWM controllers may serve as a cost-effective alternative to MPPT. 

For residential, RV, and similar high-powered systems, MPPT is almost always the better choice. The increased energy generation will quickly make up for the higher initial purchase price.

## Related Questions 

### Do I Always Need a Solar Charge Controller?

The vast majority of solar power systems require a charge controller in order to operate in a safe and efficient manner. Outside of certain applications, small systems that utilize trickle-charge panels (10 watts or less) should not require a charge controller. Residential and RV solar systems usually need a charge controller. If you are using a solar generator or portable power station, it should have a built-in charge controller. 




Solar charge controllers are an important part of any solar power system. Explore which type of charge controller is better for your system: MPPT or PWM.

Solar Charge Controllers: What You Need to Know


Thinking about installing a shed in the yard? An outbuilding like a shed can add value to your property and serve as a workshop, guest house, or office space. Most homeowners end up running into the same problem when installing a shed: *power*. 

Shed kits or pre-builds are easy enough to have installed in your yard, but adding electricity to the shed is another challenge. These days, solar energy is usually the solution. 

A solar-powered shed is self-contained, meaning it can be placed anywhere on your property without needing access to existing power sources. Plus, once the system is installed, the shed's electricity consumption is free of charge. 

Let's explore the basics of setting up solar power for sheds. 

## Calculating Solar Power for a Shed 

Determining the amount of power and solar panels needed for a shed is easier than you might think. We will follow a few simple steps: 

- First, we will find the power draw for each device that we plan to power. 
- Next, we can estimate the daily energy usage by multiplying the power draw by the time we plan to use each item. That will give us a total daily energy consumption for the shed. 
- Then, we can calculate the number of panels we need to supply the shed with its estimated consumption. 

![man working inside of a shed](images/solar-power-for-sheds/inside-shed-workshop.jpg)

### Estimate Energy Usage 

Every shed will have a different energy usage depending on the devices and appliances inside. For this example, let's assume that lights, basic power tools, and a radio will be the only powered devices. So, our appliance list might look like this: 

- **4 x LED Bulbs**: 50 watts
- **1 x Drill - 1/4"**: 250 watts
- **1 x Circular Saw**: 1000 watts
- **1 x Job Site Radio**: 40 watts

If you turn the lights and radio on for 2 hours per day, use the drill for 10 minutes, and use the circular saw for 3 minutes, your energy usage will be as follows: 

- **LED Bulbs @ 2 hours**: 100 Wh
- **Drill @ 10 minutes**: 42 Wh
- **Circular Saw @ 3 minutes**: 50 Wh
- **Job Site Radio @ 2 hours**: 80 Wh
- **Total Energy Consumption =** 272 Wh

### How Many Solar Panels Do I Need For My Shed? 

Now that we know our total energy consumption (272 Wh), we can determine the number of solar panels needed for the shed. A [100W solar panel](https://optivolt.com/optivolt100) can produce approximately 400 Wh of energy on an optimal summer day with four peak sun hours. So, in this case, we would only require one solar panel to power the shed! 

You would want to add another panel if using the shed in the winter, as the peak sun hours will be much lower. 

The above calculations do not account for a few things. Most significantly, the conversion of DC to AC electricity results in a loss of power. Let's explore that idea in more detail.

### DC vs. AC Power

DC (Direct Current) and AC (Alternating Current) are the two main types of power found in residential, RV, and shed solar systems.

Solar panels convert sunlight into DC power. When photons from the sun hit the solar cells, a direct current is generated. This is characterized by a continuous flow of electricity in one direction at a constant voltage level. Some appliances and devices can run directly on DC power, including lights, RV refrigerators, and small electronics. However, most standard home appliances require AC power. 

AC power is found in homes, businesses, and sheds — whenever you plug something into a wall socket, it is consuming AC power. This type of power will occasionally change directions and reverse polarity, allowing it to transmit efficiently over long distances. 

To convert DC power to AC power, a device called an **inverter** is required. The inverter takes the DC power from your panels or battery bank and provides AC power to the lights, drills, radios, and other equipment you might use in a shed. 

When power is converted through an inverter, around 3–5% is lost in the process. You will need to account for this power loss when deciding how many panels to install on your solar-powered shed. 

![a solar shed being constructed in the desert](images/solar-power-for-sheds/solar-shed-under-construction.jpg)

## Other Components of a Solar-Powered Shed

In order to create a fully functioning solar-powered shed, you need a few extra components in addition to your solar panels. This includes: 

- **Battery Bank**: Off-grid solar sheds will need a battery bank to store energy for times when the sun isn't shining. A 12V deep cycle lithium battery is recommended for optimal performance. 
- **Charge Controller**: A [solar charger controller](https://optivolt.com/blog/solar-charge-controllers-guide) regulates the flow of energy between the solar panels and the battery bank. MPPT controllers are the preferred technology, but PWM controllers will suffice for a small solar-powered shed. 
- **Inverter**: As mentioned above, you will need an inverter if you plan on powering AC devices like power tools.
- **Mounting Hardware**: Mounting brackets usually come with your solar panels and allow you to safely affix the panels to the shed's roof. 
- **Wiring**: You will need proper wiring to connect all of the components together. Consult with a professional to ensure that you choose a proper wire gauge to handle the high currents of a solar power system. 

Solar shed kits are available that include all of the above components in an all-in-one package. However, by doing your own research, you should be able to purchase higher-quality components at a lower cost than these shed kits often provide. 

Another alternative is to purchase a portable power station (also known as a solar generator). This option combines all of the solar components (MPPT charge controller, battery and inverter) into one easy-to-use device that requires no setup. A portable power station can also be brought anywhere you might need power: the garage, a campsite, or in your house during a blackout. However, they will come with a higher initial purchase price when compared to sourcing the components on your own. 

## Is A Solar Shed Worth It? 

A solar shed can certainly be worth the effort. Adding solar power to your shed eliminates its ties to the electric grid, allowing you to place it anywhere on your property. The electricity that the shed consumes will be free, reducing the costs associated with your workshop, guest house, or office. 

If your shed is shaded by your home, foliage, or other obstructions throughout the day, you may want to invest in shade-tolerant solar panels to maximize your energy production. [Optivolt](https://optivolt.com) is paving the way for better solar panel performance with Pulse technology delivering up to 60X more power in shade vs traditional solar panels. Their 100W solar panels are well-suited for partially-shaded solar sheds. 


Learn how to estimate your shed’s energy usage and determine the number of solar panels that you will need. You may need fewer panels than you think.

BUYER GUIDES

Find the right equipment to optimize your solar power system.

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