Exploring Off-Grid Solar Solutions for Garden Rooms
Last Updated: 30 October 2024
As interest in sustainable living grows, some garden room buyers have started exploring off-grid solar power as an alternative to mains electricity. While not common, this choice is particularly appealing to those who want to reduce their environmental impact and achieve energy independence. One customer of Crusoe Garden Rooms Limited made this choice a few years ago, and their experience provides valuable insight into the practicalities of running a garden room entirely on solar power.
The Decision to Go Off-Grid
For this customer, the decision to use solar panels rather than connecting to the mains was intentional. They accepted that relying solely on solar power meant a more modest energy supply and adjusted their usage to match this. With no mains backup, the solar setup is the sole source of electricity, encouraging careful management of power consumption.
Managing Power Use
In this particular garden room, lighting was the primary power requirement. The customer opted not to use the room as an office or for daily activities that would demand significant energy. Instead, they envisioned it for occasional social gatherings, possibly with a small music system, but nothing that would place heavy strain on the solar setup. Their approach highlights a common consideration for off-grid setups: understanding the energy demands of planned usage and tailoring the power supply to meet those needs.
Winter presented an unknown factor, as colder months require more consideration of heating needs. Although the customer initially considered installing a small wood burner, they decided to wait and see how the room’s insulation performed during colder periods. This cautious approach underlines the importance of flexibility when managing an off-grid garden room in variable conditions.
Choosing the Right Components
The customer initially faced a challenge with their modified sine wave inverter, which couldn’t handle the start-up current of LED lights. After testing the system, they upgraded to a 1KW pure sine wave inverter, which provided a more stable and reliable power supply, even during start-up spikes. This experience emphasises the importance of choosing high-quality components when setting up an off-grid system, particularly with sensitive appliances. A pure sine wave inverter, while a more costly option, offers better compatibility with modern electronics and reduces the risk of performance issues.
Can You Add Solar Panels to the Roof of a Garden Room?
It’s natural to think about adding solar panels to the roof of a garden room to maximise exposure to sunlight. However, this needs careful consideration: on a 2.5m mono-pitched garden room, rooftop solar panels will exceed the height allowed under Permitted Development rules. Since the panels add extra height, it would require Planning Permission, as it surpasses the standard allowance. For those wishing to remain within Permitted Development limits, placing solar panels elsewhere in the garden might be a suitable alternative. Checking with local planning authorities will help clarify the exact requirements and ensure compliance.
Cost Considerations and Savings
Setting up the solar system involved an initial investment of approximately £1,000 (in 2016), including the cost of panels and the upgraded inverter. However, by avoiding the need to run mains power from the house to the garden room, they saved on the considerable expense of a long-distance electrical installation. For many, this savings on installation costs can offset the upfront expense of an off-grid system, especially if there’s a suitable location for a solar panel.
Battery Longevity and Long-Term Costs
The long-term sustainability of any off-grid solar solution largely depends on battery life. Although deep-cycle batteries are more expensive than standard car batteries, they’re designed for the repeated charging and discharging cycles needed for off-grid systems. Over time, these batteries should maintain steady costs and reliable performance, though buyers may want to budget for eventual replacement.
Off-Grid Solar: Right for Your Garden Room?
Choosing an off-grid solar system for a garden room remains a niche option, but it’s a rewarding one for those who wish to reduce their carbon footprint and gain a level of energy autonomy. The experience of Crusoe Garden Rooms’ customer demonstrates the benefits of a well-planned setup, as well as the need for flexibility and careful component selection. With thoughtful usage and quality components, an off-grid system can effectively power a garden room, providing an environmentally conscious solution tailored to low-energy demands.
