If you're looking to add a shed to your lifestyle block, you might be wondering if it's worth installing solar panels on the roof. For some lifestyle block owners, solar power can be a practical and eco-friendly solution, offering independence from the grid and long-term savings on electricity. But it’s not for everyone, and your decision will depend on your power needs, budget, and location.
If you are thinking about going solar, choosing the right shed is critical. Solar panels can weigh anywhere from 500 kg to over 1,000 kg, depending on the type and quantity of panels you install, so your shed needs to be strong enough to support this load. In this article, we’ll look at which shed types are best suited for solar panels and explain why certain shed designs perform better than others.
- Why Solar Power for Your Shed?
- Why Centre-Pole Sheds are Good for Solar Panels
- Why Rolled Steel Sheds Aren't Ideal for Solar Panels
- Alpine Sheds: The Optimal Choice for Solar Panels
- Choosing the Right Shed for Long-Term Solar Success
Why Solar Power for Your Shed?
Solar power can be a great option for rural property owners who want to reduce their reliance on grid electricity and lower their energy costs. Installing solar panels on a shed is a practical way to make use of an existing structure while also generating renewable energy. Whether you use your shed as a workshop, storage space, or for other day-to-day tasks, having a source of power generated by the sun can make your block more self-sufficient.
However, not every shed can accommodate solar panels. If you're considering solar, it’s important to choose a shed that can handle the weight of the panels and optimise sunlight capture. Below, we’ll explore the best shed designs for solar panel installations and why some shed types are less ideal.
Why Centre-Pole Sheds Are the Best for Solar Panels
Centre-pole sheds are a great option for installing solar panels due to their sturdy design. The weight of solar panels can be substantial, and a centre-pole shed is built to distribute this load evenly across the structure. The centrally placed support pole gives the shed extra strength and stability, preventing the roof from sagging under the weight of the panels.
In addition to their strong framework, centre-pole sheds offer flexibility when it comes to roof design. You can adjust the roof pitch to maximise sunlight exposure—ideally around 30 degrees for optimal solar energy capture. This allows you to make the most of your shed’s roof area, ensuring that the solar panels get as much sunlight as possible throughout the day.
For lifestyle block owners who need a shed that can handle both the weight of solar panels and provide long-term durability, a centre-pole shed is a solid, reliable choice.
Why Rolled Steel Sheds Aren’t Ideal for Solar Panels
While rolled steel sheds are a popular choice for general storage due to their affordability and ease of installation, they fall short when it comes to supporting solar panels. One of the primary issues is the thinness of the material—rolled steel sheds are typically made from steel that is only 1-2 mm thick. This thin material isn’t designed to handle the weight of solar panels, which can add significant pressure to the roof over time.
The lightweight construction of these sheds makes them more prone to bending or warping under heavy loads, potentially causing long-term structural damage and safety concerns. While rolled steel sheds may work well for basic storage purposes, they are not built to accommodate the weight of solar panel installations, making them a less reliable option for lifestyle block owners looking to go solar.
Alpine Sheds: The Optimal Choice for Solar Panels
Alpine sheds are another excellent option for solar panel installations, especially for lifestyle block owners who want a structure that balances strength and optimal solar capture. One standout feature with Alpine sheds is their ability to steepen the roof pitch, which can be adjusted to maximise sunlight exposure. With the ideal angle for solar panels being around 30 degrees, the roof pitch on an Alpine shed can be designed to capture the most sunlight throughout the year.
What really sets Alpine sheds apart is their use of 5-12mm thick structural steel. This strong material allows Alpine sheds to maintain a clear-span design, meaning there are no internal columns or supports inside. This maximises the usable space inside the shed—making it more practical for storing tools, equipment, or even as a workshop—while also ensuring the roof can support the weight of the solar panels without bending or sagging over time.
The combination of thick structural steel and a steep, adjustable roof pitch makes Alpine sheds one of the best options for those looking to install solar panels. They offer both the strength to handle the heavy load of the panels and the flexibility to capture maximum sunlight.
Choosing the Right Shed for Long-Term Solar Success
When planning to install solar panels on your lifestyle block, the type of shed you choose will make all the difference. The weight of the solar panels can be considerable, so it's essential to choose a shed that is both strong enough to support the load and designed to capture sunlight efficiently.
Centre-pole sheds provide excellent strength and flexibility, distributing the weight of the panels evenly across the structure. Alpine sheds, with their steep roof pitch and 5-12mm thick structural steel, offer both the ability to handle the heavy load and maximise interior space with their clear-span design. In contrast, rolled steel sheds often lack the necessary strength for solar installations, making them a less ideal choice.
Ultimately, if you want to get the most out of your solar setup, investing in a shed that’s designed to accommodate solar panels is key. For strength, flexibility, and long-term performance, both centre-pole and Alpine sheds are standout options for lifestyle block owners looking to harness the power of the sun.
Note: We recommend that you speak with a solar expert to determine what solar panel system will be best for you. Once you have this information, let us know how many panels you intend to install and their combined weight, we will ensure the shed is designed to take the additional loading.
