Protect Your Investment: A Solar Equipment Shed Checklist
Typical solar equipment for residential applications (except solar panels) is rated for indoor use. Exposure to the elements (e.g., dust and extreme temperatures) may void the warranty, cause damage, or create fire hazards.
In our rural environment, however, “indoor” is a bit, well, interpretive.
A pump house or shed, for example, has four walls and a roof. Yet, we’ve seen many that actually don’t offer sufficient protection to meet the “indoor” requirements set by solar equipment manufacturers.
For example, some equipment has temperature sensors. When you send a device back to the manufacturer for a warranty claim, they may pull up the data. If they discover that the equipment has been exposed to extreme temperatures outside the specified range, they may deny coverage for a repair or replacement.
If you decide to put your solar equipment in a pump house or shed, your best bet is to spend an extra few hundred dollars to upgrade the structure. For instance, simply by preventing extreme temperatures, you can extend the lifespan of your batteries by two to three years, lowering your total cost of ownership.
The upfront effort will protect your investment and ensure that your equipment performs for years to come. This checklist will help you cover the bases:
INSULATION
Adequate insulation keeps the space warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Install radiant barriers on the interior side of the roof and walls. You can get plywood or foam core with a reflective material on one side — the metallic side should face inward. Alternatively, you can purchase reflective foil, such as this one, to put on top of the insulation.
Put the batteries on a sturdy shelf (not on the floor or too close to the ceiling).
VENTILATION
Proper airflow keeps the equipment at the appropriate temperature, especially during the summer. Extreme heat is detrimental to batteries and can shorten their lifespan.
Install a roof turbine vent, like this one.
Add a vent or window to facilitate airflow.
You should be able to close these vents/windows in the winter to keep the shed above freezing (especially if you have LFP batteries).
DUST FILTER
Dust — especially quartz in the soil — can clog or abrade moving components in solar equipment (e.g., fans). Preventing dust from entering your shed can extend the lifespan of these devices.
Cover any openings, like vents, windows, and roof turbine vents, with a filter like this one.
Keep your filter clean and change it periodically.
LEAK- AND RODENT-PROOFING
Since the equipment is rated for indoor use, water intrusion can cause irreparable damage and fire or shock hazards. Meanwhile, rodents may chew through wires, creating fire risks.
STRUCTURAL SUPPORT
Your shed should provide the appropriate structural support for mounting the solar equipment (e.g., studs and shelving). We typically provide an estimate of the equipment weight in the scope document and let you know if you need to provide shelving.
>> Download the PDF checklist <<
Improving the performance of your off-grid solar system doesn’t have to be costly or complicated. Small hinges can move a big door — our surgical and personalized approach helps clients fine-tune their equipment, fill gaps, meet their needs, and achieve energy independence without expensive overhauls. Learn more and get in touch to schedule an on-site consultation.
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