With the popularity of solar panels in Winnipeg, it makes sense that homeowners are also interested in powering their garages or workshops with this clean energy source. They might already have their home tied into a solar panel system, but their detached garage or workshop is still pulling power from the grid. How can you remedy this issue and convert these parts of the home to solar?
The good news is that you have plenty of options if you want to use solar energy for your garage or workshop. Here is everything you need to know about solar energy for these areas:
Deciding How Much Energy You Need
The first step to using solar energy in a garage or workshop is to determine how much energy you really need. Some people may be able to get away with a small and simple system if the only thing they need to power are the lights and garage door opener. When this is the case, you may be able to install a system that will cost just a few hundred dollars.
However, many homeowners who want to expand their solar system into these areas are using them for more than just the bare minimum. They may be using them to power tools or batteries. This is usually an indicator that you will need a larger system that could cost a few thousand dollars to tie in these areas of the home.
Before you purchase a larger system, take the time to evaluate how much power you will really need in these areas. You can always consult with a solar energy company, like Powertec Solar, to help you determine just how much energy your workshop requires.
Don’t be afraid to make a big investment in solar energy if you feel that you will use the energy produced. When you don’t have to pay a monthly power bill for the work you do in your workshop, you will be pleased with your investment.
Benefits of Solar Energy for Your Garage
If you are thinking about adding solar to your garage or workshop, you might be wondering what the benefits of doing so are. The first and most pressing reason that many people turn to solar energy is that it is a greener and more renewable energy source compared to traditional electricity. However, the monthly savings on your utility bill are what often clinches the deal.
There are many other benefits to incorporating solar energy into your garage.
To give you an example, think about how electricity is run to your workshop right now. You might have a wire stretching from the utility pole to the building. Alternatively, you may have to dig a deeper trench to run the wires for power. When you switch to solar energy, these wires will be a thing of the past and your yard won’t appear so cluttered.
Other benefits of installing solar panels for your workshop include maximizing your space. A solar energy system doesn’t have to take up a lot of space. It can even be installed on the roof so that it takes up no space at all in or around your workshop. This also helps with the cluttered feeling that often accompanies a busy workshop.
Solar power is great for security and peace of mind. Particularly during the harsh winter months in Winnipeg, you might experience some downtime with your standard electricity. If you had solar power, you would have a battery backup and a constant renewal of energy as your panels are exposed to the sun. This means you would have no downtime for your workshop at all.
Starting with solar panels for your garage or workshop is sometimes the first step toward having a system installed in the rest of your home. It is a great way to test the waters and see how it all works before making a major commitment with the rest of your home.
How Do Solar Panels Work in Your Workshop?
Some homeowners have the ultimate goal of taking their homes completely off the grid, forcing them to rely on renewable energy only. However, this is not the only way to go about installing a solar system for your garage or workshop. You may still encounter times when you must pull some of your electricity from the power company.
Homeowners have the option to remain tied into the system and pay minimal bills from the power company for these types of situations. Your bill may shrink from hundreds of dollars to $50 or less.
Grid-tied solar panels collect energy and send the energy you generate back to the utility company to offset your monthly expenses. You will still be pulling power from the electric company, but the production of solar or renewable energy will cancel out what you will draw from the grid. If you produce more energy than you use, you get paid for that unused energy.
Of course, going completely off-grid for your workshop or garage is also possible. You will want to install a battery backup system, though. This ensures that you will always have some power in reserve if you want to work during a time of day when sunlight isn’t as plentiful. A battery backup comes in handy if you prefer to work into the nights or evenings.
While you will be paying on the investment of the solar panels, you can ultimately save money on your monthly energy costs with the use of this system. Be sure to talk with a reputable solar energy company to see what your needs may be and how much you could save by making the switch.
No matter whether you lease or buy your panels outright, going with solar is an investment. You’ll save more money on your monthly electricity costs and help out the earth at the same time, though.
Getting Solar in Winnipeg
Solar in Winnipeg is growing in popularity for homes, garages, and workshops. Working with a reputable solar power company that has experience with these systems is essential to keeping your home running smoothly. If you’re thinking about installing solar panels for a garage or workshop, you need to reach out to Powertec Solar.
We offer a free solar feasibility analysis for your desired area to help you determine what services and products are the right fit for you. Give us a call today to schedule your analysis!
