Whenever a potentially ground-breaking technology makes an appearance, it’s always a good idea to quickly develop a sound understanding of the basic principles before leaping aboard the bandwagon. And where solar power, and a green electricity project is concerned, a solar shed could provide the very means to do just that.

Garden sheds are particularly well suited for experimenting with diy solar power technology in a relatively safe, small scale environment. For a start they are temporary structures, which means they are fairly easy to relocate in order to gain maximum exposure to the sun, yet still be in an out of the way spot that doesn’t affect the main dwelling.

Then of course there is the pleasing fact that you can more or less do as you please with a garden shed. There is no requirement to notify your insurer or to abide by petty planning restrictions. And even if the very worst should happen and you toast your shed, then it’s not exactly the biggest deal in the world is it?

Where diy solar power technology itself is concerned, there are broadly two forms: storing thermal energy and creating electrical power. And while you might think you can just convert heat to power or vice versa, that’s not actually a very good idea due to energy losses you will incur.

So first and foremost, consider the nature of your intended solar applications and match them to the more appropriate of these two forms of the technology. Obviously, if you want heating and lighting then your best bet may be to install both types rather than try and make one do both.

Even a modest shed can have heat accumulators and a solar panel installation big enough to use for lighting, 12v tools and other small electrical appliances, and maintain a comfortable temperature. Whether you opt to purchase ready-made solar shed kits or build up your own system using diy solar panels makes little difference to the utility of the final system. Nor does it significantly affect one of the most important reasons for creating a solar shed – finding out for yourself how domestic solar power fits into your life.