How Much Solar Do You Need for a Shed, Workshop or Farm?

The short answer: A shed with lights and a few tools needs a small system. A workshop with a welder, compressor or cool room needs a lot more. Size it for your biggest loads, not your lightbulbs.

Start with what is in the shed

Write down everything that runs, how many watts it pulls, and for how long. A few LED lights barely register. A welder, a big compressor or a pump can pull thousands of watts when they kick in. That starting surge decides how big your inverter needs to be.

Grid-connected or stand-alone?

If power is already at the shed, a normal grid-connected system plus a battery may be the cheapest route. If the shed is a long way from the poles, a stand-alone system can beat the cost of trenching and connection. Our off-grid systems page and off-grid guide cover the options.

Farms and bigger sites

Pumps, cool rooms, shearing sheds and irrigation use serious power, often during the day, which suits solar. See our commercial solar page for bigger setups.

Does it differ by state?

Network connection rules, rebates and farm incentives vary between QLD, NSW, WA and Tasmania. Check current terms for your state before you commit.

Rough shortcuts

• Lights and chargers only: a small system.
• Power tools and a fridge: a mid-sized system with a decent battery.
• Heavy machinery and cooling: size the inverter first, then the panels and battery.

Don’t forget the roof

A shed roof can be a great spot, but check the structure. See how much a solar panel weighs and how many panels fit.

Next step

Tell us what runs in your shed and when. We will work out the right size and a straight price.

General information only, current at November 2026. Prices, rebates and tariffs change, so check current terms before you buy.