After turning down electricians' 'absurd' bids of more than $4,000 to bring power to a detached workshop, one homeowner says they opted for a lower-cost DIY solar system instead.
Here's what to know
In the Reddit thread, the original poster said steep estimates for an 80-foot trench and subpanel led them to assemble a system with a Vevor 6kW hybrid inverter, seven 400-watt panels mounted on the roof, and a 48-volt lithium iron phosphate server-rack battery.
OP added that a 5.12-kilowatt-hour battery has kept security lights running overnight without dropping too far, and that the largest load they've recorded is about 2,000 watts when the miter saw starts.
They also estimated the total cost at roughly $2,200, writing, "All in I'm sitting around $2,200 for the whole setup," calling that "a hell of a lot better than $4,000 for a trench I'd still have to landscape over."
One commenter offered a word of caution, saying, "Nice, I built something similar. The worst choice I made was a cheap hybrid inverter. It runs about 80watts just to keep it switched on. I could have done way better if I had known to look."
Another user complimented OP, writing, "You put together a robust and thrifty system. Sometimes practicality gets lost in the planning stage but this is a good compromise."
Detached garages, sheds, and workshops can be expensive to electrify the traditional way because trenching, wiring, and panel work add labor and repair costs before a single light is even turned on. For spaces used only intermittently, a modest solar-and-battery system can sometimes handle the basics without requiring a full utility extension.
More background
Free tools, like those provided by EnergySage, can help shoppers get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes before committing. Comparing quotes and incentives in one place can make it easier to avoid overpaying and choose a setup that matches real energy needs.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. |
It also helps to research local costs before signing anything. EnergySage's solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state, along with details on solar panel incentives for each state.
And for households considering a larger home system, EnergySage can be especially useful. With EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations.
Where can I learn more?
These articles follow homeowners who found cheaper ways for solar to power their cars and homes.
• One homeowner used 900 watts of portable panels to sidestep a costly EV-charging upgrade.
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• An off-grid homeowner said solar kept working through winter without needing a generator.
• Solar shoppers on Facebook Marketplace found used panels at deep discounts that slashed upfront costs.
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