How to Build a Solar Shed / Office Studio

By designing and building your Shed or Office Studio with the correct orientation to the Sun and the proper overhangs you can take advantage of the variation in the angle of sun light between summer and winter months. You can use passive Solar energy to help heat this space for use as a green house or you can use active Solar such as Photo-voltaic technology (PV) to provide electricity to a personal computer or other office equipment as a "Home Office" away from home. There are generally two different types of Solar technologies: Passive Solar and Active Solar. The Shed or office Studio that you choose to build can integrate both of these technologies or use only one of the technologies.

Things You'll Need

• A need for additional storage or working space
• Plans
• Building permit
• Tools
• Materials
• A detailed plan for how the Shed or office Studio will be used.

Instructions

1. 

   By building your structure with a large over hang and southern facing windows the building will effectively shade you during the summer and provide nice sunshine exposure during the winter. This is the idea of utilizing Passive Solar.

2. Build your structure with an optimal angle to be able to mount Photo Voltaic (PV) Solar Cells on the roof. The optimal angle of the roof is dependent on the region you live in. This option will enable you to provide as much electricity as required in your new Work space.

3. 

   Build your structure with simple gadgets that will make it safer and more enjoyable to use. Gadgets such as the Solar Shed Light systems integrates a simple PV solar cell and a compact LED light to provide task lighting inside your Shed or office Studio. Another gadget that is a great idea is the Solar powered ventilation system that integrates a PV solar cell and a temperature sensor that activates a shutter and exhaust fan system. An finally you can integrate a Solar Battery charger. With these three simple gadgets mounted on your Office Studio you can have task lighting, ventilation and electricity for your laptop and work comfortably in your new space.

4. Be creative with the use of orientations and the use of existing technologies to create a self sustaining work space that will pay for itself if applied properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Internet research will provide valuable technology ideas to apply to your Shed or office Studio.

• Check out www.earthtechproducts.com for all the great gadgets that you can incorporate into you work space design for comfort and convenience.