Are you running a shop in a remote village or area without electricity? Don’t worry—this step-by-step guide will help you set up a solar panel system on your own, even if you have zero technical knowledge.
Installing solar panels is a smart, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution to power your shop. With just a few basic components and guidance, you can enjoy uninterrupted electricity for lights, fans, charging, and more.
Why Choose Solar Power for Your Remote Shop?
- No electricity bills
- Works anywhere under the sun
- Easy to install & maintain
- Reliable power day and night
- Environment-friendly
🧰 What You’ll Need (Solar System Components)
Here are the basic items required to install a small solar system for a shop:
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Solar Panels | Capture sunlight and convert it into electricity |
| Battery | Stores energy for use at night or on cloudy days |
| Charge Controller | Protects the battery from overcharging |
| Inverter | Converts solar power into usable electricity (if needed for AC appliances) |
| Wiring & Mounting Kit | Connects the system and supports the panel installation |
💡 For a small shop, a 200W to 500W solar panel system is usually sufficient.
🪛 Step-by-Step Guide to Install a Solar Panel for Your Shop
1. Find the Right Location for the Solar Panel
- Choose a sunny area—preferably on your shop’s roof or an open ground.
- Make sure there’s no shade from trees or buildings between 10 AM to 4 PM.
2. Fix the Solar Panel on a Stand
- Use a mounting structure to fix the panel at a 30-45° angle.
- Face the panel southward (in India and most countries in the Northern Hemisphere) for best sun exposure.
3. Connect the Solar Panel to the Charge Controller
- Use proper solar cables.
- Connect the positive (+) and negative (-) wires of the solar panel to the charge controller.
4. Connect the Charge Controller to the Battery
- This will store power generated during the day.
- Again, connect positive to positive and negative to negative terminals.
5. Connect an Inverter (Optional)
- If your appliances run on AC power (like fans, TVs, printers), connect an inverter between the battery and your appliances.
- DC appliances (like LED lights or DC fans) can run directly from the battery or charge controller.
6. Test the System
- After everything is connected, your system should start charging the battery.
- Try switching on a light or fan. If it works, your solar setup is ready!
🔌 What Can You Power With a Small Solar Setup?
Here’s what a 500W system can typically handle daily:
| Appliance | Quantity | Usage Time |
|---|---|---|
| LED Lights (10W) | 4–5 | 5–6 hours |
| DC Fan | 1–2 | 5–6 hours |
| Mobile Charging | 2–3 phones | Daily |
| Small TV or Speaker | 1 | 3–4 hours |
🔋 Always check the battery capacity and solar panel wattage to match your shop’s power needs.
🛒 Where to Buy Solar Kits for Beginners?
You can easily find solar kits online or in nearby towns:
- Amazon, Flipkart, or local dealers
- Ask for “off-grid solar kit” for 12V or 24V systems
- Many kits come pre-wired, with user manuals in local languages
🧼 Basic Maintenance Tips
- Clean the panel once a week with a soft cloth to remove dust
- Check wiring connections every few months
- Replace the battery every 3–5 years, depending on usage
🏁 My Final Thoughts:
Even without technical knowledge, you can set up a reliable solar system for your remote shop. It’s a one-time investment that brings long-term savings, convenience, and independence from power cuts or lack of electricity. In Odisha, we hit by a Cyclone Called Fani for a month. Power supply was not there and my Inverter was got dead after 5 days of use, then this solar system helped us a lot. Though it was costly during those times and the supply was less, I bought it locally. It cost me too much, but this helped me a lot.