When I decided to work in my garden shed more often, especially during the colder months, heating became a real concern. Traditional electric heaters were expensive to run, and extending my home’s boiler system felt like overkill. That’s when I came across Mak Energy and their solar-powered heater solution for sheds. After getting a system installed, I want to share my honest review of how it’s worked for me — both the highs and the limitations.
Why I Chose a Solar Powered Heater for Shed
Living in a part of the UK with unpredictable weather, I needed a heater that could work reliably, without hitting the electricity meter hard. My shed’s roof faces enough sunlight to make solar a realistic option, and I really liked the idea of using renewable energy to heat such a small space.
Here’s what I was looking for:
- A low-running-cost heating solution
- Something that doesn’t rely solely on the mains electricity
- A system that requires minimal maintenance
- Stable heat, especially when I’m working late or using the shed for creative projects
From my first conversation with Mak Energy, I felt confident. Their team explained how a small array of solar panels, a battery, and a heater unit could work together to deliver warmth efficiently.
What Mak Energy Offered Me
https://makenergy.com/ put together a system tailored to my shed’s size and energy use. The package included:
- A modest solar panel installation on the shed roof
- A DC/DC or hybrid heater designed for low energy draw
- A battery to store excess solar energy for use when the sun isn’t shining
- Professional installation, with safety-tested wiring and a simple control panel
They also walked me through how to switch the heater on, how the battery works, and what to expect in terms of running time depending on the weather.
My Experience After Installation
Heating Performance
On sunny days, the heater runs seamlessly for several hours — enough to keep the shed toasty during work sessions. Even on overcast days, provided the battery is charged, the heater gives a gentle but sufficient warmth.
I haven’t tried pushing it to bake the space like a full house heater, but for my shed, it’s more than adequate. I use it intermittently — when I need heat for a few hours rather than all day — and that plays perfectly to the strengths of this solar setup.
Energy Savings
Since the heater mostly runs off solar-stored energy, my electricity usage for heating has dropped significantly. Previously, I’d dread the higher electricity bills when winter set in, but now I feel like I’m heating the shed in a much more cost-efficient way. The fact that I don’t have to plug into a high-wattage mains heater all the time is a big win.
Maintenance and Usability
There’s very little maintenance involved. I check the panels occasionally for dust, and the controls are simple: a switch to turn on the heater, a small indicator to show battery level. The system feels robust and well-built. I like that I don’t need to climb up and fiddle with complicated settings every few days.
Reliability
Mak Energy’s installation team did a great job. Cables are neatly done, and everything feels professional. I’ve had zero breakdowns and have felt confident that the system will keep working as intended over the long term.
Pros & Cons: What Worked Well vs What Could Be Better
Pros
- Eco-friendly heating: Uses solar power, reducing reliance on grid electricity.
- Low running costs: I save money compared to using a mains heater.
- Good for intermittent use: Perfect for weekends or working afternoons.
- Safe and simple: No gas, no complex maintenance, just clean renewable energy.
Cons
- Limited run-time on dull days: When the sun hasn’t been out for a while, the battery drains faster.
- Initial setup cost: The upfront investment is high for a shed-specific system, though payback is reasonable.
- Battery capacity: A larger battery would extend heating time, but would also increase the cost.
- Temperature ceiling: It doesn’t heat the shed to very high “oven-like” temperatures, but warm enough for working or relaxing.
Is It Worth It?
For me — absolutely. Installing Mak Energy’s solar heater has significantly improved the usability of my shed. I now spend more time working in comfort, and I don’t worry about excessive electricity costs or inefficient heaters. While it’s not designed to be a full home heating solution, for a shed or small workspace, it makes perfect sense.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering a solar powered heater for a shed in the UK, Mak Energy offers one of the most balanced solutions I’ve come across. Their system is affordable relative to long-term savings, robust enough for regular use, and sustainable in a way that fits my lifestyle.
Overall, I’m very pleased with my setup — it’s reliable, cost-effective, and helps me get more out of my garden shed without relying on outdated or expensive heating methods. Mak Energy delivered on what they promised, and their solar-powered heater has been a great addition to my renewable energy journey.
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