new implement barn w/out electric. generator or 12v?

[donn12]

I am having a buddy of mine build this 16x20 shed. Concrete slab with a 8' lean to on the side. I am not putting electric in and I am thinking about getting a generator or battery to power a light or two in a pinch. Because I am not going to keep my tractor in here I think that will be the exception not the rule. It is also a long distance from my house. I am also thinking about some sort of heater - maybe one that attaches to a propane tank if it wont poison me.
Any ideas for power without electricity? heat for a few hours each winter?
I have 2 of 3 heated garage stalls for my tractor, toys and tools so I really don't think I will need anything more permanent in this barn but we will see.

new floor jack, tool cart, mechanic stool and shelves are on the way.

I am pretty exited about keeping the backhoe in here when its not on and having all my implements in here and my buckets and forks under the lean to. My garage has been packed!

 

[k0ua]

I would think Solar panel, Charge controller, Gel Cell/AGM battery, Led lights. should solve the lighting problem if that is all you need. Then a 15000 BTU wall propane heater (tractor supply has some) and many other places. 100 lb propane tank.. with good insulation. should work for heat. If you need to run tools. then a generator is going to be the way.
James K0UA

 

[whistlepig]

Portable generators are a big hassle if you don't run them all the time. I have one for emergency back up. Every year I buy fresh gas and add Stabil to it. I run the generator two or three times a year as recommended by the manufacturer. Then drain the fuel from the generator and start over again every year.

 

[Egon]

Coleman lanterns work well for light as do rechargeable flashlights. [ economy version for lights]:thumbsup:

Heat = ???

 

[PastTense]

For light add some windows (or a portable light as suggested).

For heat get a portable propane heater, something like this
Propane 50,000 BTU Forced Air Portable Space Heater

Amazon.com: Propane 50,000 BTU Forced Air Portable Space Heater: Home Improvement: Reviews, Prices & more

 

[donn12]

I bought a 3500W generator from TSC for $300. I am going to move my crap in and try it out next week. The guys building the barn were uding the same generator. Very good price for the power.

 

[whistlepig]

I bought a 3500W generator from TSC for $300. I am going to move my crap in and try it out next week. The guys building the barn were uding the same generator. Very good price for the power.

Pretty nice to have if the power goes out to.

 

[lhfarm]

Portable generators are a big hassle if you don't run them all the time. I have one for emergency back up. Every year I buy fresh gas and add Stabil to it. I run the generator two or three times a year as recommended by the manufacturer. Then drain the fuel from the generator and start over again every year.

This is good advice. I lived with just a generator in my barn for 5 years and even though I told myself I'd exercise the generator monthly, I didn't. It seemed every time I needed power, I was fighting to get the generator running. This was a manual start older generator, but the problems were with the operator.

I would also get, as has been recommended, some solar powered lights. I needed lights more often than power.

 

[charlz]

With all those trees I would think solar is out. I'd go for a couple of cheap battery operated camping lanterns. A few well placed hooks and you could light the whole place.

 

[magicheater]

I am having a buddy of mine build this 16x20 shed. Concrete slab with a 8' lean to on the side. I am not putting electric in and I am thinking about getting a generator or battery to power a light or two in a pinch. Because I am not going to keep my tractor in here I think that will be the exception not the rule. It is also a long distance from my house. I am also thinking about some sort of heater - maybe one that attaches to a propane tank if it wont poison me.
Any ideas for power without electricity? heat for a few hours each winter?
I have 2 of 3 heated garage stalls for my tractor, toys and tools so I really don't think I will need anything more permanent in this barn but we will see.

new floor jack, tool cart, mechanic stool and shelves are on the way.

I am pretty exited about keeping the backhoe in here when its not on and having all my implements in here and my buckets and forks under the lean to. My garage has been packed!

A few questions:
Why build so far away from the house/garage?
If it is only for storage why heat and electric?
Why stick frame construction/slab if only for storage?

You already have a heated shop, lucky you!