8 Things Everyone Should Know About Solar Energy for Tiny Homes
Is solar energy for tiny homes really worth it?
Tiny homes are gaining wide popularity in the US among people of all age groups. Retirees, younger families, and even college students are considering tiny living to reduce possessions and cut on costs. The key benefit of these kinds of homes is reduced costs. Since the living space is small, owners spend less money to keep the home functional and comfortable.
For instance, energy costs are lower since there are fewer appliances to run and fewer rooms to light up and keep warm or cold. The utility bills can go way lower if the owner invests in solar energy.
But is solar energy a worthwhile idea for tiny homeowners? Consider the following points.
Solar Energy Cuts Energy Bills
As stated above, energy bills for tiny homes are lower compared to ordinary houses, and you can even lower them further if you invest in some solar panels and batteries. Purchase and installation will cost you a chunk of change, upfront; though, these costs are coming down.
After the initial investment, you will enjoy power without paying huge bills at the end of the month. Therefore, if you are looking for low cost living in the long run, consider shifting to solar for most of your energy needs.
Investing in Solar Panels Will Conserve the Environment
By investing in solar energy, you will be playing an important role in conserving the environment. By using a renewable energy source, you reduce greenhouse gases that are responsible for many negative effects contributing to climate change. For some tiny homeowners, a key motivation for downsizing is reducing their overall carbon footprint—a way to live their values.
Solar Makes Movement Easier
A significant benefit of tiny houses is that they give you the freedom to move from one place to another with ease, for big life changes or nomadic living. Having solar energy makes movement easier since it eliminates the struggle of having to find a source of power. Moreover, it makes it easy to park in off-grid locations that don’t have electricity.
We experienced this last year for the first-time when boondocking at a BLM campsite near Arches National Park—shown above.
However, if you are considering constant movement, ensure you install a solar system that can be moved easily.
The Kobra family tiny house on wheels provides an excellent example:
Initial Investment Depends on Individual Needs
There is no one size fits all solar solution for tiny houses. Each house will get its own unique solution based on size and daily energy usage. Therefore, you will only pay for what you need. Where energy usage is low, you will only need a few panels. Solar companies can help you in calculating your energy needs and determining how many panels you need. You can also do this with the help of energy calculators on the internet.
The key benefit of working with a solar company, such as Semper Solaris, is that they can help you in selecting the best solar panels, mounts, and solar inverters for use in your home. When selecting a solar company, ensure you get references or check their expertise, operating license and registration, and customer ratings. You will get misleading information if you seek help from the wrong person.
Solar Panels Don’t Have to Go on the Roof
In ordinary homes, the panels usually go on the roof. However, for tiny houses, the panels can be mounted just above the ground near the house. This is a great option, especially for tiny houses where the roof does not receive a good amount of sunlight.
The option can also be helpful where the roof is not strong enough to hold the panels. This is another reason why it is a good idea to seek professional help when installing solar panels, especially when you are not sure about the structural strength of your house.
If you are not careful, you may end up damaging your tiny house, or worse - causing injuries to yourself or your family. Therefore, if you are not sure whether you should have panels on the roof or ground mount, seek expert help.
Installation Services are Affordable
The increase in solar popularity has led to an increase in the number of contractors who offer installations. The number of solar panel and other solar product manufacturers has also increased significantly. With the rise, prices for both products and services have dropped, making solar energy installation cost-effective for all, including tiny homeowners.
In addition to that, the high number of products and service providers operating today makes it easy for homeowners to compare and choose one that is most affordable to them. You can compare different products on the market and quotes from several providers to find deals that match your budget. When it comes to cutting costs, don’t forget to check if there are any money-saving incentives for solar installation in your state you can benefit from.
You Can Get Financing
If your budget doesn’t allow for a new project, you can still realize your dream of powering your home by solar by applying for a home improvement or personal loan. Another option is to check if there are any companies with financing plans that offer payment installment plans.
Before you apply for a loan or any plan, do your math right. Check how much you will have to part with every month. Don’t sign up for a loan if you don’t have the means to pay it back on time. After all, financial freedom is a key motivator for going tiny.
Solar Can Improve the Sale Value of Tiny Homes
Maybe one day, you will need to sell your tiny home to build a bigger or tinier one, or just move to an ordinary house. Solar and other features can improve the sales value of your home. Additionally, solar is a feature that a large number of aspiring homeowners are looking for. In short, it is a feature that can make your home more attractive.
Installing solar energy in your small house is a great way to save money, conserve the environment, and boost the value of your home. And the good thing is that you can do this without breaking the bank or hurting your back. There are tons of affordable solutions designed specifically for tiny homeowners, like Tiny Watts Solar plug-and-play kits.
Numerous experts can help with the installation to ensure you are getting maximum energy, and that your system is safely installed and the right measures are in place to prevent damage in the future, especially with changes in weather.
