Solar System Installation for a Tiny House: 4 Things to Know

Things to Know About Your Tiny Home Solar Energy System

If you want to make the most of the sun's energy, then it's essential to consider the number of solar panels your tiny home needs. This is based on the amount of electricity that your household uses. To fully reap the benefits of solar energy, right-sizing your system is crucial, from panels to batteries & all the other necessary components.

Here's a closer look at the tips you should use when designing a solar energy system for your tiny home.

1) The Amount of Electricity You Need

Tiny home living does result in reduced electricity needs just due to fewer rooms to light. However, the amount of electricity a home uses varies from one family to the next based on the number of appliances, etc. So it follows that the best way to determine the number of solar panels you'll need is to calculate the amount of electricity your home uses.

First, create a list of the devices and appliances you need to power. Then, determine much electricity they use. Look for the wattage of each item. Of note, a watt-hour (Wh) is a unit of energy equal to 1 watt (W) of power sustained for 1 hour. When talking about appliances, watt hours convey how much electricity they use per hour.

You will find plenty of great resources online that will help you compute the electricity you're using and the number of solar panels you'll need to power your electrical needs. For example, use a simple online calculator like this one. Alterntativley, you can other is a handy electricity usage monitor. This is great for determining how much power they use, and if they have a power surge, when they come on.

2) On-Grid vs. Off-Grid

Importantly, you need to decide if you want to be entirely off-grid or if you want to supplement your power needs. This directly affects how many panels and batteries you need. Additionally, if your tiny home is permanently located, you can choose to be connected to the local electrical grid.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that all solar energy systems are off-grid ready. Many are grid-tied, meaning you're sharing the energy your home is collecting.

Worried about getting enough sunlight to your solar panels? It could make sense to stay connected to the electrical grid. On the other hand, you might want movable ground panels. If you want a more self-reliant, independent style of living, opting for the off-grid system makes sense. Keep in mind, this option comes with more upfront costs because more panels, more batteries, and a more robust inverter will be needed.

Staying connected to the grid could cost you money, but that is only the case if you're not collecting enough energy from the sun. It's entirely possible that you'll make money from the electrical company by producing a surplus of energy each month. Some of the best solar system installation companies for grid connection, like blueravensolar.com, can help you with designing your system, the permitting process, financing, and installation.

With entirely off-grid systems, many consultants and technicians can help you choose the right products, design your system, and install it. All-in-one solar power kits are now available too, but are pricey. For the most cost savings, go the DIY route—YouTube university has got your back!

our tiny home uses a combination of on-grid power, solar power, and portable generators

3) Rooftop Solar Panels vs. Ground Solar Panels

Putting solar panels on the roof makes sense if you have a larger home. It's an open space that collects a ton of sunlight. That said, your tiny home roof is relatively small. While this is a limitation, this may be your only option for THOWs that may relocate yearly or more often.

Fortunately, the capacity of individual panels is steadily improving. This means fewer are required to meet your overall power needs. So your tiny roof size could be just fine. The racking equipment you'll need is also worth considering, significantly if the added weight could jeopardize your home's structure (and your safety).

For more permantely placed tiny homes, it's a good idea to look into the amount of sunlight your home's roof collects each day to determine if a rooftop solar panel makes sense for your energy needs. So, note how the sun moves across your house throughout the day.

Ultimately, you need to ensure that your roof is large enough to handle the solar panels you'll need to power your home's electrical needs. If your tiny house has a unique roof shape, then it would make more sense to find a suitable spot in your yard where you can install ground solar panels.

Suppose this is the case, scout, out an area on your property that gets plenty of sunlight. The sunniest spot is best for a ground set-up. For those who move their tiny house, it's worth looking into solar panel systems on wheels. You can move them around no matter where your home is parked! Folding panels are another option, but these often have less capacity than residential ones.