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Tiny House Solar Power – Beginners Updated Guide 2024

Searching for reliable Tiny House Solar Power options in 2024?

then avoid the underpowered and overhyped, read the full guide for more information.

Like many people that are currently thoughtful of the tiny house movement, you might be feeling overcome by the type of things you have to do.

You want to live in an affordable, sustainable and eco-friendly way which is the reason why you are considering a tiny house.

You should have the motivation of joining the tiny house movement which would definitely mean more innovation.

If you are a traveler looking for a tiny house on wheels for camping, you might be wondering how to power your mobile tiny house.

The logistics of living in a tiny house can be tricky especially when it comes to powering your tiny home.

In this post, we are going to help minimalists looking for off-grid solar systems for their tiny houses’ energy needs make virtuous decisions.

Off-grid solar systems are gaining popularity over time because they are economical and environmentally friendly.

This is mainly because they use solar energy during operation.

In the end, you will have to cut your utility costs significantly.

The off-grid solar systems don’t require any electrical power grid connection.

They only feature high capacity battery bank to hoard energy.

This is the reason why many minimalists are in search of the best systems for sufficient energy supply in their homes.

We must admit that purchasing an off-grid solar system can be a daunting process especially if you don’t have enough information.

So, it’s an ultimate task for you to check around for guides and reviews before making the decisions especially if you are a beginner.

Besides the fact that there are many modules and guides online, very few of them are actionable.

Check this tiny house off-grid solar system buyer guide and a list of top-rated off-grid solar systems.

Contents

Benefits of off-grid solar systems

The benefits of these solar systems are similar to the benefits you get when you install the solar panels on a larger apartment.

The top benefit is that you will save money on energy bills.

Secondly, you can protect the environment from the harmful effects of petroleum products.

Tiny homeowners control their electricity generation.

In these situations, solar panel systems will help increase the value of your tiny house or RV in case you consider reselling it in the future.

Most prospective buyers value-free and renewable energy which means they can pay more for these systems.

Many tiny houses are mobile meaning that you can move from one parking to the other.

For people considering tiny houses on wheels, then solar energy is the best option because you will not have to waste time and money looking for electricity wherever you go.

You automatically have a guaranteed source of energy.

What to consider when buying tiny house solar systems

In the efforts to minimize their energy usage and bills, homeowners are considering off-grid solar systems.

Even though these solar systems seem easy to purchase, install and start using, there are countless tiny house solar considerations you should familiarize yourself with.

How much electricity do you need?

Tiny houses generally use less electricity.

But the energy requirements can vary from one person to the other depending on the appliances in use and other factors.

To maximize your savings without bargaining your utility, you automatically need to get the exact Kilowatts that you need for the appliances, lighting, and security systems.

If you are not able to determine the amount of electricity needed in your tiny house, you can check the calculator on the Department of Energy Appliance and Home electronic use Control.

You will just be expected to enter the appliances you have in your home and they can give an estimated amount of electricity you need.

Rooftop vs. Ground-mounted Solar systems

Before purchasing off-grid solar systems, you need to decide whether you need a rooftop or a ground-mounted system.

You will have to determine whether your roof gets enough sunlight and the roof is advantageously sound to hold the panels and the racking equipment.

This will be directly impacted by the way your roof was built.

In some situations, the roof might not be strong enough for the solar panels.

It might not be well placed to maximize the sunlight.

The alternative, in this case, is installing a ground-Mount system.

But remember the ground-mounted systems will require additional racking and mounting equipment.

The main advantage is the fact that you have the freedom of choosing the spot with maximum sunlight.

Grid vs. Battery Bank

You also need to ask yourself the question of whether your tiny house is connected to the grid or not.

Some tiny house owners would want solar systems as an alternative source of electricity.

If you are considering the two, you have to compare the benefits of grid vs.

Battery Bank.

For the house connected to the electricity line, the solar system will work in a similar way.

However, this is not possible for minimalists with tiny houses on wheels.

The grid will always make it impossible for you to travel from one place to the other.

Depending on what you need and your lifestyle, you can make the decisions.

Different Options for your house

Depending on the amount of electricity your tiny house needs, you can pick different solar energy options.

Today, there are many brands and companies producing different parts of a complete solar system.

The most common today are the Reongy, Canadian Solar, and Grape Solar.

Many of them offer batteries as solar kit while others will advise you to purchase the batteries separately.

Take your time to weigh different options before making the decision.

AC or DC

I bet you have already read about DC (Direct Current) being the most efficient type of power.

Everything in the traditional houses is wired in AC (Alternating Current).

This means that when you are putting your Solar, you should think about the best option for your needs and preferences.

Solar Panels produce DC power and you are left to decide how to go about it.

This will definitely determine the type of inverter you need in your kit.

Battery storage and solar panels

Depending on the amount of electricity you need in your tiny house, you can define the amount of storage and the number of solar panels for the house.

The Solar panel power the solar generator, consequently, having ample solar PV input allows you to generate more energy per day.

Inverters will now convert the low volt DC to standard 120V AC power making it easy for you to use it.

DIY installation or Professional Installation

Perfect installation ensures safety and effectiveness.

If you are a beginner in this industry, you might not have the skills and savoir-faire for the DIY kits.

This inevitably means you will have to research for professional installation in your area.

If you have the knowledge and want to save the installation costs, then choose solar companies with comprehensive and easy-to-follow user manuals.

Budget

As stated earlier, the market is flocking with innumerable solar panels, batteries, inverters, and fuse manufacturers all with different prices.

The most expensive solar system doesn’t pledge its efficiency.

That said, you have to research solar panels with the right features for your energy needs and within your budget.

5 common mistakes people make when purchasing Off-grid solar systems

There are numerous costly blunders you can make when switching to solar energy especially if you live in tiny houses.

To make sure you are set, here is the list of the five most common mistakes that can be very costly to you.

Underestimating energy consumption

Most minimalists are not forthcoming with their energy requirements.

Most of them are too focused in energy savings and will end up giving the minimal number possible when it comes to energy consumption.

Before you purchase your solar system, understand that adding more panels in the future can be very expensive.

When you purchase the solar system for your RV and your Tiny house, the company expects that the electricity costs will go down by a certain number.

Giving the wrong information about energy consumption will definitely spoil the game.

Only focusing on ROI

As a homeowner, or someone with a tiny kiosk, you definitely want to consider the ROI and there’s nothing wrong with that when it comes to the solar system.

A home is actually a future investment and the value of your tiny house will significantly rise after installing the solar.

But one mistake we all make is only considering the ROI and ignoring everything else that can make a difference.

Take time to conduct research and sit down with the installer because there are different aspects of the solar systems.

Ignoring the various solar loan programs

You unquestionably don’t have to pay for the full amount because there are a couple of solar loan programs in the US.

However, we all make the mistake of ignoring the various solar loan programs.

Before purchasing the solar, understand the best matches for your needs and situations.

Statistics from US Solar Market Insight Association, a single family residential home solar system can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $29,000.

Most companies will not explain into details the different programs that can help you purchase the solar systems.

They also don’t explain the process of transferring the solar agreement.

Take your time to research and always ask questions.

Permitting and inspections

There are different permitting and inspections parities that you should acquaint yourself with depending on where you come from.

It is also important to know the parts of your home that may be unpermitted.

The permitting rules will vary from one place to the other, take your time.

Misunderstanding the roof installations

One of the most popular misconceptions is that installing the solar panels in the roof should face certain directions typically north to catch the sun.

This couldn’t be wrong but you should know that the most important thing in solar energy is the sun light and not heat from the sun.

DIYers should always ask enough questions from the supplying company.

The list of mistakes to avoid when installing off-grid solar systems is unlimited.

Keep on researching to minimize the chances of making these mistakes.

Types of Solar for tiny house

There are three main types of solar panels for tiny houses.

The one you will pick will mainly depend on the type of your tiny house and your energy requirements.

Here are the three types that you can pick for your tiny house.

Grid-tied Systems

These are the basic solar systems that are standard grid-tied inverter.

They lack the battery storage which is perfect for customers complimenting their electricity source.

They are very simple to design and they are also very cost effective.

The only challenge is that when the system goes off, so the supply.

Grid-Hybrid system

This is a simple solar panel type.

It’s actually a grid-tied system with backup battery.

It is ideal for customers that are already on the grid and just wants extra energy storage.

It’s perfect for tiny houses on foundation and people living in areas where they are prone to outages.

The main advantage is that you will get the best of both worlds.

Off-Grid System

If you have an RV or a tiny house on wheels, the off-grid solar systems are the best alternatives for you.

It’s the best for people that want to cut the cost of bringing power to their place or those that wants reliable source of energy.

This post is mainly focused on off-grid systems.

What parts do you need for complete tiny house solar set up?

Solar Panels

Solar panels convert sunlight into energy that is eventually transformed into electricity.

In most instances, the average solar panel will produce about 300 watts per hour

Charge controller

The solar controller sits between the batteries and the panel.

The panels channel the energy through the charger controller whose main aim is to ensure steady flow of energy to the batteries.

The other importance is to prevent the risk of overcharge.

Battery Bank

The battery bank is where the solar panel-generated electricity is stored.

The more batteries you have in this instance the more electricity you can store.

Inverter

You need inverters to start using Off-grid solar systems.

In most instances, the electricity generated by this will need to be converted from DC to AC.

This is the work of the inverter.

However, most people claims that the Inverters can be noisy because of the cooling fan which is the reason why they shouldn’t be placed next to the sleeping area.

Battery Monitor

In most digital systems, this is an electric window where you can see everything from the level of charging to the condition of the batteries.

Tiny House solar Power system: Hire a Professional or DIY?

You might now be ready to get the solar system.

But there’s one thing left which is to make the decision on whether you need professional installation services or whether you already have your own DIY skills that can save you the service fees.

If this is your first time installing solar and you lack the necessary information and skills, you shouldn’t risk.

You are definitely not confident enough to follow the instructions in the manual and install the kit.

You also don’t have to risk damaging equipment worth thousands of bucks.

But I personally understand that most people get into tiny living because they want to live independently and be self-sufficient.

For that reason, you might have thought about taking the challenge of installing the solar kit on your own.

If this is you, then purchase tiny house solar system from consumer-friendly off-grid solar manufacturers.

Most of them provide sufficient customer service and at the same time include a comprehensive manual with step-by-step guide on how to install the kit.

If you hit the wall, it’s always advisable to call a professional to help you complete the work.

The advice is to always involve a professional because setting up the tiny house solar panel can be very intimidating.

But as long as you believe in yourself and confident you can handle the whole work, try DIY Tiny house Solar systems.

How many solar panels does it take to power a tiny house?

If you have an average solar size of 300 watts generating about 4,500 watts of power from the sun, you typically need about 15 solar panels to power an average house.

However, there are countless other things you should consider when determining the number of panels you need in your tiny house.

In most instances, the types and the number of appliances you have in your tiny house will significantly alter the energy requirements in your house.

Consequently, you might end up requiring more solar panels or less of them to meet the specific energy requirements.

How much does it cost to solar power a tiny house?

The amount of money you need to power a tiny house will depend on a number of factors.

The first and the most significant factor is the energy requirement in your home.

The energy requirement is directly proportional to the number of panels and the bank you need which will significantly affect the amount of money you will spend on the system.

There’s clearly no definite answer to the amount of money you are going to spend to power your tiny house.

But there are some key factors that can help you along the way.

Your decisions on the amount of money you need to power will depend on the type of solar systems you’ll buy.

The market currently has countless types and brands of solar systems all at different prices.

In an average tiny house, you might end up paying more than $6,500 on average for the full off-grid solar Kit.

This amount will significantly depend on the brand and the type of system you are investing in.

You will also be required to pay $2,000-$5,000 for the installation, permits and the inspections.

The upfront payment might also be overwhelming especially if you are in the US.

But with the electricity costs still on the rise in the country, solar panels have higher long term benefits.

How do you put solar panels on a tiny house?

Calculate your energy needs

The first thing to do in this case is to calculate the energy requirement in your area.

There are several ways you can calculate this especially if you don’t have insights about normal estimates.

You can use a solar Calculator to determine your electric usage.

The other alternative is to calculate your energy needs using the appliance chart.

With these details, you might consider some energy efficient appliances for your tiny house to reduce the electricity costs.

Calculate the expected sun hours

Before heading to the market for an off-grid solar system, you should calculate the sun hours in your area.

This is the case if you don’t intend to move around with your Tiny House RV.

You should note that you are more likely to experience less sun in some seasons.

Use the Sun chart to determine the amount of sun and the sun hours per season in your area.

Determine the best placement for the solar panels

As explained above, there are two major types of solar placement options which are the roof and ground placement.

Before purchasing the solar, you should determine the best option for maximum sun exposure depending on where you are.

You should use a tool called the ‘’solar path finder”.

This is an actionable tool that can help you determine the best location and eventually snap a photo.

The photo will be uploaded to the program and you will instantly get many calculations and guide.

Purchasing your solar System

With the details about the expected energy needs and the expected sun hours per season in your area, you now have to invest in a preferable solar system.

This guide has explained the factors to consider when purchasing your solar system above.

But we forgot to clarify the fact that the weight and the size of the solar are also impactful.

Remember that the batteries, the panels and the inverters are bulky and heavy.

When shopping for your solar system, remember research is very imperative expressly because there are countless options and brands all with different prices.

It’s also important to note that large companies are not always the best.

Ask yourself these questions while on the market.

  • What are the equipment options?
  • What are the reviews of the specific solar company?
  • Should I go for professional installation or DIY options?
  • What is the size of the solar panel?

Build the battery and inverter cabinet

You are now expected to build a cabinet to house this equipment.

Just like any other minimalist, you need a stand-alone space for the batteries mainly because they’re heavy.

Note that the bottom and the top of the cabinet should be divided so that the gases from the batteries don’t spoil other equipment.

Wire the batteries

The batteries will be wired according to the instructions given by the company.

If you have 6Volts batteries and you want to wire for 24 volts, you should wire in series parallel.

Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose a 24 or a 48 volt system.

But besides the fact that the 48V option is more efficient, the 24 volts can future proof your setup.

Install the panels in your roof

The installation process can be daunting and this is why I recommend getting professional aid to install the panels in your roof.

The number of panels installed will depend on your energy requirements.

Connect the panels directly to the inverter

It’s now time to connect the panels directly to the inverter depending on whether you need DC or AC options.

You can as well connect the inverter to the battery and then to the power grid.

Inverter and the Batteries

You will install the wiring from the battery to the circuit breaker and the electrical shunt.

But before this, you should connect the inverter to the battery.

The circuit breaker lets the current break to avoid accidents and damages.

Connect to the AC Fuse in your house

It’s now time to connect the inverter to the AC fuse in your tiny house.

The inverter has a couple of transformers and switches that convert DC and AC options.

You should connect it to the AC fuse in the house as instructed in the manual.

Connect the AC generator to the power inverter

This will ensure that you are provided with additional electricity in case you run out of the battery power.

Remember that the solar energy is very unpredictable.

Off-grid solar system for tiny houses-Tips and tricks

Statistics shows that more than 30% of electricity used on an average house is wasted.

I bet one of the many reasons of considering the minimalist movement is to cut the costs of energy and reduce wastages.

For that reason, utilize these Tiny House off-grid solar tips and tricks to prevent wastages and electric expenses.

Passive solar design techniques

It doesn’t matter whether you are considering getting a custom tiny house built for you or building your own house, it’s very important to consider passive solar design that relies on natural thermodynamics.

This automatically means that your house will be heated in the winter season and remains cool naturally during the hot summer months.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Heating and cooling using the electricity is very common with the minimalists.

This is mainly because most minimalists want to live on the road and they don’t have an option for a woodstove.

For that reason, you should have a programmable thermostat that can adjust the temperatures as needed.

This way, you can save up to 15% on your energy needs.

Swap out your bulbs

It’s very clear that more than 20% of the energy produced by the solar system goes to lighting.

For that reason, you should swap all your bulbs to LEDs that can save up to 75% of energy.

The bulbs also last longer which saves you a lot of money overall.

Get energy Star appliances for your kitchen

The household refrigerator/Freezer combo consumes about the combined output of 25 large power plans every year in the US alone.

If everybody turned to the energy-smart models, they can save on electricity significantly.

Get energy-star washing machine, microwaves, dryers and Freezers.

Get a Laptop and not a Computer

The US Department of Energy claims that Americans loses about $100 every year because they accidentally left their computer on all day.

To avoid draining your solar bank, its advisable to get a laptop.

Ask friends for solar recommendations

It’s advisable to always go with the recommendations especially when it comes to the manufacturers, brands, efficiency and durability of this equipment.

The best tiny house solar buying tip is to always ask for experiences and reviews from friends, colleagues and neighbours.

The Manufacturer’s warranty

We usually forget to check the length of the manufacturer’s warranty.

If the manufacturer is reputable, they are very likely to give longer warranties on different equipment and you can expect the equipment to last longer.

Check the solar panel certifications

This will be significant for panels that are attracted to the government rebate.

In this case, the testing will indicate the type they have underwent such as the TUV IEC 61215.

This certification confirms that the solar panel has undergone testing in 3rd party labs.

Is Tesla Solar Good for tiny homes and off-grid?

Tesla Solar Panels will only cost $2.01 per watt before the application of the federal solar tax Credit.

This is cheaper than the national average cost of solar in the US.

This means that Tesla has made buying of solar for off-grid installation and powering tiny houses very easy and affordable.

The Tesla solar systems are very cheap because of their easy ordering process.

They also offer four standard system sizes.

Furthermore, the company has a great reputation in the industry meaning that more people trust their products.

So, yes, Tesla Solar is good for tiny homes and off-grid.

The best solar Kits for Tiny Houses

After reading all the way, you might be asking yourself which the best solar kit for tiny houses is.

The off-grid kits shared at this point will make and store the energy you need for your tiny houses independent of the grid.

Thunderbolt solar panel Kit

Thunderbolt solar panel kit is made of extremely durable materials and it’s extremely lightweight.

They are made of high-quality amorphous photovoltaic cells which are 25 watts each.

The other benefit is that the kit is weather resistant and comes with some mounting hardware.

It also comes with the battery terminal clamps, the universal DC power adapter and a 12v Light Kit.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • It’s a great choice for people looking for tiny house off-grid solar kits
  • They are weather resistant
  • They are made of durable materials
  • They comes with a 12v light Kit
  • It has an integrated USB charging port for phones
  • It has a technology that prevents the system from discharging

Cons

  • The initial cost is a major concern

Goal Zero Sherpa off-grid

The Goal Zero Sherpa off-grid solar kits are made to be durable and provide enough current as needed by many tiny home owners.

They even make some tiny solar kits such as the Goal Zero Sherpa 100 solar kit that is portable and can charge SLR Camera Batteries, Tablets, Phones and laptops from the sun.

This is one of the best small solar kits for journalists on tiny houses, travellers and hikers with RVs.

Their Kits are designed to provide renewable energy and portable solutions to electricity wherever you go.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • It delivers enough watts of output for tiny house needs
  • The small converters can allow you to charge your security cameras, the SLR camera batteries and much more
  • High capacity
  • Good selection of cables
  • Cable storage on both sides

Cons

  • Relatively high cost

Tesla Solar

Tesla is one of the best solar companies in the world making relatively affordable solar systems.

The company is known for their reputation and significant contribution in renewable energy industry.

Their solar systems costs less than $2.05 per watt before the federal solar tax credit.

This is one of the biggest benefits of purchasing their solar systems.

Solar installation might be cheap compared to paying for grid alternatives.

The good thing is that Tesla offers Tesla Solar Financing programs that can help tiny home owners to get the off-grid solar systems installed.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • The solar are very affordable
  • You can get tesla solar loan
  • Great output for your solar energy needs
  • Habwha Q cells’s peak Duo Black solar panels
  • High performance
  • Produces up to 340 watts

Cons

  • Tesla doesn’t offer great customer services

Inergytek off grid solar

Many people have already confirmed that this company is the best and the most capable solar generator in the market.

At a glance, the company offers highly efficient off-grid solar systems that are quiet simple to install and use lithium-ion power pack.

Their products are relatively cheaper and the company confirms that there are more into the systems than just the kits and the efficiency.

They also offer solar panel financing that can help you significantly.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Uses lithium-ion pack
  • It’s pretty simple to install
  • The customer service is great
  • They offer comprehensive guide

Cons

  • The batteries can discharge easily.

Sunpower

Sunpower is a frequently requested solar Kit when it comes to off-grid solar systems for tiny houses all for the good reasons.

Their solar panels are the most powerful.

The company also offers industry-leading warranty which you might not see with many other manufacturers.

They manufacturer solar cells and the panels and also offers professional solar installation services.

While the most solar panels falls somewhere between 14% and 18% solar efficiency, Sunpower powers have a rating of 22%.

The prices of Sunpower solar kits shouldn’t be as high as you think.

The solar were priced at $3.08 per watt which is relatively higher than the cost of Teslar Solar Kits.

But, given the efficiency, and other advantages, its worth.

Pros and cons

  • The kit is efficient
  • It’s one of the best performers
  • Temperature coefficient is on line
  • It has a great warranty

Cons

  • It’s very expensive

Top Off-Grid tiny house solar system recommendations

Magnum 4500W off-grid Kit

This solar kit combines three of the world’s best brands including the MidNite Solar classic Charge controller, Canadian Solar Panels and Magnum Energy Inverter.

Every component in this kit is selected strategically to be the best for off-grid solar needs.

The manufacturer has considered making this power kit best for tiny houses on wheels and temporary tiny houses.

The company’s inverters and solar kits are very easy to set up and use.

They also have a good surge of compatibility and works perfectly fine for all energy requirements of a tiny house.

One of the bestselling points is that they have a nice magnum panel system.

The system comes with a back plate and a breaker panel which makes the power complete.

The Magnum 4500W Off-grid Kit is perfect for off grid application such as on cabins, tiny houses on wheels, home backup power system, business power backup etc.

It utilizes a compact design and it’s also very easy to install.

It is delivered as a complete kit featuring 1-Midnite solar MNEMS4448PAECL 150 pre-wired power canter and a 18-250 Watt Canadian Solar Panels.

You also have one midnite solar, combiner Box and a multi-contact MC4 Unlocking tool and battery cables.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • It’s easy to setup and use
  • Utilizes three sets of technology
  • Comes as a full package
  • Renewable energy solutions
  • Power centre warranty of 5 years and solar panel warranty of 25 years.
  • The kit is very powerful
  • Simple application that satisfies the power requirements of tiny houses
  • It utilizes a simple and an extremely compact design
  • Full pre-wired and factory tested magnum power.

Cons

  • Relatively expensive

Complete Solar (AGM Kit)

If you have been out there looking for an off-grid solar Kit for your tiny house on wheels or a temporary tiny house power solution, you have the best choice right now.

The solar kit will only cost an arm and leg to set up and start using.

I know you are already tired of getting outrageous quotes from your local companies.

This solar Kit comes with everything you need to get clean, quieter and off-grid power solutions.

However, I recommend having a certified solar installer or a master electrician to help you along the way.

Besides the fact that the Kit is straightforward and easy to install, you need someone that will guide you step by step to complete the work.

The AGM batteries give you 600ah of usable battery capacity.

This is about 7.2kWh of usable battery which is perfect for all types of activities.

Assuming that there is enough sun hours in most states in your area, you can get about 7.2kw of power every day.

But we only need about 16 hours of battery storage in order to get through the nights and recharge the batteries when the sun comes back up.

This kit will come with a 6,000 watt pure sine inverter charger and watt Monocrystalline solar panels.

Other parts includes on the Kit are the 60amp MPPT solar charge controller and a PV make and female extension cables.

You also get a battery temperature sensor and a 200 ah AGM deep cycle batteries.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Backed by lifetime support
  • Financial support offered
  • You can use the grid power to charge the batteries
  • Easy to connect and use
  • It works with medium size devices up to 6000 watts
  • It’s ideal for medium-size Tiny house appliances, tools and compressors
  • It’s perfect for small homes and cabins

Cons

  • It costs $6,979.00: Relatively expensive

Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit 3,200 Watt Solar 12,000W 48VDC Inverter

This is one of the best options for tiny houses, RVs and small cabins and any other house that needs moderate power.

It can easily power phones, security cameras, small Kitchen appliances such as DC refrigerator, basic LED lighting and Laptops.

The bestselling point is the fact that they are easy to install and great for the people that have tiny houses on wheels.

The Kit comes with Monocrystalline panels that are highly efficient.

The technology produces excellent power for your needs.

The Kit is adaptable to increase power needs.

This means that it’s designed to be able to add additional solar and power systems.

Another major improvement is the fact that it has Bluetooth connectivity that allows battery power bank remotely and monitoring the panels.

Currently, you can save up to 10% off at Checkout with the coupon codes.

If you have been out there looking for an efficient, affordable and lightweight off-grid solar for your tiny house on wheels, RVs or Cabins, then this is one of the best kits.

At 3,200 Watts, it’s a great option for energy efficiency.

The kit comes with everything you need to be able to mount and wire the system to a battery bank.

You have the highly efficient solar panels, the latest charge controller and all the mounting brackets and wires for basic installation.

I love how versatile and scalable the system is.

The solar panels use almost half the capacity of the charge controller.

This means that if you feel like you need more power, you will need to purchase additional individual panels to increase the output.

Pros and cons

  • The kit is highly rated with an average of 4.8 average customers rating
  • It’s versatile and durable
  • 3,200 watts
  • Easy to install
  • The kit comes with everything you need for basic installation
  • Adaptable for extra power needs
  • It comes with Monocrystalline panels for efficiency
  • Great for people that are new to solar kits
  • Can power basic appliances in a tiny house
  • Excellent option for tiny houses

Cons

  • The price is relatively high ($13,989.00 USD)

Complete Off-Grid Solar system (Ultimate Off-Grid Kit)

This ultimate Off-Grid Kit comes with 400 watts Solar and 4,000 watts pure sine 12V Split Phase 120/240V Inverter and Free Shipping.

There’s no sales Tax and you will automatically get Life Customer Support.

This kit is one of the best for tiny houses because it will power almost everything you have in your tiny house.

The Kit is powerful enough because of the 4,000 watt split phase inverter.

It can run the entire workshop TVs, well-pumps, fridge, lights and cameras.

If you are new to off-grid solar kits, the manufacturer has included almost everything you need in all cases.

You can simply add more 400 watts of solar panel and this powerful inverter will power anything you put through at it.

However, I usually advice people to choose tiny house appliances that are energy saving and small enough for efficiency.

The batteries give this kit about 200ah of usable battery capacity.

This is equivalent to 2.3kWh of usable battery bank on top of the 400 watts of solar that can generate an additional 1Kw of power every hour.

Assuming that you have good sun in your area, the solar can produce 72kw every month and for that reason, it can power an electric blanket of 75 watts for 32 hours, smartphones of 5-7 watts for 400+ hours, refrigerator of 100 watts for 24+ hours, Laptops of 50watts for about 48 hours and a microwave of 1,000 watts for 2 hours.

The kit comes with everything you need including a 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panels, a Charge controller , Pure sine inverter, 10 gauge solar extension cable, sets of mounting Z-Brackets for the two panels, batteries, wiring diagrams and setup guide etc.

This shows that you can easily wire and setup the kit without any assistance.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • It has a four stage battery charging process
  • Comes with two panels
  • It’s of high quality
  • It has a Bluetooth module
  • Sleek and durable panels
  • Installation guide and instructions are available
  • Has all the necessary connectors
  • Weather resistant

Cons

  • The inverter is not very durable
  • The price is high ($3,198.00)

Eoplly 4140 Watt Solar Kit Outback Inverter, Rolls Surrette Battery, Ground Mounted

Do you want to support a renewable energy company established in China?

If yes, then the Eoplly is the company to go for.

Most of their previous customers are extremely pleased with their off-grid solar kit.

The kit has the Monocrystalline panels that are rated at 21%.

This rating is one of the highest in the solar market.

The main advantage is that the solar panels are thinner and longer.

Another important thing to note is that the charge controller is prepared with the 4-stage battery charging process.

This process increases the charging efficiency and gives the battery a longer life.

It also comes with an IP65-rated JB and waterproof fuses.

This is mainly because the solar is mounted on the ground either on a pole or any other convenient place.

The fact that the solar is weather-proof and has water-proof fuses and parts means that it’s suitable for marine application.

If you are one of the people that usually like to establish tiny houses on adverse areas such as lake side or the forest, then this is the best solar panel kit for your tiny house.

It is rated the best hybrid solar system for your tiny house electricity needs.

The Bluetooth module can be paired with the DC Home app which means you can easily monitor the charge system and alter the settings directly on your smartphone.

Besides all the benefits listed above, some people have claimed that their customer support is not the best.

There are no instructions and guide and the customer support always takes time to respond.

The reviewers in many sites have claimed the same.

The price is high but relatively affordable compared to the other kits above.

The kit is divided into two parts which are the solar Kit parts and the ground mounted parts.

For the solar kit parts, you will get Eoplly 230 Watt Poly Solar Panel, the Outback Radian GS8048 battery inverter, Midnight solar, Combiner Box and a 120A for 6PV breakers.

Other parts include, Circuit Breakers, Rolls Durrette, Battery, Three cells and USE-2 Cable and other necessities.

For the Ground Mounted parts, you have Iron Ridge, XRS Rail and Anodized Aluminium, Ironridge, mid Clamp and IronRidge End clamp.

You will also get the WEEB Grounding Lug, WEEB Compression Clip and IronRidge XRS end Cap.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • It comes with the Monocrystalline Panels
  • The panels are rated 21% which is one of the highest ratings in the market
  • The charge controller has 4-stage battery charging process
  • It comes with IP65-rated JB
  • Waterproof fuses
  • Its suitable for marine applications
  • It has a Bluetooth Module to control the settings through the DC Home app.

Cons

  • It’s very expensive ($15,532.49)

Canadian Solar 3750 Watt Solar Kit Outback Inverter, Trojan Battery, Roof Mounted

This company is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of off-grid solar systems that are perfect for tiny house solar power needs.

The company operates in six continents and was founded in 2001.

They currently provide a couple of solar kit options for different needs.

Their solar Modules fall in the generic 60 and 72 cell solar panel efficiency.

This is the latest modules in the Monocrystalline range that has reached up to 20% solar panel efficiency.

The Canadian Solar 3750 watt solar Kit is their best selection for tiny houses, RVs and small cabins.

Its key features includes the solar panels, the inverter, battery options, charge controller and other things such as the connectors, wiring and roof mounting hardware.

This Tiny house power base is a solar kit that combines reliable brands in a very affordable package.

The makers of the panels and the inverters combined sophisticated technology to ensure that the system is efficient and one of the best for tiny houses.

The manufacturer has a good reputation for both the quality and the reliability.

The vendors also have some great reputation and they offer efficient customer service.

With this kit, you can expect high energy production.

There’s a high daily output which is significant during the summer and the winter.

The output is enough to most off-grid energy needs without the need to sacrifice a lot when it comes to tiny house energy requirements.

The kit comes pre-wired and tested.

It combines two inverters and the charge controller, the router and other monitors for tracking the performance.

This is exactly what makes the installation process easier and faster.

The fact that the system can use two inverters means that you can handle two strings of solar panels with different directions.

A good example is when one string is facing the east and the other one on west for efficient energy production.

The kit is divided into two parts which are the roof mounted parts and the solar Kit parts.

In the solar kit parts, you will get the poly solar panel, the battery inverter, charge controller, load inverter, two charge controllers, Midnite solar and the combiner box and breakers and the Trojan Flooded Battery.

The roof mounted parts have anodized Aluminium, the mid clamp, the end clamp, the hardware, the flashing and classic composition mounts, wire clips and everything else.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • The company has a great reputation
  • They offer highly effective solar panels
  • The inverter is a wave system meaning its reliable
  • It has three convenient mounting options
  • They have transparent pricing

Cons

  • Short warranty

Renogy 4200 Watt Solar Kit, Outback Inverter, Trojan Battery, Roof Mounted

If you have been looking for the easiest to install and use off-grid solar kit or a very efficient solar solution to your tiny house, you now have the best alternative.

The company issues an easy to follow and a comprehensive solar kit guide which makes roof mounting and installation easier for you.

The Renogy 4200 watt Solar Kit is an excellent option for off-grid powering for any type of RV or Tiny House.

It comes equipped with a 4200 watt Monocrystalline solar panel and a PWM negative ground charge controller with LCD.

You also have a pair of 30-foot 10 AWG MC4 adaptor Kit and Tray Cables.

Another important benefit is the fact that this kit is expandable.

This means you can customize and upgrade it to meet all your specific solar needs.

But it’s one of the priciest alternatives in this lift.

The solar Kit Parts included are Renogy 280 Watt Poly solar Panel, RNG-280P, the Radian GS8048 battery Inverter, Radian pre-wired GS Load Centre.

The GS load Centre comes with inverter disconnections and dual AC inputs.

You will also get the Flexwave charge control slide bracket, the midnite solar combiner Box and Trojan Flooded Battery.

The roof mounting kit includes everything you need to mount the Solar Kit in your tiny house.

You have the anodized aluminium, mid clamp, end clamp, all hardware and wire clips among many other things you need.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • High points
  • Easy installation
  • Minimal Maintenance
  • Durability
  • Perfect for boats, Cabins, sheds, vehicles and tiny houses
  • A gel battery
  • Monocrystalline Solar cells

Cons

  • Very expensive

1200W, 24V, 5.0kWh Professional Off-grid Solar Kit

The 1200W solar kit is a great starter for tiny houses and RVs.

Its main selling point is the affordable price and comes with everything included to harness the green energy.

The manufacturer of this solar kit delivers everything as promised.

They deliver reliable and efficient solutions for all your off-grid needs.

Another thing is that they have included 4X300W domestic panels that may vary depending on availability on the website.

On an average day, it can give more than 350 watt hours which depends heavily on the sunlight conditions.

Other major components include the Victron Smart Solar MPPT charge controller, 2 DC isolator switches, aluminium L-shaped Mount brackets and MC4 Type Connectors.

You will also get Midi fuse and fuse holder, Rolls S6L16-HC batteries and Battery terminal clamps.

Other less useful things included in the kits includes the 4X2 meter MC4Extension leads, the cable lugs, tri rated cables and 4 black screws and yellow pins.

It’s also important to note that the kit is supplied as standard inverter but you can still use it as 24V only without the inverter.

Today, you can order the kit as 250Va, 375Va, 500Va, 1200Va and 3000Va Vitron Phoenix Inverter.

You can equally consider upgrading the batteries to Rolls S6370 AGM.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Efficient high energy output
  • The solar cells is rated 18.4%
  • Corrosion resistant aluminium frames
  • Smooth performance
  • The inverter is compatible with sealed, gel and flooded batteries of 12V and 24V.
  • Charging is safe and quick
  • The controller is designed for flush wall mount
  • Integrated LED Screen displays to show the charge data.

Cons

  • The price is relatively high

2700W, 48V, 10.0kWh Professional Off-Grid Solar System

Professional Off-Grid solar system has never been left behind when it comes to professional solar systems for your tiny house on wheels solar power needs.

They have been offering advanced solar solutions for RVs, Cabins and Tiny Houses.

This time, they are presenting one of the most powerful solar systems that you can find in the market.

The 2700W, 48V, 10.0kWh Professional Off-Grid Solar System will provide the much needed energy for all your tiny kitchen appliances energy needs, TV, charge your laptop, smartphone, power your security cameras and internet as needed.

The system comes with an effective charge controller and charging batteries and a combiner Box.

The combiner Box provides additional protection.

It’s a DIY off-grid solar system meaning that the installation process is easy and you have a full year warranty and exceptional customer support.

The charging battery can be used as backup power for lighting and supporting all the appliances in your house.

If you care so much about the construction, the solar Kit is made of the best materials that are weather proof.

This is definitely what makes the solar system the best for marine conditions.

The panels can as well withstand snow loads and high winds.

You will as well get a user manual with all the details that will show you how to connect everything and put it in order.

You should first connect the battery pack to the charge controller.

Please note that proper connection will allow safety and efficiency.

If you have a tiny house on wheels, or campers, then this is perfect for you.

You will spend your time camping without any worries.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • High power output
  • Essential components are included
  • Easy set up
  • Ha protection and safety features
  • Easy setup
  • User manual Included
  • One year warranty

Cons

  • Short warranty
  • Complicated installation for a beginner

3660W, 48V, 11.0kWH Professional Off-grid Solar system

This off-grid solar system is perfect for commercial houses, RVs, Tiny Houses, shed farm and many other applications.

The company is a recognizable dealer of solar panels and other accessories needed in this case.

The kit in this regard is the best for people that want enough power.

Its selling point is the fact that it’s made of aluminium frames which are weather resistant.

It allows for outdoor use.

It also comes with anti-deflective, superior low and sturdy glass impacts for stiffness and efficiency.

You will get service from this kit for a long time.

You will get the IP68 rated JB that assures complete protection against low-pressure water jets and other environmental practices.

The solar is enough to light up the space and serve the entire appliances in the house.

This model is a gift for all types of outdoor work.

It’s actually a large scale off-grid kit for your off-grid energy needs.

It can generate about 30.0kWh every day in the UK summer.

It also has a 5000Va Inverter charger.

Other things included includes the 12X300w domestic solar panel, a single Victron Easysolar 48/5000 solar inverter charger, the DC isolator switches, the aluminium L shape mounting brackets, the MC4 Type connectors, Fuse and fuse holder, the battery isolator switch, Cable lugs, single core cable, battery connector cables, 4X2 meter MC4 extension leads and many others.

The battery upgrade options are Rolls S6460 AGM that can give the usable capacity of 14.0kWh.

The other option is the 4X Pylon US2000 2.4kWh 48v Li-Ion Solar Battery and 5XPylon US2000 2.4kWh 48v Li-Ion solar Battery.

If you thought of going for the Lithium batteries, you should note that they accept a significantly higher charge rate.

This will automatically reduce generator run time.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Wide application
  • Easy installation
  • Can withstand adverse conditions
  • Durable iron tempered glass exterior
  • High efficiency solar panels
  • Useful components included in the package
  • DIY guides

Cons

  • It’s not available on amazon stores
  • Cannot use Lithium Battery upgrades

FAQs

How much solar power is needed for a tiny house?

15 solar panels can typically power a tiny house but the power requirements of a tiny house will depend on the size of the house and the appliances you need in this case.

If you have an average solar panel of 300 watts, then you can get around 4,500 Watts of power from the sun.

Can solar panels power a tiny house?

Tiny houses can benefit from solar panels ominously.

Even the houses with the lowest electricity requirements can benefit from the systems.

Pick any of the above tiny house panels and solar systems that can perfectly work for you.

How many kilowatts does a tiny house use?

If you have a typical tiny house, you might only need 6 light bulbs.

Using the average of 914 kWh a year or about 7% of an average home’s kWh.

The amount of kilowatts you need for the tiny house will depend on the appliances you have in your house.

How many solar panels does it take to run a small cabin?

If you get about 4 hours of direct sunlight in your area, then you can get about 250 watt panels.

One single panel will generate about 4X250 which is equal to 1,000 watt hours.

Take your time to determine the watts you need before making the decision.

How do tiny houses get electricity?

Tiny houses can get electricity from different places.

The best option is the solar panels.

But people can also utilize the power of wind to get the electricity.

If you have a tiny house with a permanent foundation, then you can get the electricity from regular lines.

Conclusion

Many tiny home owners have started to install off-grid solar systems on their homes and you might be wondering whether the investment is worth it.

Over the years, the price of solar systems has been lowered over years.

A decade ago, you would spend more than $4.50 per watt.

Today, you can purchase a 300 watt solar at $1.75 per watt.

But remember, the panels are not the only parts of a solar system.

There are other elements of solar systems such as wiring, inverters and mounts that can change the price.

Other things such as the installation and permitting can cost more than $2,000 in some areas.

This means that it’s very important to ask the local Government about the codes and the rules in solar system installation.

The upfront payments of solar payments over time can be overwhelming but it has a significant value in your investment.

Try some of the recommendations in this post to make decisions depending on your energy needs, budget and preferences.