Tiny homes are all the rage right now. Baby boomers looking for financial stability and millennials looking for a first home gravitate toward these tiny abodes because of the low cost, upkeep, and freedom of mobility. Others choose tiny homes because of their love for the environment. Tiny homes are often sustainable and eco friendly, utilizing solar water heaters, panels, and composting waste systems. Many also come equipped with wheels and a trailer hitch, allowing for relocation at a moment’s notice. While one couldn’t ask for an easier move, what happens if there isn’t a power hookup at the new location? Do tiny home residents have to live in darkness? Do they have to rely on noisy generators?
Thankfully, the answers to the above questions are a simple “no.” Tiny homes that are forced off the grid can easily rely on solar power systems to provide electricity. However, many new tiny home purchasers may find the thought of installing a solar power system as intimidating or expensive, neither of which is true. Many Renogy off-grid kits are available, all of which are appropriate for installation on a tiny home. Since all tiny homes are different, there is no “one size fits all” solution. Some things to take into consideration when choosing a kit are the kinds of appliances that run on a daily basis, the amount of time they run, the roofing material on the home, as well as the roof space. Be prepared to discuss these special considerations when talking to a sales associate. It will help the associate learn about your needs so he or she could help you select a system that will meet your unique power usage.
An Off-Grid Solar Cabin Kit is especially useful for those tiny homes that have a composition, shingle, or Spanish tile rooftop and a somewhat large roof space. Renogy cabin kits come with your choice of 250W Monocrystalline or 300W Polycrystalline Solar Panels. The 250W Monocrystalline Solar Panel is the smaller of the two choices, and a single panel measures in at 64.5×39’. These larger panels, which take up a large amount space, could quickly take up the entire roof space of a tiny home. That is why it is of utmost importance that you measure your rooftop space before choosing a solar kit. The Off-Grid Cabin Kits also come with a top of the line charge controller, combiner box, circuit breaker, and wiring. You can also add the railing necessary for mounting the panels at an additional cost. Batteries and inverters are also necessary for all off-grid kits and can be purchased separately at Renogy-Store.com.
An Off-Grid Complete Solar Panel Kit may be a more appropriate option for a smaller rooftop or a non-conventional metallic rooftop. Besides being lighter in weight, the 100W Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Solar Panels are significantly smaller than those found in the Cabin Kits. A Renogy 100W Polycrystalline Solar Panel is the smaller of the two, and measures in at 40.5×26.7’, making them an ideal candidate for installation on smaller rooftops. Renogy Complete Solar Kits also come with aluminum mounting Z Brackets, which are compatible with metallic or RV rooftops; these brackets cannot be used on shingle, composition, or Spanish tiles. In addition to the aforementioned items, the Off-Grid Complete Kits also include all of the wiring necessary for a new solar power system (Adaptor Kit and Tray Cable) as well as a Renogy 1000W Inverter. The Inverter converts the DC power stored in the batteries to AC power, which is what most appliances rely on. Some tiny home customers prefer setting up a ground power system instead of installing the panels directly on their rooftop. This can be a great option if you are hesitant to drill holes into your rooftop or like the idea of setting the solar panels away from the home. Keep in mind that a ground mount system will have to be packed up and moved if you move your tiny home.
In sum, installing a solar panel system on your tiny home shouldn’t be intimidating. A few hours of research and the right installation professional can make all the difference in your quest for solar energy. Renogy carries a wide range of solar panels, accessories, and kits that are designed to make installation easier. For additional research and information, visit Renogy-Store.com.
