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The Pros and Cons of Solar Panels for Tiny Houses – Click To Explore!

Tiny homes are popular now due to their cost savings and minimal environmental impact. Solar panels stand out here as a perfect match. This eco-friendly combination can power your small space without reliance on the grid. 

If you want to install solar panels, check this article first! Right here, you can learn the pros and cons of solar panels for tiny houses. By the end, you will surely make an informed decision. 

The Pros and Cons of Using Solar Panels for Small Houses 

Many homeowners these days are turning to solar panels because they want to lower their electricity bills and reduce their carbon footprint. While this solution offers many benefits, there are also some drawbacks. 

Pros:

The advantages outweigh the disadvantages. If you install solar panels for your tiny house, you can save money and do not have to rely on the main grid. Clean energy is another plus. 

Bill Savings

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. Instead of purchasing from your energy supplier, you can use electricity from this clean source. Then, you will save money on your monthly electric bill. 

The exact savings depend on several factors. The key is to ensure that your solar panels work efficiently. For example, they need a lot of sunlight to generate electricity. Hence, if your tiny house is in an area with long sunny days, your solar panels can maximize their energy production. 

Great Return On Investment

Solar panels are not cheap, but don’t worry! After installation, you can start getting your money back every year. 

It often takes about four to five years to pay off the system if you don’t use solar batteries. Moreover, solar panels can last for 50 years or more. So, you can receive a return each year after the payback period. The money you save every month on the electric bill also contributes to your overall savings. 

 

  1. A good return on investment .

A good return on investment

Clean Energy

Tiny homeowners want to reduce their environmental impact. Solar panels come into play in this case because they provide clean energy. 

Solar power is renewable and doesn’t use any resources to work. There are other types of renewable energy, like hydro or wind. However, you will prefer solar panels for their affordability. They are also easy to install. 

Increased Independence

Unexpected issues, like bad weather or power cuts, may happen to the main grid anytime. If you install solar panels, you can protect your tiny home from such mishaps. 

Solar panels don’t rely on the main grid. Instead, they generate their own electricity from sunlight. Hence, you always have a power supply, even during unfortunate issues with the grid. 

Customization

Tiny homeowners often struggle to find suitable items that fit their limited space. Luckily, solar kits are available in different sizes. Thus, you can grab the necessary tools and customize your solar system to meet your specific needs. 

  1. You can customize your solar system. You can customize your solar system

Cons:

Despite the outstanding benefits, some homeowners are still reluctant to install solar panels for the following reasons:

Unstable Energy Supply

Solar panels need sunlight to produce electricity. It means that they can’t work on cloudy days or at night. Thus, the energy supply would be unstable. 

To solve this problem, you can install solar batteries. They store power during the day. Then, at night, you just need to get the stored energy to keep your lights on. 

High Investment Cost

There are three types of costs to consider when installing the solar system:

  • Solar panels: Solar panels may cost from $8,500 to $30,500. The exact price depends on the location, system size, and panel type. 
  • Batteries: You need batteries to ensure a stable power supply. But, these components are pretty expensive. 
  • Maintenance: Solar panels require regular upkeep to work effectively. You may also pay repair costs. 

Tricky Installation

Installing solar panels is a complex task, especially when you work with the solar inverters. These parts convert DC power created by the panels into usable power for your tiny home. 

Some houses are too small for the inverters. Moreover, you must place them in a box because they shouldn’t be exposed to too much sunlight. Also, remember that they should be nothing-facing. 

It would be best to leave this tricky task for professionals. They know how to handle the bulky solar panels and annoying inverters correctly. 

Space Requirements

Tiny houses come with small roofs. And here is another issue: Your roof space may not be big enough to install solar panels. In this case, you can buy efficient or portable panels. Unfortunately, both options are costly. 

  1. Tricky installation and requirements .

Tricky installation and requirements

How Much Solar Power For A Tiny House?

You need about 200-600 watts of solar panels to power a tiny house. This amount of energy is enough for basic needs, like essential electronics and lighting. 

To estimate the solar power need, you need to:

  • First, check the electric bill to see how much energy you often use. 
  • Second, add up the energy used by appliances in your home and their running time. 

You can then customize the solar system based on your energy needs. If possible, consult a professional to determine the best solution for your situation. 

  1. Calculate before installing the solar system .

 Calculate before installing the solar system

Conclusion 

Solar panels offer numerous benefits for tiny houses, such as energy independence, eco-friendliness, and cost savings. However, the initial cost and tricky installation are some drawbacks to consider. 

After weighing the pros and cons of using solar panels for small houses, you may know if the solution is suitable for you. If you need more information, contact us now. We are here to help you make the best choice for your energy needs! 

FAQs

1. Do solar panels need a lot of space?

It depends on the system size you need. A standard setup of 10 solar panels may cover about 20m² of roof space. 

2. What size solar panel for a small house?

You need a small system for your small house. A 2-kWp setup with four panels takes up about 8m², which is ideal for roofs with limited space. 

3. What are small solar panels used for?

Small solar panels work best for portable items like fans, flashlights, and power packs. They help charge devices where you can’t get a steady power supply. 

 

References:

  1. https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/solar-panels-for-tiny-houses 
  2. https://jmhpower.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-solar-panels-for-tiny-houses/ 
  3. https://blog.ecoflow.com/us/the-pros-and-cons-of-solar-panels-for-tiny-houses/ 
  4. https://www.jackery.com/blogs/buying-advice/solar-panels-for-tiny-house?srsltid=AfmBOoov1iBVPt22lXxRWgWaXHejTkK5s76C-b_jX2cVP-Mb0A5jtQ8s  

 

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