Solar Power in Small Spaces: Apartment and Tiny Home Options
Just because you’ve opted for small living, it doesn’t mean you have to forfeit all solar benefits. Technology has evolved past the need for spacious rooftop systems. It’s now possible for apartment renters and tiny home owners to achieve energy independence using portable and flexible solar solutions.
Use this guide to learn how scalable, modular systems can fit your unique space restraints and provide meaningful energy savings.
Understand Why Tiny Homes Are a Great Fit for Solar Power
Tiny homes have significantly lower overall energy consumption, making it much easier to meet 100% of a home's power needs with a solar system. In comparison to standard homes, which use approximately 30,000 watt-hours of energy daily, a typical tiny home may consume only 2,000 watt-hours per day.
You also have the additional advantage of mobility, which can be invaluable for portable tiny homes or RVs.
Many tiny homes are located off-grid or in areas of ample sunshine, where solar makes economic sense. Rather than put in extensive work to bring utility infrastructure and energy to your tiny home, you can create your own source of energy on-site with a solar system.
For tiny home owners who value sustainability, solar power is in perfect alignment. It doesn’t require fuel or produce toxic runoffs and can be a renewable source of energy in perpetuity.
Identify What You Need to Power a Tiny Home
If you want to run a tiny home on solar panels, you’ll need a few critical components. Each aspect, including the panels, battery, and inverter, works together to create your home solar ecosystem.
Solar Panels
The solar panels are what capture sunlight and turn it into energy. Monocrystalline panels are the best option for space efficiency, as they produce a higher wattage per square foot.
If you plan to mount them on the roof, look for rigid panels. If you want the option of portability, look for bifacial or foldable options.
Calculate your energy needs based on your appliances, local climate, and daily energy consumption to determine how many solar panels you need to run your entire tiny home.
Power Storage
Power storage via an external battery is essential for going off-grid. The battery capacity, or storage capacity, is measured in watt-hours (Wh) or kilowatt-hours (kWh). To determine the appropriate capacity for your home, you’ll need to multiply the wattage of all your appliances and devices by the hours you need to run them each day.
Shop for a battery bank that will cover approximately 1-3 days of energy usage without sunlight, ensuring you’re still protected if the weather turns bad or you experience an issue with your equipment.
Battery chemistry also matters. The LiFeP04 battery offers the best safety and longevity, ensuring your investment will work well for years to come. It also allows for an 80-100% depth of discharge (DoD), giving you more power from each battery charge.
Consider expandable battery systems if you want to start small but foresee that your needs may grow in the future. That way, you can scale by adding extra batteries rather than starting over with a new purchase.
DELTA 3 Max Plus Portable Power Station
Inverter
The inverter is responsible for converting the DC power generated by the panels into usable AC power for appliances. The inverter needs to handle peak draw power, so take into account the surge capacity of your appliances to prevent it from failing when starting up appliances with a compressor, such as a refrigerator.
Look for a high-efficiency rated inverter to minimize power loss and consider built-in options to simplify your solar setup.
Charge Controller
The charge controller regulates the flow of power from the panels to the battery, protecting the battery and preventing overcharging or battery damage. It protects the system during varying sunlight conditions or cloudy days.
Many modern portable power stations have integrated charge controllers, eliminating the need for an additional piece of equipment in your setup.
Wiring, Mounting Hardware, Etc.
Don’t forget all the accessories required to get your system running! You’ll likely need wiring or cables, mounting hardware such as roof racks or ground mounts, fuses and breakers to protect from overcurrents, grounding equipment to protect against lightning, and a cable management system to keep everything organized and weather-resistant.
Quantify the Economic and Environmental Benefits
Using solar energy can drastically reduce or eliminate monthly electric bills, saving anywhere from $50 to $200 per month. The federal solar tax credit also lowers system costs by 30%, making the initial equipment more affordable and accessible. Additional state and local incentives may provide additional savings.
Tiny homes are quite efficient, so the system can pay for itself quickly, creating an attractive ROI.
There are also ample environmental benefits. Switching to solar can offset several tons of CO2 annually, creating the same ecological impact as planting 30-75 trees per year. It reduces the dependence on fossil fuels, cuts back on air and water pollution, and supports grid stability.
Navigate DIY vs Professional Solar Installations
A simple solar solution, such as the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus + 500W Solar Panel, is designed for DIY installation. In other cases involving more complex or integrated systems, you may need to hire a professional and obtain local permits.
In general, if your system is larger, tied to the grid, requires working with complex electrical panels, or is subject to HOA regulations, it’s better to go through a professional installer. They will be familiar with the regulatory landscape, can ensure all permits and paperwork are obtained, and can install it safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Solar Power Is Needed To Run a Tiny Home?
The amount of solar power needed to run a tiny home depends on the appliances and lifestyle of the occupants. You can calculate it by listing all of your devices and their wattage. Most need about 12 400-watt panels. Energy-efficient appliances can significantly reduce requirements.
Can You Get Solar Panels if You Live in an Apartment?
Yes, you can use portable solar generators with balcony panels or window-mounted units. You will still need to check your lease agreement and local codes before installing a balcony kit. Ask your apartment complex if they offer solar as an amenity or are interested in creating a solar array for community use.
Ready to Discover EcoFlow's Portable Solar Power Solutions?
If you want to transform your tiny home into an eco-friendly oasis, portable solar power is the ideal solution. Save money on installation and opt for streamlined systems, such as the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus, which you can set up yourself.
Tiny homes’ limited power needs are especially well-suited for this kind of independent energy system.