TINY HOMES & SOLAR POWER: A COMPLETE GUIDE

In a world where sustainability and eco-conscious living have taken centre stage, tiny homes have become a sensation in countries like Australia and the USA, capturing the attention of those seeking a simpler, more environmentally friendly way of living. These compact, energy-efficient dwellings have found a place in the hearts of Aussies, offering a unique opportunity to downsize, minimise environmental impact, save money, and embrace a lifestyle that prioritises both simplicity and sustainability. 

In this guide, we will explore what tiny homes are, discuss key features, and explain how they can be sustainably powered using solar energy. Let’s jump straight in!

SO, WHAT IS A TINY HOME?

A “tiny home” refers to a compact, minimalist, and fully-equipped dwelling, typically under 600 sq.ft in size. The structure and layout of tiny homes are designed for efficient and sustainable living. These small dwellings often prioritise functionality and space optimisation while promoting eco-friendly, off-grid and minimalist lifestyles.

ARE TINY HOMES MOBILE?

Sometimes referred to as THOWs (tiny houses on wheels), tiny homes are built on mobile foundations, such as trailer-mounted units. This means that tiny homes are fully transportable and mobile, allowing owners to travel and live almost anywhere they please, free from building codes and restrictions. The freedom and flexibility of Tiny Homes comes at a low cost and they are generally built to very high standards. 

Tiny Homes in Australia are extremely popular. Many people are defying convention and choosing them as their permanent homes. The thrill of a ‘portable’ home with lower costs, lower carbon footprint and ever-changing scenery is driving many to make the move to this sustainable trend.

ARE TINY HOMES DIY OR TURNKEY?

Tiny homes can be both DIY or turnkey. As the name suggests, DIY tiny homes are constructed by the prospective owner after they have purchased the necessary raw materials. These individuals are usually experienced in construction, and/or enjoy hands-on projects. This method allows for the most personalisation and opportunities for customisation, however, there can be an increased risk of error when it comes to complexities such as plumbing and electrics..

Turnkey tiny homes are prebuilt by professional companies specialising in tiny home construction. This includes building the structure itself, plumbing, electrical work, interior finishing and more. When buying a pre-built tiny home, there are usually numerous models and layouts to choose from. Once purchased, the tiny homeowner can move in right away.

The decision to buy a DIY or turnkey tiny home depends entirely on the preferences, motivations, and skills of the people purchasing the home. Companies such as Alphaline offer both ‘kit’ form and ‘ready to go’ units, providing people with plenty of options.

HOW MUCH ELECTRICITY DOES A TINY HOME USE?

Like any home, large or small, it all depends on the size of your tiny home and your lifestyle. You’ll need to look at what power you are likely to use in order to get a true estimation.

There are many online calculators you can use to work this out. It’s certainly a helpful starting point if you’ve decided to invest in a tiny home.

ARE TINY HOMES MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT?

Yes, due to the size of tiny homes, they are much more energy efficient. Typically, a tiny home only uses around 6 light bulbs to light the interior. This provides a huge saving on utility bills, as lighting is one of the highest energy costs in the home. But as the space is so compact, all your bills are much smaller across the board. The efficiencies of a smaller home are usually the deciding factor alongside the lower carbon footprint and flexible living.

Tiny homes are perfect for holidays or as a permanent home. With lower upfront costs, maintenance and electricity bills, people are very passionate about the Tiny Homes movement.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO POWER A TINY HOME?

Tiny Homes are usually designed to maximise natural sunlight with large windows. If you position your home in the right direction, chances are you won’t need much lighting or heating throughout the day. However, when night falls, you will need a power source.

SOLAR POWER

Solar power is proving to be an increasingly popular choice amongst tiny homeowners, with an average savings of 20% compared to gas generators. 

Solar panels alone are not enough to get you through the night alone, however, when combined with a battery storage system, solar offers the best all-round power supply. There are serious benefits to combining battery storage alongside Solar PV. The excess electricity your panels generate throughout the day is stored until you need it. This means that you are prepared for all situations, with the freedom of a cheap off-grid lifestyle.

Combined energy management solutions, like batteries such as the Soltaro AIO2 and AIO3 are perfect for off-grid living and pair seamlessly with tiny home solar power systems to create a super-efficient energy solution.

POWER YOUR TINY HOME WITH SOLTARO

At Soltaro, we are experts when it comes to harnessing solar energy to power domestic properties. With our solar energy storage solutions, you can enjoy life in your tiny home knowing you have access to a reliable power source, ready to use whenever and wherever you need it. Get in touch with our team for more information on how you can get the most out of your tiny home!