With more kW being installed each day, solar energy is quickly becoming the most popular form of renewable energy on Earth. The appeal of creating a more positive environmental change, along with gaining energy and lifestyle independence, influenced the launch of the tiny home. Today, the tiny home, especially when powered by solar, is hailed as an affordable, efficient, and environmentally-friendly way to live. The advantages of using solar for a tiny home mirror that of a regular home, which also includes lower electric bills and self-sustaining power. Naturally, the progressive thinking of both tiny homes and solar power goes hand-in-hand.
The Freedom Of Solar
One of the biggest draws of solar energy Las Vegas is that it gives homeowners the freedom and flexibility of not being chained to the grid or conventional electricity. Along with the obvious benefits, like still having power when the grid goes down, solar energy gives homeowners more predictability on their energy expenses, as homeowners can lock in electricity rates for about 25 years, which is the guaranteed lifespan of a solar energy system. Another aspect of freedom that solar provides is mobility. Solar energy systems mounted to the roof of a tiny home can go wherever you (and the house) go. This means that you'll still be able to generate electricity on the move, provided you're traveling in a sunny area.
To Grid-Tie Or Not To Grid-Tie?
Solar energy systems for tiny homes come in two types: which are off-grid and grid-tied. Both provide solar energy, but they do so in very different ways.
A grid-tied solar system is ideal for a tiny home that's affixed to a permanent location. A grid-tied system is a conventional solar system that's tied to a traditional electric grid. A grid-tied tiny home is an affordable and practical option, provided you envision staying in one spot for a while. A grid-tied system can either be mounted to the roof of your home or mounted on the ground.
An off-grid arrangement is ideal for tiny homeowners who live in remote areas and don't have access to a conventional electric grid. With an off-grid system, you will produce much of your energy during the daylight hours when the sun is shining. Excess power that is generated but not consumed in the same day can be stored in batteries for future use.
What Does Solar Power?
For a tiny home, which uses minimal power to begin with, the answer is virtually everything! Solar energy systems, Las Vegas solar installers say, can energize just about everything in your tiny home, ranging from microwaves and coffee makers to the lights, your electronics, and even a hot water pump. A solar energy system is sized according to your tiny home so that it produces the right amount of electricity based on your needs. There are some simple tools and calculators you can use to analyze your current electrical consumption, which in turn helps you determine what size solar system you need.