Powering Your Tiny House: Solar vs Generator
When it comes to powering a tiny house, there are two main options: solar panels and generators. While both can provide electricity, they work in very different ways and offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. As the popularity of tiny homes increases, so does the question of how to power them. With limited space available, traditional electrical systems are not always practical. Two popular options for powering tiny homes are solar panels and generators. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two options to help you decide which one is right for your tiny house.
Solar Panels
In general, solar panels (also called photovoltaic panels) are composed of multiple solar cells that convert sunlight into electrical energy. Most portable photovoltaic (PV) panels are made up of monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon cells that are laid out flat on a sheet of glass or plastic. The cells are connected together in series circuits to produce DC current. There are a variety of different solar panel types:
• Mono-crystalline: This is the most efficient type of solar panel. These panels are designed to absorb as much sunlight as possible and don’t need any shading or protection. Long-term performance is limited by the life span of the cells, but they are typically much more durable than polycrystalline panels.
• Poly-crystalline: These panels are made with a variety of different materials. They are normally less efficient than mono-crystalline panels, and they tend to be much more expensive. However, they can be designed to produce electricity in a wide range of temperatures and have a lower cost of installation due to their thinner construction. As an added benefit, poly-crystalline panels are much lighter than mono-crystalline panels.
• Thin film: Thin film solar panels are made from a variety of materials. They are designed to be extremely thin, lightweight, and flexible. Because of their thinner design, these panels are easier to install than other solar panels and can cost less. They tend to be less efficient than traditional solar panels and degrade more quickly in high temperatures.
The most common type of portable PV panel is the polycrystalline variety. These solar panels are designed to be more durable, but they also require more power to produce the same amount of energy, so they are not as efficient as the mono-crystalline variety. However, because the cells are thinner, it is easier to install them and they can cost less than other types of solar panels.
Portable PV panels can be used in many different ways. They can be battery-backed and allow you to store power produced when your batteries are full. They can also be grid-tied and connected to the power grid, which allows you to sell any excess energy produced.
Another option is a hybrid solar panel system, which combines a battery bank with a conventional generator. This allows you to have an energy source that will power your lights and appliances even when the sun isn’t shining. Some portable PV panels are also designed to be combined with gasoline generators, which allows you to take advantage of their power generation capabilities while still using fossil fuels in an efficient manner.
Generators
A generator is an electric motor that converts mechanical energy into electricity. Tiny house generators can be powered by either diesel or propane. Diesel engines tend to be quieter and more powerful than propane engines. They can produce between 5 and 30 kilowatts of power and are more fuel efficient than propane generators. They are also cleaner, so they emit fewer greenhouse gases and ozone-forming pollutants.
Diesel generators tend to be more expensive than propane generators. They are also more difficult to install and use, requiring a great deal of maintenance. On the plus side, diesel generators can produce a constant supply of electricity for several days without refueling, so they can serve as an excellent backup energy source for your tiny house.
Small portable propane generators are typically less powerful than diesel generators, but they are inexpensive, quiet, lightweight, and easy to install. Propane generators are particularly useful for powering outdoor appliances when the weather is warm. They can also be used for back-up power in case your electricity goes out or your primary system fails.
A word of caution: Tiny house generators are not designed to power every appliance in your tiny house, so don’t use them on high-demand appliances like air conditioners and motors. This could damage your generator and have serious consequences for the health and safety of all those using it.
As you can see, there are a number of different solar panel options, from portable PV panels to larger, setup-based models. The type of system that is right for your tiny house will depend on your budget, the space you have available for your panels, and how much power you need.
There are a variety of different generators on the market. Some use propane or diesel fuel; others run on natural gas or other types of fuel. They come in all different sizes and shapes, from small units that you can carry around to large power plants that can produce between ten and thirty kilowatts of power.
Before you choose a generator, think about what kind of system you want for your tiny house. Do you want a generator designed to run all the appliances in your tiny house or do you need one that can handle larger loads and produce enough electricity to power a few lights and small appliances? the amount of power you need will depend on your personal needs and the appliances you want to use. The next step is to decide how much space you have for your generators. If you are working with a restricted space, choose a smaller generator.
Making decisions for your tiny house is far easier when you have some information about the different systems available. The resources listed above can help you find out more about any of the portable solar panels, generators, or systems that are recommended for your particular needs. Other options will depend on the type of tiny house you’re planning to build and what you’re willing to spend.