Free Tiny House Solar Calculator + Product Recommendations

Yes! After you calculate your system size, you'll automatically see personalized product recommendations for solar panels, batteries, inverters, and charge controllers matched specifically to your calculated requirements. We show you the exact products you need with real pricing, specifications, and direct purchase links. This takes the guesswork out of building your off-grid system.

This calculator provides general estimates based on your inputs and typical off-grid system configurations. Actual requirements vary based on your specific appliances, usage patterns, climate, and local sun exposure. Always consult a licensed solar professional for final design and installation.

Winter typically has the lowest sun hours, so sizing your system for winter ensures you'll have adequate power year-round. During summer, you'll have excess capacity which helps extend battery life and handle unexpected loads.

Battery autonomy refers to how many days your battery bank can power your home without solar input. This calculator uses 3 days of autonomy, which is standard for off-grid systems to handle cloudy periods. You may want more in areas with frequent extended cloudy weather. Learn more about battery storage and system design.

No. Most successful off-grid homes use propane or wood for major heating loads (cooking, water heating, space heating). Heating with electricity requires very large (and expensive) solar and battery systems. Reserve electricity for lighting, electronics, and refrigeration. Check out our energy-efficient kitchen appliances and LED lighting options.

Many off-grid systems include a backup generator for extended cloudy periods or high-demand situations. A properly sized solar system should minimize generator use, but having one provides peace of mind and can reduce required battery bank size. Browse our recommended generators for tiny homes.

Off-grid solar systems typically cost $3-5 per watt installed, so a 5kW system would cost $15,000-$25,000. Batteries add $5,000-$15,000 depending on capacity and type. DIY installations can reduce costs by 30-50%, but require electrical knowledge and proper permitting. Our product recommendations show current prices for components so you can budget accurately.

We earn a small commission when you purchase through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep this calculator and all our tools completely free. We only recommend products we trust and would use in our own tiny house builds. Your support through these links helps us continue providing free resources to the tiny house community.