Solar Generators for Off-Grid Tiny Homes

The most expensive part of a tiny home is usually its energy setup, especially if it’s off-grid. Good solar panels and portable power stations can make it expensive yet cost-effective for a long time. Also, using custom materials or fancy finishes during building can raise costs. Other expensive items are water purification systems, composting toilets, or other special off-grid gear needed for living independently.

To run a small, off-grid house, you usually rely on green energy like solar panels, which turn sunlight into power. This power is saved in batteries, so it’s available when it’s cloudy or dark. Solar generators, like the Jackery portable power stations with solar panels, are popular because they work well and are easy to use. It’s important to figure out how much power you need to make sure the system can handle all your daily needs, like lights, appliances, and charging your devices.

The power required for a small off-grid cabin with simple needs like lights, a fridge, and some electronics usually ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 watts of capacity. To figure out how much power is needed each day, add up the wattage of all devices and how long they're used. For instance, a fridge uses 100-200 watts an hour, and lights use 10-20. Having enough battery storage helps keep power going when there’s little sunlight.

The cheapest spots in Australia for building a tiny house are usually in the countryside or places where land is cheaper and building rules are more relaxed. Here are some of the most budget-friendly areas:
Tasmania: It has affordable land, especially in the countryside, and is known for its beautiful views and a laid-back way of life, perfect for off-grid living.
Victoria (Regional Areas): Areas like Gippsland or the Grampians have cheaper land than the city parts of Victoria.
New South Wales (Inland Areas): Places like the Northern Tablelands or Riverina have lower house prices and fewer rules for building.
South Australia (Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley): Rural areas in South Australia have cheap land, and there are relaxed rules for building small houses.