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Bigt84520
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# Posted: 7 Sep 2018 06:35pm
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Hello everyone. I just purchased some property and was going to convert a cabin shed into a tiny home cabin. 12x36. We will live here full time hopefully in the next 6 months. I have been studying solar and it still confuses me. Would like to know how much i need to run a refrigerator, tv and some lights at night. Also plan on getting a 8700 watt generator when we need to run washer and dryer and higher watt items. seems every thing i see online is around 10000. what would i need to start out without breaking the bank that i can add to as i go. Thanks
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Borrego
Member
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# Posted: 7 Sep 2018 07:08pm
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There is a plethora of info on here about this, suggest you do a search. I used this site a lot when I was researching my system, which I just got installed last winter. Sounds like my needs were similar to yours.....I spent about $7k on materials and did the install myself, so there's a comparison point for you...I went with higher - end stuff though, i suppose you could go cheaper, but I wouldn't recommend it.
Also, you don't need an 8700 watt generator for your needs....a 3000 watt will do fine (Honda 
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Bigt84520
Member
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# Posted: 7 Sep 2018 07:24pm
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Thanks Borrego. I was looking at an aims system for around 6000. had a 6000 watt inverter and 6 panels and 6 batteries along with a charge controller and cables. So you dont think i would need a 8700 watt generator to run a dryer. seen somewhere where they take 4000 watts of power. Also do most of you put your inverter and batteries in a building away from your cabins and run cable underground to the cabins electrical panel. thanks
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hamish
Member
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# Posted: 7 Sep 2018 08:15pm
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Run a dryer???.......Seriously? Hang up a line, works year round regardless of season.
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Bigt84520
Member
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# Posted: 7 Sep 2018 08:27pm
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Lol. I hear you on the close line. Just trying to convince the wife the same
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Just
Member
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# Posted: 7 Sep 2018 09:14pm
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Water heater ,dryer and stove should be propane . A little more economical than solar .Resistant heating should be avoided with solar .
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Bigt84520
Member
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# Posted: 7 Sep 2018 09:16pm
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Stove and water heater will be. Will have to check on a gas dryer
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creeky
Member
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# Posted: 9 Sep 2018 12:29pm
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Your budget makes up a great deal of the equation. I have a customer with everything you describe running on solar. Including his electric car charging. But he spent north of $15k
For what you describe as your loads a 'grey owl' from BobolinkSolar would suffice. (This is my business). You're around 5-7k.
I don't know where you're located, so I post the info for you to google. I get many many emails from folks who didn't buy from me but copy my installs. No worries.
I know folks are waiting for it: Lithium batteries will save you thousands. Both by making your system 20% more efficient right from the start. And by the much longer lifespan.
Reduced maintenance and the ability to easily run higher draw appliances are among the many advantages.
Also look at the new heat pump hot water heaters. Really cool. And mini split heat pumps work great with solar. I had one running all last winter with lows of -30 c. No problem heating a 16x20 lightly insulated studio. And the a/c this extra hot summer was a blessing.
Good luck.
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Bigt84520
Member
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# Posted: 9 Sep 2018 12:46pm
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Thanks Creeky for the reply. I am in the states.
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