Power is the system most tiny home owners underestimate. Whether you are fully off-grid or just want backup power, the method is the same: add up what you use, size the solar to match, then choose a battery, inverter and charge controller that fit. This guide walks through each step with a simple worksheet.
Start with a load list
Multiply each device’s watts by the hours you use it each day to get watt-hours (Wh). Add them up to get your daily total. Check the label or manual for real wattage; the figures below are examples.
| Device | Example draw | Example daily use | Approx. watt-hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED lighting | 20 W | 5 hours | 100 Wh |
| Laptop | 60 W | 6 hours | 360 Wh |
| Phone and device charging | 10 W | 4 hours | 40 Wh |
| Mini fridge | Varies by model | Cycles all day | Check the EnergyGuide label; often several hundred Wh |
| Vent fan | 30 W | 4 hours | 120 Wh |
Size the solar array
A rough method: daily watt-hours ÷ peak sun hours ÷ 0.75 = panel watts needed. The 0.75 allows for real-world losses. For example, 1,500 Wh a day in a place with 4 peak sun hours needs about 1,500 ÷ 4 ÷ 0.75 = 500 W of panels. Peak sun hours vary by location and season, so size for your darkest months if you depend on solar year-round.
Choose a battery
- LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) usually lasts more cycles and lets you use more of the rated capacity, but costs more up front.
- Lead-acid costs less up front but you generally use only about half the rated capacity and it needs more care.
- Autonomy. Many people size the battery to cover one to two days without sun. Convert usable battery watt-hours to match your daily total.
Inverter and charge controller
- Pure sine wave inverter. It runs sensitive electronics cleanly. Add up the watts that can run at the same time and leave headroom, because motors need extra surge capacity.
- MPPT charge controller. It pulls more energy from the panels than a basic PWM controller, especially in cold or cloudy weather.
- Fusing and wiring. Use correctly sized fuses and wire for the current. For household 120V AC wiring or shore-power hookups, hire a licensed electrician and follow local code.
Portable power station or a wired system?
A portable power station is the fastest way to get backup power for lights, a laptop or a small fridge, and it can charge from solar. A wired system with a battery bank, charge controller and inverter scales up to power a whole home, but takes more planning and installation.
Power and solar gear on Amazon
These are the best-reviewed power stations, panels and system components we found.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability may change on Amazon.
Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station
- A 1,056Wh portable power station with a car charging cable, a larger-capacity backup for essentials such as a small fridge and electronics.
BESTEK 500W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter
- A 500W pure sine wave inverter that converts 12V DC to 110V AC for sensitive electronics, suited to light loads in a small 12V system.
Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station
- A 512Wh portable power station with AC outlets and a LiFePO4 battery, useful as backup power or to run small loads off-grid.
Renogy 100W N-Type Solar Panels, 2 Pack
- A pair of 100W N-type solar panels with high-efficiency cells, a flexible starting point for a small off-grid solar array.
Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/15 Solar Charge Controller
- An MPPT solar charge controller with Bluetooth monitoring for 12/24V systems, rated for 15A, to charge a battery bank efficiently from panels.
Frequently asked questions
How many solar panels does a tiny house need?
It depends on daily use and climate. Use the formula above. Many off-grid tiny homes end up with somewhere between about 400 W and 2,000 W of panels.
Can a portable power station run a tiny house?
It can cover essentials for short periods or as backup. Running a whole home usually takes a larger battery bank and solar array.
What size inverter do I need?
Add up the watts of everything that might run at once, then choose an inverter with headroom. Motors and compressors need extra surge capacity.
Is LiFePO4 better than lead-acid?
LiFePO4 generally lasts more cycles and gives more usable capacity, while lead-acid costs less up front. Compare lifetime cost, not only price.
Do I need an electrician?
For 120V AC wiring and shore-power hookups, yes, and local code applies. Low-voltage DC projects are simpler but still need correct fusing.
Keep reading: How to Choose a Tiny Home · Tiny House Heating, Cooling and Ventilation · Tiny House Bathroom and Water Guide · Shop all tiny home picks
This page is general information, not professional advice. Building, electrical, gas and plumbing work in a tiny home should follow local codes and be done or checked by a qualified professional. Prices, sizes and availability change on Amazon, so check the listing before you buy. Last updated November 2026.