Off The Grid Tiny House: Everything You Need to Know

Do you yearn for a life of complete independence? The key to attaining your objective is to own a self-sufficient home and separate from the mainstream. Fortunately, off-grid tiny houses are available in various sizes, designs, and prices.  

We'd like to believe that protecting the environment is on everyone's mind, and by downsizing to a compact house, you'll be doing just that! Tiny houses automatically use less energy, which is good for your wallet and the environment.      

This comprehensive guide to off-grid tiny houses covers everything you need to know, such as what it is, its benefits and challenges, how to build or live off-grid, and what size solar generator you will need for your off-grid tiny house - Jackery Solar Generators are the best options for powering your off-grid tiny homes with higher capacities. The Solar Generator 2000 Plus, with 2 to 24 kWh expandable capacity, powers your off-grid tiny house quickly.        

What Is An Off The Grid Tiny House?

Those seeking to simplify their lives, reduce their carbon footprint, and lower their expenditures increasingly choose to live in a tiny house off the grid.

It involves living in a home not connected to the electricity grid, sewage system, or water supply, and it frequently consists of using alternative energy and water sources, such as solar generators and rainwater harvesting.

Living in an off-the-grid tiny house is about sustainable living and renewable energy. It is a political statement to move to the wilderness and utterly separate oneself from society. Divorcing oneself from a system of materialism, greed, corruption, and debt slavery becomes a declaration of independence and liberation from an oppressive system.

Why Is Living in An Off The Grid Tiny House Popular?

To live in a tiny, self-sufficient house, one must move to a remote location, such as a forest or desert, far from any urban centers. Off-grid living is similar to modern homesteading, which entails self-sufficiency through renewable energy and food production.

• Sustainability: For most people, living off the grid entails living a sustainable lifestyle, reducing their resources, and producing more than they consume. It involves disconnecting from the electrical infrastructure, generating electricity, growing food, and living sustainably.  

• Save Money: Once you have established your household, you will save money because you will have lower utility, food, and general consumption expenses.

• Close to Nature: The lifestyle of anoff-grid tiny house consists of living in a desert or forest, isolated from the rest of society. Off-grid living is similar to modern homesteading, which entails self-sufficiency through renewable energy and food production.

• Freedom: Living off the grid frees you from stringent building controls and permit requirements, allowing you to construct your home more freely. You cultivate your food and harvest your energy from readily available natural resources.

What Are The Drawbacks of Off The Grid Tiny House?

Living in an off-grid tiny house can be challenging, and establishing a residence requires great dedication and effort. Off-grid living has the following disadvantages:

• Initial Costs: Those contemplating the transition to an off-grid lifestyle must be prepared to invest substantially in permits, home construction, solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and any other components required to generate power and live a sustainable life.

• Heavy Work Load: You need skills, particularly when establishing your residence, including setting up the energy and water supply. Additionally, you must be able to produce your food and possibly hunt.    

• Vulnerability: Natural disasters, extreme weather, and other uncontrollable circumstances are also problematic. Power outages from severe weather or other causes can be relatively easy in rural areas not connected to the power infrastructure.   

However, a solar generator can convert sunlight into electricity for daily use, and it can reserve energy for use at night by absorbing sunlight during the day. Jackery Solar Generators are portable solar systems that can be utilized in any environment for your off-the-grid tiny house.

• Limited Access to Public Resources: Restrict public services, including waste management, water supply, and energy sources. Without access to a utility provider, off-grid residents must find alternative resource management means, such as solar energy.

How Much Does It Cost to Build The Grid Tiny House?

The cost of building an off-grid tiny house is dependent on its location, dimensions, and amenities. According to the construction report, if necessary, you may need to consider the costs of land, construction materials, labor, water, a water collection system, power generation and storage systems, and landscaping.

The national average cost of building an off-grid tiny house is approximately $44,000, with most individuals spending between $32,000 and $61,000. Compared to the present national median home price of $400,000 in March 2023, the significant cost savings are readily apparent.

However, the dwelling price needs to reveal the complete picture. You should include land, building permits, taxes, amenities, and your home's energy systems in the total cost. The potential for long-term savings is a significant advantage of living in an off-grid tiny home despite the high initial costs. Off-grid residences use alternative energy sources and can be more cost-effective than conventional homes.

How to Build The Grid Tiny House?

Building and designing an off-grid tiny house is the initial stage of going off-grid. To ensure that your little place is safe, comfortable, and functional, meticulous planning, creativity, and attention to detail are required. Here are some essential factors to consider when constructing and designing your off-grid compact house:

• Find A Place: Before constructing your minuscule home, locate a suitable site. Look for land zoned for residential use and has access to utilities such as water and electricity if you intend to use them. Consider the local climate, natural landscape, and proximity to conveniences such as grocery stores and hospitals.

• Design and Layout: The design and configuration of your tiny house will depend on your individual preferences, budget, and available space. The number and size of rooms, the home's orientation, the type of roofing and insulation, and eco-friendly materials are essential design considerations.

• Construction: Constructing an off-grid tiny housenecessitates using high-quality materials and assuring the structure's durability. Additionally, you may lessen your influence on the environment and save cash by using recovered or recycled materials.

• Power Source: Solar power is the most prevalent method to effectively power an off-grid tiny house. It is a clean, green, sustainable, renewable energy source that typically provides enough power for a small home. However, this will vary depending on the number of people residing in the house and the types of appliances Jackery Solar Generators are portable, rechargeable generators with higher capacities that can efficiently power your tiny home.

• Toilet Options: Although many people hesitate about the toilet situation in off-grid tiny dwellings, it's easier. There are two primary options for off-grid toilets: composting and incineration.

Depending on the brand, composting toilets may consist of a fixed toilet with one or two compartments where biological waste is decomposed without chemicals, water, a sewerage system, or a septic tank.

• Water System: The majority of the water in your water system consists of rainwater and Grey water. A rainwater collection system is an essential component of tiny off-grid living, but it can be challenging to choose the correct method. Check your water bill to determine whether or not you are still connected to the utility.

Grey water comprises the wastewater produced by the shower, bathroom, kitchen sink, and laundry machine. Grey water should never be discharged into lakes, creeks, or oceans to avoid polluting our waterways; however, it can be collected, treated, and reused in the garden with a Grey water treatment system.

How Does A Solar Off The Grid Tiny House Work?

Most off-grid tiny houses have rooftop solar panels and a ground-mounted array of solar panels. The solar panels collect electricity, which is stored in a battery bank. After that, it goes through an inverter to change the DC to AC or straight to 12V devices.

Only when the sun is shining can solar panels generate electricity. Therefore, the power must be stored in batteries for nighttime use to save energy for cloudy or snowy days. Even though modern solar panels can still capture the sun's beams on cloudy days, the power output will be significantly reduced.

As indicated previously, off-grid tiny houses frequently utilize energy-efficient appliances and appliances that operate on 12V power. Portable solar systems are more suitable for off-grid small dwellings than rooftop and ground-mounted solar panels, which are significantly impacted by weather conditions, the size of the area, and local regulations.

How Do Jackery Solar Generators Work?

Solar products manufactured by Jackery, such as solar panels, portable power stations, and solar generators, have earned the company widespread recognition. Jackery Solar Generators are gaining popularity as a mobile and environmentally-friendly method to generate electricity. They can power your off-grid tiny house appliances, such as the ceiling fan and refrigerator.  

Jackery Solar Generators are the finest residential backup power source, which can save lives in emergencies. Suppose you live in an area prone to power outages. In such a scenario, owning a Jackery Solar Generator can decide whether you can remain secure and comfortable in your own house or if you are abandoned in the dark.

Jackery Solar Panels typically use monocrystalline solar cell technology to convert sunlight to electricity. Solar panels can be connected to the Jackery Portable Power Station via the solar connector and cables for optimal energy storage and utilization. Jackery Solar Panels can also be connected in series or parallel to third-party power stations. Solar panels, AC receptacles, and carports can all be used to recharge portable power stations.

What Size of Solar Generator Needed for Off-Grid Tiny House?

Due to their increased capacity and advanced solar technology, Jackery Solar Generators are the finest rechargeable home generators. Installing a solar generator to power your tiny house off the grid takes only sixty seconds.

The Jackery Solar Generator is famous for its high output, portability, and versatility. Choose between 240Wh and 24kWh based on your home's energy requirements.  

Before purchasing a solar generator, you must estimate your home's energy consumption to ensure it meets your requirements. A residence consumes between 3 and 5 kWh of energy per day. Then, simple calculations can be used to estimate how long the Jackery Solar Generator will continue to function.

Working Time = Power Station Capacity*0.85 / Your Device's Operating Wattage

For example, charging a 600W window AC with the Solar Generator 3000 Pro (3024Wh capacity) will require 4 hours (3024Wh*0.85/600W).

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is your SMART power master with a massive 3024Wh capacity and enormous 3000W power output to meet your electrical needs. The Explorer 3000 Pro power station supports APP control and can charge 99% of devices for an extended period, making it an ideal power supply for an off-grid tiny house.

The MPPT technology guarantees a 99 percent solar recharge efficiency. The power station can be fully charged in less than 1.80 hours. In addition, wall charging takes 1.8 hours to complete, and automobile charging is supported. You will no longer be concerned about power disruptions.

The Explorer 3000 Pro automatically modifies its output power at temperatures between -10 and -20 degrees Celsius based on its remaining battery capacity. Based on numerous simulation experiments, nine temperature sensors determine the location of the optimal temperature.    

Product Specs

• Capacity: 3024Wh, 3000W Inverter, 6000W Surge
• Cell Chemistry: Lithium-ion battery
• Cycle Life: 2000 cycles to 70%+ capacity
• Management System: BMS, Over-Voltage Protection, Short Circuit Protection
• Dimension: 18.6in x 14.1in x 14.7in
• Recharging Time: Solar panel (3-4H), AC adapter (2.4H), car adapter (35H)
• Output Ports: 1*AC Output: 120V~ 60Hz, 25A Max; AC, 3*AC Output: 120V~ 60Hz, 25A Max; 2*USB-C: 100W Max, 5V⎓3A, 12V⎓3A, 9V⎓3A, 15V⎓3A, 20V⎓5A; 1*Carport: 12V,10A Max.

*Learn more details from our product pagee.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The capacity of the Solar Generator 2000 Plus is expandable from 2 kWh to 24 kWh. Add solar panels and a battery pack to attain 24 kWh of expansion. It is ideal for off-grid power supply and supplying power during extended outages. Incredibly, an entirely solar-charged battery can now be completely independent of the power grid in just two hours.

The Solar Generator 2000 Plus can be entirely charged in only two hours using six SolarSaga 200W solar panels. The power source becomes self-sufficient by recharging itself with solar energy rather than the power grid. Solar panels can charge the first add-on battery pack in the industry, allowing for greater flexibility and saving time and energy during the charging process.

Utilizing a novel variable-speed charging algorithm enhances safety and doubles the battery pack's lifespan. Jackery enables the management and monitoring of your 2000 Plus. Even if used once a day, the superior LiFePO4 battery has a lifespan of up to ten years, as it was designed for durability. Utilize the Jackery app to manage and monitor your 2000 Plus. It supports various devices, real-time status monitoring, and customizable settings, among other features.

Product Specs

• Capacity: 2-24Wh, 6000W maximum power output
• Cell Chemistry: LFP (LiFePO4 battery)
• Cycle Life: 4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity
• Dimension: 7in x 18.6in x 14.1in, 61.5 lbs/ 27.9 kg
• Operating Temperature: Charge temperature:0~45°C (32~113 °F) , discharge temperature:-10~45°C (14~113°F) 
• Recharging Time: Solar panel (2H), AC adapter (2H), car adapter (25H)
• Output Ports: 4*AC Output: 120V~ 60Hz, 20A Max, AC; 1*AC Output: 120V~ 60Hz, 25A Max, AC Total Output，3000W Max, 6000W surge peak; 2*USB-A: Quick Charge 3.0, 18W Max; 2*USB-C: 100W Max, (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A); 1*Carport: 12V⎓10A.

*Learn more details from our product page.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro

The Solar Generator 2000 Pro has an enormous 2,160Wh charging capacity and can be fully charged with 6*SolarSaga 200W solar panels in under 2.5 hours or with an AC wall outlet in 2 hours. It employs 100% renewable solar energy with an intelligent MPPT controller to safeguard the power storage of your off-grid tiny house.

Pressing a single switch grants you access to limitless power. With optimized and modernized input and output display screens, brand-new on-screen features like fault code and low battery indicators provide simple information to read and understand.  

The 43-pound (19.5-kilogram) power station has a foldable handle for transportability. With a single button press, exceptional charging efficacy is available in seconds. The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro has a ten-year lifespan. It can be left in standby mode for over 365 days at total capacity, making it a highly reliable backup power supply for off-grid living. 

Product Specs

• Capacity: 2160Wh, 2200W Inverter, 4400W Surge
• Cell Chemistry: Lithium-ion battery
• Cycle Life: 1000 cycles to 80%+ capacity
• Dimension: 1in x 15.1in x 10.5in, 43lbs / 19.5kgg
• Operating Temperature: 14-104F (-10-40℃) 
• Recharging Time: Solar panel (5.5H), AC adapter (2H), car adapter (25H)
• Output Ports: 3*AC Output: 120V, 60Hz, 2,200W (4,400W Peak); 2*USB-A: Quick Charge 3.0, 18W Max; 2*USB-C: 100W Max, (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A); 1*Carport: 12V⎓10A.

*Learn more details from our product page.

How to Live in An Off The Grid Tiny House?

Living in an off-grid tiny house can be both difficult and rewarding. Here are some essential considerations for maximizing your experience living in a small place off the grid:

• Power Source

Providing power to your residence is one of the most significant difficulties of off-grid living. Many people today turn to solar panels to meet their electrical needs, but other standard methods include hydropower and wind energy.   

Additionally, consider a secondary generator or battery system for cloudy days. Jackery Solar Generators are the optimal backup power source for off-grid living.    

• Waste Management

Tiny homes can utilize composting toilets and greywater systems for waste management. Greywater systems filter and reuse water from sinks, showers, and laundry machines, whereas composting toilets use natural processes to break down and convert human waste to compost. These options are both environmentally sustainable and cost-effective.

• Storage & Organization

It is essential to maximize storage space when residing in a small home. Consider installing bookcases, cabinets, and drawers as built-in storage options. Utilize space-saving furniture like an ottoman with hidden storage or a couch bed.          

• Minimalism

Tiny house off-grid living necessitates a minimalist mentality. Consider minimizing your possessions and keeping only the essentials. To maximize your living space, utilize innovative space-saving methods, such as vertical storage or ceiling-mounted items.

Final Thoughts

Tiny house off-grid living can be a distinct and rewarding experience. Creating a sustainable, comfortable, and pleasurable off-grid lifestyle requires careful planning and considering the benefits and challenges above.

In the meantime, you must also carefully consider the electricity source for your off-grid tiny house. Due to its sustainability, purity, and scalability, off-grid living increasingly turns to solar power as a viable energy option. Jackery Solar Generators combine solar panels and portable power stations to fully utilize solar energy, making them ideal for your off-grid tiny house.