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Off grid cabins

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Mark Young

New Member
Joined
Jun 10, 2024
Messages
2
Location
Oologah, Oklahoma
I started building tinies about 2 years ago and just built my first off grid cabin. The cabin is 270 sq ft and I am needing a solar system in it. I am of the "older generation" and the solar stuff is new to me. Needingvany advice I can get on what to do.
 
Start with a list of what you plan to power and for how many hours each day approx.
 
I would check out clever cleaversolarpower.com
This guy is an electrical engineer he's got a YouTube channel a book and explain things very well
This will help bring you up to speed and help you size
your system also has a bunch of pre laid out systems if you wish to use
 

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Mark Young said:
I started building tinies about 2 years ago and just built my first off grid cabin. The cabin is 270 sq ft and I am needing a solar system in it. I am of the "older generation" and the solar stuff is new to me. Needingvany advice I can get on what to do.
Click to expand...

There’s lots of old guys here. I think one of the members is 38….(chuckle)

And for the love of all that is holy, please check with us before you start buying stuff. 😁

These guys will save you a ton of cash.

Welcome!
 
Bananaman321 said:
I would check out clever cleaversolarpower.com
This guy is an electrical engineer he's got a YouTube channel a book and explain things very well
This will help bring you up to speed and help you size
your system also has a bunch of pre laid out systems if you wish to use
Click to expand...
Not trying to run you off by no means but many opinions couldn't create confusion when you're new
 
Easiest if you do all your calcs in watts. ( as you probably know volts x amps=watts)

E.g.: a minisplit is about 1000 watts an hour (probably less). My flat screen tv is 44 watts/hour. LED light bulbs at 60 watt equivalent are about 5 watts. Etc.
 
That is exactly what I thought. Yes it is going to have a 1 ton mini split , a flat screen, etc. But being an off grid air b n b, people will rent it to get that off grid experience so it won't have a lot . I was figuring a 4000 watt system would be big enough?
 
Mark Young said:
That is exactly what I thought. Yes it is going to have a 1 ton mini split , a flat screen, etc. But being an off grid air b n b, people will rent it to get that off grid experience so it won't have a lot . I was figuring a 4000 watt system would be big enough?
Click to expand...

Guesses without doing the 1-2 hours of planning/learning result in:

1) an insufficient system that won't meet your needs.
2) an over-built expensive system.
3) A Goldilocks system - guess how often this happens without planning?
 
Waffle man is correct. I went up and down the numbers for my small house. Then decided to get a 5000 watt Victron Quattro with the idea that it would be enough. But I can get another if my estimates or lifestyle or wife need more power.
 
Also all-in-one or hybrids may seem expensive at first but when you factor in all the other components are sometimes a cheaper option
 
This video was a major deciding factor in my system
I had already ordered the equipment from signature solar but had not shipped
After re-evaluating component cost and complexity of the system I was planning on building I realized that at 3x the cost the hybrid inverter would offset the cost as a whole by reducing the components wiring and later need for expansion so I called them up and change my order
 
Bananaman321 said:
This video was a major deciding factor in my system
I had already ordered the equipment from signature solar but had not shipped
After re-evaluating component cost and complexity of the system I was planning on building I realized that at 3x the cost the hybrid inverter would offset the cost as a whole by reducing the components wiring and later need for expansion so I called them up and change my order
Click to expand...
I'm not saying that's what you should do I'm just saying take your time consider all the options
 
I don't know what you consider "older generation", I'll be 88 in November, but here is my 360 SF off grid cabin in SE Oklahoma. I started construction about two years ago and it is a work in progress. The equipment pictured has performed very well and produces enough power to run my camper, lights, fans, and power tools needed for construction. You can see the 1600 watts of panels (4S4P) just above the camper awning in the second photo. There are two EG 24V batteries currently in the rack with one more planned in the future. I also have four more panels to add to the array when time/weather permits. The physical and wiring layout will accomodate a second inverter in the future. As previously mentioned, do an analysis of your power requirements and go from there. There is a world of new equipment available and even though i'm pleased with the equipment I have, I'm sure I'd chose differently if I were starting today.

Photos are from various times in the construction phase.

20230514_102244[1].jpgCamper_4[1].jpgCamper5[1].jpg
 
I like camp systems. The basics get you closer to living with energy. Some small adjustments in lifestyle are necessary but I don't find them an inconvenience. I have a small home that I call a camp, it is 900sqft. I have refrigeration, domestic hot water, dishwasher, clothes washer and all the usual stuff. The clothes washer even has its own water tank and all cycles use hot water for extra clean. I also have to run one thing to keep me alive, so the system has to work. For years I just ran on a car battery. Last year I expanded by adding a 50AH lithium and another sulfated car battery from town recycling. It is amazing what you can do if energy management is automated. The basics can run for days with rain. That would be a challenge for anyone. But look at my property. See any solar panels. They hide under the trees.
InkedCamp View_s.jpg
 
BobT said:
I don't know what you consider "older generation", I'll be 88 in November, but here is my 360 SF off grid cabin in SE Oklahoma. I started construction about two years ago and it is a work in progress. The equipment pictured has performed very well and produces enough power to run my camper, lights, fans, and power tools needed for construction. You can see the 1600 watts of panels (4S4P) just above the camper awning in the second photo. There are two EG 24V batteries currently in the rack with one more planned in the future. I also have four more panels to add to the array when time/weather permits. The physical and wiring layout will accomodate a second inverter in the future. As previously mentioned, do an analysis of your power requirements and go from there. There is a world of new equipment available and even though i'm pleased with the equipment I have, I'm sure I'd chose differently if I were starting today.

Photos are from various times in the construction phase.

View attachment 221295View attachment 221296View attachment 221297
Click to expand...
I like your enthusiasm keep up the good work and thanks for the share.
Seeing what you're doing at near nearly twice my age inspires me to get off my butt and start another project or do something more than what I'm doing right now 👍
I can only hope that you're age to have your motivation and energy.😇

Make sure to update us with any new improvements and throw your age in there just to rub it in🤣
Thanks again
 
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