BUYING GUIDE
Power for your tiny house starts with your energy needs
A weekend away needs a different setup from year-round living. Start with your appliances, hours of use and charging options.
Explore the scenariosWhat do you need the battery to do?
A battery stores electricity for times when solar output is too low or no grid connection is available. Runtime depends on usable capacity and your consumption.
Separate three goals: powering a few appliances, covering an evening or living independently for several days. A larger battery alone cannot solve a shortage of charging opportunities.
How do you use your tiny house?
Occasional weekends
List the essentials: lights, phone and laptop. Calculate for the entire stay if you cannot recharge during it.
Year-round without the grid
Include refrigeration, pumps and cooking. Plan for winter days with little sun; heating can increase demand considerably.
With a grid connection
Choose the hours and appliances you want storage to cover. A grid-connected system does not automatically provide backup power.
Three batteries to compare
These are capacity examples, not complete system designs or a promise of weekend-long power. Panels and connection equipment must match the exact model.
If: A few appliances, a short stay
→ EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro (768 Wh)
Compare measured energy demand with 768 Wh of nominal storage. A 200 W panel is an illustrative option; check voltage, current and connectors too.
View →If: More everyday appliances
→ EcoFlow DELTA 2 (1024 Wh)
1024 Wh of nominal storage is not a full-day guarantee. Compare simultaneous appliance loads and charging from, for example, 400 W of panels with actual demand.
View →If: More storage required
→ Anker SOLIX F3800 (3840 Wh)
3840 Wh provides more nominal storage but also needs sufficient charging. An 800 W panel setup is an example, not a promise of a full recharge every day.
View →Calculate in watt-hours first
Energy in Wh = power in W × hours of use. For example, a 50 W appliance running for 4 hours uses 200 Wh. Add up all appliances. Measure a refrigerator over a full day because its compressor does not run continuously.
Battery capacity is nominal. Conversion losses, standby consumption and a reserved charge level reduce the energy reaching your appliances. Check starting power too. A 400 W panel does not deliver 400 W all day: season, shade and positioning affect output.
Three checks before choosing
Storage in Wh
Compare measured consumption with usable capacity and the hours without charging.
Power in W
Check continuous power, starting power and simultaneous loads. A large battery does not automatically mean a powerful inverter.
Charging and expansion
Check approved panels, extra batteries and cables for each model. Allow for space, weight and installation.
From energy needs to a safe installation
Use this sequence to have your plan checked. This is not a wiring manual.
- 1
Measure a normal day
Record consumption, peak loads and appliances that must keep working. Include a winter day.
- 2
Set the reserve
Decide how long storage should last and what you can switch off during a shortage.
- 3
Check charging options
Have solar yield, shade, roof loading and safe cable routes assessed.
- 4
Have the electrical connection assessed
Have a qualified installer design fixed wiring, earthing, protection and any transfer arrangement. Never backfeed a home through an improvised cable.
- 5
Test the agreed operation
Check loads and charging settings with the installer. Keep the manual and follow maintenance instructions.
What does LiFePO4 tell you?
LiFePO4, also called LFP, is a type of lithium-ion battery. Chemistry alone does not determine system life. Compare the exact model’s test conditions, remaining capacity after cycling and warranty.
An LFP battery still needs correct positioning, charging and maintenance. It is not fireproof. Observe the specified charging temperatures: being able to discharge in the cold does not mean charging below freezing is permitted.
Have your appliance list checked
Include consumption, length of stay and charging options so we can help you compare relevant options.
Ask for adviceRemember winter and maintenance
A summer trial does not prove that your system can supply enough in December. Plan for several days with little sun: lower consumption, a suitable alternative charging source or temporarily staying elsewhere.
Keep the battery accessible, dry and away from escape routes. Follow manufacturer spacing and ventilation instructions. Check cables and the case for damage. A generator is not a default requirement; never operate a combustion engine indoors or near open windows and doors.
Compare your options
| Example | Daily demand to assess | Nominal storage | Panel example | Check first |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short stay | 0.5–1 kWh | EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro (768 Wh) | 200 W | Can it cover the stay without charging? |
| Daily use | 1–3 kWh | EcoFlow DELTA 2 (1024 Wh) | 400 W | Storage may be less than one day’s demand. |
| Higher energy demand | 3–5 kWh | Anker SOLIX F3800 (3840 Wh) | 800 W | Assess peaks and timely recharging. |
Illustrative demand ranges and panel ratings, not measured tiny-house averages, a supplied bundle or a quotation. Nominal storage is not fully usable; assess compatibility and yield at your location.
Frequently asked questions
How many solar panels do I need?
Can I use a car battery?
What does a complete off-grid system cost?
How long does a battery last?
Can a battery run a washing machine?
What if cloudy weather continues?
Can I heat electrically from a battery?
Do I need a separate inverter?
Still unsure? Chat with our expert
We are happy to help you choose the right solution for your situation.