Quick Answer
A 100 amp service is generally sufficient for a tiny home with solar, depending on the specific electrical load and panel configuration. However, it's essential to consider the total power requirements and ensure the system is properly sized.
Understanding Electrical Load
A typical tiny home has an electrical load of around 10-20 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day. For a 100 amp service, you can use the following rough estimate: assume 1 amp is equal to 1.25 kilowatts. Multiply the daily load by 0.8 to account for inefficiencies and reserve capacity. So, for a 15 kWh/day load, you’d need around 85 amps. This leaves some headroom for future expansion and unexpected loads.
Calculating Solar Panel Sizing
To determine the required solar panel size, multiply the daily load by the number of sunshine hours in your area. Let’s assume 5 peak sun hours (PSH) per day in your location. For a 15 kWh/day load, you’d need: 15 kWh * 1.25 kW/A * 5 PSH = 93.75 amps. This calculation assumes the solar panels will be at their maximum output during peak sun hours.
System Design Considerations
When designing the solar panel system, consider the following: use a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) charge controller to optimize energy harvesting, and select solar panels with a high wattage rating (e.g., 300W or higher) to minimize panel count. Also, ensure the inverter is compatible with your solar panel array and can handle the peak power output. Finally, don’t forget to factor in the inverter’s efficiency losses, which can range from 95% to 98%.
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