I'm planning to set up a small 180 sqft guest house (think AirBNB) with solar power and I'm a bit lost on what equipment I need. I'm aiming for low to zero utility costs. I'll be using a tankless water heater (18 KW, 240V, dual 40 AMP breakers), a mini split heat pump, LED bulbs, a small induction cooktop (120V, 1800W), and a mini fridge. I understand I'll need batteries and inverters, but I'm not sure about the specifications. I'm located in Southern Ontario near Toronto and would appreciate any product recommendations or insights on what to look for in equipment cost-wise. Thanks!
2 Answers
For a small setup like yours, I'd recommend looking into off-grid inverters with a watt capacity that surpasses your total consumption needs. Given your equipment, a 3000W inverter should give you some breathing room. As for panels, you might need around 600-800W worth depending on your usage and how much sunlight you get. Don't forget to factor in battery storage; lithium options are a bit pricier but last longer and take up less space. If solar falls short for certain appliances, consider propane for the cooktop and water heater as it can simplify your setup.
Your plan sounds solid. Just a heads up, while the investment might seem steep initially, think of it as a long-term gain. If you can run some appliances on natural gas instead, it simplifies the load on your solar system, making it more efficient and cost-effective in the long run. A single propane tank can be cheaper and require less maintenance than a fully integrated solar solution.
Thanks for the advice! I’m leaning towards natural gas for the heater – seems like it might save me some headaches with the power requirements!
Propane is a great idea, especially for appliances that need a lot of power. It could save you a ton on upfront costs and make your solar system much more manageable!