Making My Home More Energy Efficient

Propane And Solar Are Two Alternative Power Sources Open To Tiny Home Owners

22 March 2016

Aubrey Kelly

Tiny homes are becoming very popular. One reason that a lot of people have chosen to go with a tiny house is because they want to live off-grid. An off-grid house isn't hooked up to the electrical grid or a natural gas system. That means that the people who have those houses need to have a way to provide electricity, heat, hot water, and a fuel source for cooking. There are a couple of different ways that these things can be done. 

Propane

Propane has become a favorite fuel source for people live in tiny houses or off-grid. That's because it's a very versatile fuel. It can be used for everything from creating electricity to cooking. There are small generators that run on propane that can be used to power some lights and some appliances. There are also refrigerators that run on propane, so that can reduce the draw placed on the generator. 

Another reason that tiny house owners like to use propane is that it is convenient. If their larger tanks run out, the homeowners can run down to the nearest hardware store and buy a small propane tank that can be hooked up to the refrigerator, stove, or generator. It's also fairly easy to get larger tanks filled by a propane provider. 

Many tiny houses are mobile, having been built on flatbed trailers, so using propane makes it easy for those houses to stay mobile. The tanks can be installed on the same trailer that the house is so that they can go where the house does.

Solar 

Solar power is another favorite for people who live in tiny houses or for people who want to live off the grid. Solar panels are installed on the roof of the house or they can be put on a stand next to the house. The panels are then attached to a generator or batteries which can be used to run the house. Solar panels aren't always best for houses that may be mobile at some point because the panels could get damaged in transit unless they can be brought into the house or a cover placed on the roof for protection. 

For people who want to live off the grid and are minimalists, a tiny house may be the perfect choice. In order to stay off the grid, many tiny house owners have chosen to go with something like propane in order to run their house and keep it fueled. 

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