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Building Our Tiny Home: A Journey of Power and Perseverance

Introduction

In an era where minimalism and sustainable living are gaining traction, my partner and I embarked on an ambitious project: building our own tiny home from scratch. With no prior construction experience, we dove headfirst into this labor of love, living in the home as we built it. This article chronicles our journey, focusing on a significant milestone—installing the electrical system to make our tiny home fully off-grid. Alongside this, we share insights from a recent trip to Tahiti, where my partner Max tackled the world’s most dangerous wave, adding an adventurous twist to our story.

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The Tiny Home Dream

Our tiny home project is more than just a construction endeavor; it’s a lifestyle choice that reflects our values of simplicity, sustainability, and appreciation for the little things. After five years of living on the road, we’ve learned to cherish every small victory, from erecting walls to finally having power. Unlike conventional homes, where utilities are taken for granted, every step in our build feels like a monumental achievement. The process has been both challenging and rewarding, especially since we’re doing most of the work ourselves, with the help of professionals for critical tasks like electrical wiring.

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Powering Up: The Solar Solution

One of the most crucial steps in our tiny home build was setting up a reliable, off-grid power system. After months of planning and preparation, we reached the exciting phase of installing solar panels and electrical components. Here’s how we did it:

Solar Panel Installation

We chose to install 16 solar panels on the highest ridges of our Colorbond roof to maximize sunlight exposure. To minimize potential leaks, we carefully planned to use existing holes where possible. The process began with attaching brackets, removing protective plastic, and cleaning each panel before mounting. It was a physically demanding task, but the satisfaction of seeing the panels in place was immense. These panels form the backbone of our off-grid power system, harnessing solar energy to keep our home running.

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Battery and Charge Controller Setup

The heart of our electrical system lies in a custom toolbox mounted on the trailer, designed to house six 240 Ah batteries and four charge controllers. We selected a toolbox that perfectly fit the dimensions of our equipment, ensuring minimal wasted space. To connect the solar panels to the batteries, we drilled a conduit hole through the back wall of the toolbox, sealing it to prevent leaks. The system flows as follows: solar panels feed into the charge controllers, which regulate power to the batteries. From there, the batteries connect to a 3000-watt inverter, which powers our 240-volt household system via a fuse box.

Backup Power Plan

Living off-grid in a region with limited winter sunlight posed a challenge. To ensure we’re never without power, we installed four AC-to-DC chargers as a backup, allowing us to plug into mains power when needed. These chargers, stored under the stairs in a shaded, well-ventilated space, provide peace of mind during extended periods of bad weather. While we hope to rely primarily on solar, this backup system ensures we can keep our lights and appliances running, even during the shortest days of the year.

Professional Touch

While we handled much of the prep work, we enlisted a licensed electrician (or “Sparky,” as we call them) to wire the system safely. Their expertise ensured our setup was compliant and efficient, allowing us to treat our tiny home like a standard grid-connected house. We opted for an ITC World 18kW system, a pre-configured solution that included compatible components for a seamless, set-and-forget installation. This decision saved us from the complexity of mixing and matching equipment, letting us focus on the build itself.

Maximizing Space and Functionality

Space is a premium in a tiny home, so we made strategic choices to optimize storage. The toolbox housing our batteries and charge controllers is weatherproof and covered with a tarp for extra protection, with drainage plugs to handle any moisture. By mounting the electrical system on the trailer, we avoided sacrificing valuable indoor storage. We also installed two dual GPOs (general power outlets) on the exterior, powering essentials like a water pump for pressurized water and, soon, a hot water system. These additions bring us closer to the creature comforts most take for granted.

Celebrating the Small Wins

For us, every milestone is a cause for celebration. When we flipped the switch and saw our downlights and sconces illuminate for the first time, it was a moment of pure joy. After years of living without consistent access to power, these small victories feel profound. The sconces, in particular, exceeded our expectations, adding a touch of warmth and personality to our evolving home. As we continue working on the kitchen—details of which we’ll share in our next update—each step forward reminds us to stay grateful.

A Detour to Tahiti

Amid the tiny home build, Max and I took a break to pursue another adventure: a trip to Tahiti to surf the world’s most dangerous wave. This side project was a thrilling contrast to the meticulous work of building our home. The experience was unforgettable, filled with adrenaline and awe-inspiring moments. If you’re curious, check out the video we made—it’s a wild ride! Returning to our tiny home project with renewed energy, we were ready to tackle the next phase of our build.

Lessons from the Road

Living on the road for five years has shaped our perspective. Building a tiny home while living in it amplifies that mindset, teaching us to appreciate every small luxury—walls, power, running water. These are privileges we no longer take for granted. Our dog, ever the enthusiastic supervisor, keeps us grounded, reminding us to find joy in the moment (and maybe sneak a carrot or two). This journey is a reminder to everyone: celebrate the little things, because they’re often the most significant.

Looking Ahead

With power now flowing through our tiny home, we’re one step closer to our dream of a fully functional, off-grid sanctuary. The kitchen is next on our list, and we can’t wait to share that progress. This build is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the joy of building something with your own hands. Thank you for joining us on this adventure—here’s to the next chapter!

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