Living in a Tiny House is a conscious choice for many people—a choice to live more sustainably. You choose to own fewer things, live in a smaller space, and often reduce your ecological footprint. Sustainable energy fits perfectly into that lifestyle. Most Tiny House residents aim to be (largely) self-sufficient by installing solar panels. It’s not only good for the environment, but also for your wallet.
Because a Tiny House has relatively low energy needs, a modest set of solar panels can often cover most of your electricity use throughout the year. Especially if you’re mindful of your energy consumption—think energy-efficient appliances and good insulation—you can achieve a lot with just a few panels on the roof or mounted on a rack in your yard.
In Tiny House community Klein Dalem in Gorinchem, residents live partly off-grid
Feeding back to the grid and the net metering scheme
Solar panels generate the most power during the day. At times when you produce more than you use, the excess electricity is fed back into the grid. For many years, the net metering scheme made this especially attractive: you received the same amount for the energy you supplied as you paid for the energy you used.
Unfortunately, the Dutch government plans to phase out this scheme. Although the proposed timeline—starting the phase-out in 2025—has been put on hold for now, it’s clear that net metering will become less financially beneficial in the future.
For Tiny House residents, this means it’s wise to consider not only the short-term payback of your setup, but also how you can use your electricity more efficiently in the long run. Think about installing a home battery or using smart appliances that automatically run when the sun is shining.
In Tiny House community De Kleine Burg in Rotterdam residents share electricity via a neighborhood battery
How to choose a green energy supplier
Not fully self-sufficient yet, or planning to use a bit of grid power in the winter months? Then it’s important to choose a green energy supplier. But beware: not every company that calls itself “green” actually delivers truly sustainable energy.
Look for quality marks like the Groene Energie label from the Dutch Consumers’ Association, or check out the annual rankings from Wise. These show which companies genuinely invest in new wind and solar parks—and which ones mostly rely on buying green certificates to appear eco-friendly.
Another great option is joining a local energy cooperative. These are collectives of neighbors who generate renewable energy together—via a local solar farm or wind turbine, for instance. You invest locally, know exactly where your electricity comes from, and the profits are often reinvested in community projects.
An off-grid solar installation in a Tiny House
Ready for the future
Generating your own power fits perfectly with the philosophy of small living: being more independent, living in harmony with your environment, and matching your energy use with what’s naturally available. Whether you’re going fully off-grid or still drawing some power from a green energy supplier, having solar panels on your Tiny House means you’re well-prepared for the future.
With upcoming technologies—like affordable home batteries, smart local energy grids such as neighborhood batteries, and ever more efficient solar panels—it’s becoming easier and more accessible to make use of sustainable energy on a small scale.
So: are you considering a Tiny House? Make sure green energy is part of your plan from the start. For example, reserve some space in your utility area for a future home battery and choose appliances that are compatible with it. You’ll make your home future-proof, contribute to a cleaner climate, and save significantly on your energy costs.
Leave a Reply