Solar panels for mobile homes: can i use and how many panels do I need

Solar panels for mobile homes

You can call them tiny manufactured, manufactured, or mobile homes. There’s no doubt that they are popular right now. But, how many solar panels do you require to power a mobile home? Is it possible to make use of solar energy here?

A mobile home requires 15 x 300W solar panels. This solar array can generate 4500 watts daily, enough for a 500-780 square feet home with the essential appliances.

Are Solar Panels a possibility to install? Panels on Mobile Homes?

Rooftop solar panels aren’t usually an option for homes built with manufactured materials.

In contrast to homes built on-site, mobile homes aren’t designed structurally to accommodate the weight of a photovoltaic panel. For example, this type of home has smaller roof joists that aren’t sturdy enough to support the load of the photovoltaic array. Furthermore, manufactured homes do not have concrete foundations that are permanent to ensure stability.

Furthermore, local building codes may not permit the installation of roof solar panel power systems on structures that aren’t permanently anchored in the ground.

What is amount of solar power does a Mobile Home Need?

Community of mobile homes
Community of mobile homes.

Although most energy efficiency mobile homes are located in the 500-800 square feet range, the power consumption can vary widely. This is how we came up with the 4500 watts per day consumption and the required conditions.

A mobile home typically consumes up to 4100 watts or 4500 watts per day, with about 80% of this coming from heating and cooling. This is the amount of power consumed daily.

DevicesWatts
Computer400W
Mobile device40W
Lights50W
Refrigerator1000W
Cooling/heating3200W

Total power: 4690 Watts.

These calculations assume that you are using propane gas for cooking. If you have a solar-powered microwave, the power demands will be greater. It is important to note that this house doesn’t have a blender, coffee maker, gaming console or Tesla car charging system. If you add them in, you must adjust the number according to the needs.

However, let’s assume that your house requires 4000W-4500W every day. We need to calculate the number of solar panels needed in the following section.

If you know the number of solar panels you require, we suggest 300 watts. If you go lower, it will consume too many square feet. So instead, it is recommended to start using a Solar Panel Kit and add more when needed. With this versatile kit, you can include any number of panels you want without any difficulty.

Additional Mobile Solar Home Power Calculations for Homes

A solar array of 15 best 300 watts solar panels is sufficient. However, it could be considered overkill as a 300W panel could produce 1500 watts in a day (5 x 300 equals 1500). Then 3x300W is enough. It all depends on the situation.

If you need only 4000 watts to power a short duration, three or four 300W panels can suffice. However, a house will require 4000 watts or more for extended periods. Four 300W solar panels can produce up to 1000 watts per hour on a good day. If you have the AC or heater running all day long, in addition to other appliances, your daily watt consumption will be more than 1000 watts.

A solar-powered refrigerator that consumes 1,000 watts a day will consume 3,000 watts of energy. Add dishwasher, microwave, and toaster, and you’ll be able to see the reason why 15 solar panels that produce 300 watts each are perfect. More appliances that you use, the greater demand.

There are a variety of factors that influence solar panel manufacturing. The most crucial ones are:

  • The peak output determines the solar panel ratings. The 300W solar panel is not likely to generate 300 watts continuously in actual use. It’s expected to be 200W or 250W.
  • The production of solar panels decreases significantly in winter. In the event of an unexpected downpour, production could stop completely.
  • The location of the solar panel influences the output of the solar panel. If you are somewhere in the colder states, this 300W solar panel could produce 50% of its rated output.
  • Production of solar panels is determined by peak performance during summertime. You can expect the numbers to decrease in the winter months. It is therefore beneficial for more solar panels on hand during such times.

If your power needs are 4100 watts or more, you must add a few hundred additional. It’s always good to reserve some power. In the end, you must possess more solar energy than you will require. A well-sized battery bank or solar generator is advised.

Does a Solar Powered Mobile Home Need Batteries?

The panels are just one aspect of the solar system. For a complete power source for your mobile home, you’ll need a charge controller, batteries as well as an inverter. We recommend a 1200AH battery bank or greater. You can purchase 3400ah or any size, as long as the total capacity is 1200AH.

A mobile house that uses 4100 to 4500W of power needs:

  • 15 300W solar panels
  • 1200ah lead-acid battery bank (12 x 370ah batteries)
  • 60A MPPT Charge Controller
  • 5000W inverter
  • Backup generator (optional)

Also, you should include a surge protector and circuit breakers, a system control panel, all the necessary cables, connectors, and wires. If you bought the solar panel kit or employ a professional installer to install the installation for you, they’ll include all the equipment and tools.

If you plan to install the system, look at each part and figure out the amount of solar power you will require. An important note regarding the generator: the backup generator should have the same power capacity as the solar array and, in this case, 4500W. It’s not a necessity, but it can be a lifesaver in the event of emergencies.

It is impossible to be sure of the weather conditions or a sudden catastrophe. If you are in a position to not use your solar energy system for extended durations having a generator on standby will ensure your peace of assurance.

You can choose between 24V or 12V batteries. You depend on the power system. It is possible to choose AGM or lithium batteries, but the lead-acid batteries will suffice for smaller homes.

Lithium batteries offer advantages, as do AGM. They are less expensive. Their lifespans are more extended than AGM as well. While they require more care than lithium, this is not a problem if we are prepared to maintain them.

The main selling point is the cost. The lifestyle of mobile homes is about controlling costs. Utilizing lead-acid batteries is among the best methods to achieve this.

Strategies for Boost Mobile Home Solar Power Efficiency

The homes manufactured by manufacturers are typically inefficient and waste a large volume of energy. You can make a few changes, and you’ll reduce your energy consumption. This is an economical option for those who want to switch to solar energy.

Based on a study by the U.S. Department of Energy, the most effective mobile home energy efficiency strategies are:

  • The sealing of furnace ducts and air leaks
  • Making a plan for the furnace for a tune-up
  • Insulate the bottom of your manufactured home
  • Installing storm windows for the interior
  • Improved insulation in attics

A variety of other improvements like replacing your old bulbs with energy-efficient ones, installing more efficient window blinds, or setting up a smart thermostat can help reduce the amount of electricity you use. In addition, if you conduct an online or expert home energy audit, it is possible to find other ways to increase energy efficiency.

Are you eager to start saving money through photovoltaic energy? Intermountain Wind & Solar professionals, one of the regions’ largest and most knowledgeable PV panel installation companies, are working with homeowners across Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Colorado, and Wyoming. If you reside in an on-site home and a mobile home, we will assist you in finding the most cost-effective and efficient method of implementing solar energy.

Are there alternative locations to Install Solar Panels on a mobile home?

Solar panels on the roof of the pergola and on the ground
Solar panels on the roof of the pergola and on the ground.

If you cannot put solar panels on your roof, it doesn’t mean that you must go without solar power. Here are some options.

The most popular alternative is to put the panels on a building close by, for example, the pergola or patio or even a shed structure. Then, after installation, it is possible to connect the panels to your home’s main system.

If your property is situated on a large land area, you should consider installing a ground-mounted solar. In a ground-based configuration, it is a structure constructed where solar panels can be placed. If the local building code permits, it’s the best option to use rooftop solar panels.

Be aware of the fact that ground-mounted solar panels are more expensive in comparison to rooftop panel that you can set up. They also produce less power due to their location further away in the sunlight. But, it’s the best option for those who want solar energy in your mobile home.

Conclusion

Mobile houses were known as energy wasters, frequently consuming more energy than an average American home. These days, they are made of energy-efficient materials, which are a viable option for many.