The ultimate guide to off-grid Tiny Homes.
Tiny homes have ignited the imagination of countless Australians, and it's no surprise why.
​
At Arc Tiny Homes, our meticulously crafted tiny houses offer you a lavish and sustainable living experience, all while allowing you the freedom to venture far from the conventional.
​
The beauty of an Arc Tiny Home lies in its mobility.
With wheels beneath your home, your plans remain as flexible as ever, and you're not locked into a single location.
​
However, off-grid living isn't for everyone; it demands resilience and resourcefulness. In this comprehensive guide to off-grid living in tiny houses, we'll delve into essential factors to consider, providing insights and tips for those who are ready to take the plunge.
​
​
In this short guide, we'll cover the following
1. Site Access: Planning the perfect location for your Arc Tiny Home and how to effortlessly tow it into place.
​
2. Site Preparation: Ensuring a stable and secure foundation for your tiny house, even in remote off-grid locations.
​
3. Power Solutions: Exploring the options for powering your tiny house efficiently and sustainably.
​
4. Water Management: Securing a consistent supply of clean, drinkable water for your off-grid lifestyle.
​
5. Waste Management: Strategies for handling blackwater and greywater waste in an environmentally responsible manner.
​
6. Rubbish Disposal: Finding eco-friendly methods to manage household waste in remote settings.
​
7. Costings: We'll provide some costings to give you a real-world view of what your off-grid Tiny Home step up might cost
​
​
1.
Site access for your Tiny Home
When you've chosen the ideal spot for your Arc Tiny Home, it's time to consider the journey from the main roads to your property. Whether it's conveniently accessible or tucked away amidst the tranquility of your property, you must plan how to position your tiny home. Ensuring ample room for the delivery truck to maneuver is crucial. You might need to trim trees and clear branches, fill in potholes, and prepare challenging terrain in advance of delivery. If your tiny house is nestled in a rural paddock, you'll also need to plan daily access to prevent any unwanted bogging incidents.
2.
Preparing your site
Once you've pinpointed your off-grid tiny house's perfect location, you'll need to create a level pad area roughly matching the size of your tiny home. This cleared area could be strategically positioned to capture breathtaking views or nestled among the serene beauty of nature. Consider laying a concrete pad, at least 100mm thick, or using concrete footings under adjustable landing legs (450mm x 450mm x 500mm deep). Alternatively, opt for compacted gravel, crusher dust, or road base, maintaining a thickness of 100mm to ensure your tiny house remains level and secure.
3.
Powering your off-grid Tiny House
For your off-grid lifestyle, harnessing renewable energy sources is paramount. Arc Tiny Homes prioritize energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption compared to traditional homes. Solar panels present an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution to power your tiny home. Connect with a local solar installer to assess your energy needs and choose the right-sized solar power system that generates surplus electricity for cloudy days or nighttime use.
4.
Efficient water
management for off-grid living
Living off the grid demands strategic water management. Begin by installing guttering to either your Arc Tiny Home (or an awning situated over a deck / carport) to collect rainwater and channel it into a well-sized water tank. To ensure purity for drinking, cooking, and washing, invest in a filtration system that safeguards against contaminants and purifies the water. A water pump is essential to transport the water from the tank to your tiny house.
5.
Waste-Management Solutions
Explore multiple waste management options for your off-grid tiny house. You can install a normal flush toilet connected to a septic tank, a composting toilet integrated into a greywater system, or a gas or electric incinerator toilet. Composting toilets are eco-friendly, sustainable, and virtually odorless, making them a popular choice for those embracing off-grid living.
6.
Streamline Rubbish Management
Dispose of household waste effectively with a range of options. Depending on your location, consider ordering household bins from your local council or private collection company for regular curbside pickup. Alternatively, gather and sort your household rubbish for disposal at the nearest rubbish depot.
Off-Grid Tiny Home Set Up Costings Breakdown.
Solar Power System: $15,000 - $25,000
​
Our solar power system, the heart of off-grid living, comes with a price tag ranging from $15,000 to $25,000. This system includes a minimum of 6 solar panels, a 4-8 kWh battery, a 5,000W inverter, and an autostart backup generator for any weather challenges. We recommend placing your solar panels on a rack or trailer in full sunlight, away from shade, ensuring maximum year-round energy capture. Partner with a local solar installer for setup and maintenance, and consider systems from Commodore or Skybox installed by a licensed electrician.
​
Guttering Kit and Downpipes: $250
​
Guttering and downpipes, essential for rainwater collection, come at a cost of $250 and should be installed after your tiny house is in place.
​
Rainwater Water Tank: $1,000 - $3,000
​
Secure your water supply with a 5,000L water tank, with larger options available to meet your needs. You'll also need a standard water pump to facilitate water access. While your tiny house's roof captures some rainwater, consider additional sources during prolonged dry spells, like collecting rainwater from a nearby shed or refilling via a water truck.
​
Rainwater Water Filter: $2,000
​
For pristine rainwater consumption, a UV rainwater filter, costing approximately $2,000, can disinfect up to 99.99% of common bacteria in rainwater tanks. Add an installation cost of $250 - $500 for a plumber, with filter cartridges requiring replacement every 6 - 12 months and the Ultraviolet Lamp annually.
​
Greywater System: $500 - $1,000
​
Efficiently manage wastewater from your kitchen sink, shower, bathroom sink, dishwasher, and washing machine with a greywater system. This system includes a greywater pipe, filter, slotted pipe, grease trap, and gravel trench. Use eco-friendly cleaning products to maintain the system. Connect with our greywater specialist for a 1-hour consultation tailored to your site.
​
Composting Toilet: $2,000+
​
Opt for a low-maintenance and odorless GreenLoo GL90 composting toilet, starting at $2,000. This choice is ideal for off-grid living and should connect to your greywater trench for black water overflow. For locations near water bodies, consider a gas or electric incinerator toilet (approx. $7,700). Consult a plumber for installation, connecting the toilet pedestal, canister, fan, exhaust pipe, and other components to the greywater system.
​
Gas Bottles: $200 per year
​
For complete off-grid living, we recommend gas for hot water and cooktops, reducing strain on your solar power source.
​
Wood Fire Heater: $4,500+
​
Experience cozy warmth in your off-grid tiny home with a wood fire heater, starting at $4,500. This addition not only adds comfort but also reduces reliance on air conditioning for heating. The Charnwood Aire 3 is a top choice. A plumber or roofing plumber can install the flue after your house is delivered and installed.
​
Total Cost: $25,000 - $35,000