Powering a Tiny Home in Europe: How to Size a Battery Station and Solar Kit

Powering a Tiny Home in Europe: fast, clear steps to size a battery station and solar kit

Hook: You want an easy, reliable way to power a cabin, van or tiny home in Europe without getting lost in technical specs, surprise customs fees, or confusing panel math. This guide shows you, step‑by‑step, how to convert real life loads into a battery + solar kit using current Jackery and EcoFlow deals (early 2026), with practical examples for weekend cabins, mobile vans and year‑round tiny homes.

Why this matters in 2026

Demand for compact off‑grid systems surged through 2024–2025 as more Europeans downsized, bought weekend cabins, and retrofitted vans. Manufacturers answered with higher‑cycle LFP batteries, smarter MPPT controllers, and modular systems you can expand. At the same time, 2025–2026 deals like the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus (bundle prices starting at €~1,219 / $1,219 in January 2026) and flash sales on EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max (example €649–€749 flash pricing) make building a reliable off‑grid kit both affordable and faster to deploy.

What you'll learn

• How to calculate realistic daily energy needs for a tiny home, cabin and van.
• How to convert needs into battery capacity, factoring inverter loss and depth‑of‑discharge (DoD).
• How to size solar panels and MPPT inputs for European weather and seasons.
• How to choose between compact stacks (Jackery / EcoFlow), and when to add more panels or a second unit.
• Practical installation and logistics tips for buyers in Europe (shipping, customs, rules).

Step 1 — List and total your real loads (do this first)

The biggest mistake is guessing. Start with a list of every device and the hours per day you’ll use it. Use the device label (watts) or measure it with a clamp meter or plug monitor.

Example loads (typical tiny setups)

• 12V LED lighting: 30 W total, 6 hours/day = 180 Wh/day
• Fridge (small 12–24V compressor): average 40–60 W running, cycles to ≈1,200 Wh/day
• Laptop: 60 W × 4 h = 240 Wh/day
• Phone charging 2 × 10 W × 2 h = 40 Wh/day
• Hot water via 12/24 V heater or small immersion: typically large peaks—best avoided unless heat pump or propane used

Daily total example (small cabin): 180 + 1,200 + 240 + 40 = 1,660 Wh/day (≈1.66 kWh/day).

Step 2 — Convert daily Wh into battery capacity

Battery capacity must cover your usable energy after accounting for:

• Depth of Discharge (DoD): For long battery life use 80% DoD for LFP; 50% for older chemistries.
• Inverter efficiency: 85–95% depending on model (use 90% as a rule).
• Days of autonomy: How many cloudy days you want to ride out without sun? Typical choices: 0–1 day (van or weekend), 1–3 days (remote cabin), 3+ days (critical off‑grid).

Formula (simple):

Required battery capacity (Wh) = Daily energy need (Wh/day) × Days of autonomy ÷ (DoD × inverter efficiency)

Worked example: small cabin needing 1.66 kWh/day and 1 day autonomy

Using 80% DoD and 90% inverter efficiency:

Battery Wh = 1,660 × 1 ÷ (0.8 × 0.9) = 1,660 ÷ 0.72 ≈ 2,306 Wh.

So a single 2.3 kWh usable battery is enough. The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus (≈3.6 kWh nominal) covers this with headroom for heavier use, while an EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max‑class unit (compact) may cover overnight use for shorter stays—check exact model capacities before buying.

Step 3 — Choose the right power station: Jackery vs EcoFlow in 2026

Both brands offer strong portable power stations and frequent bundles. Use the sizing you already calculated and compare real specs—especially:

• Nominal capacity (Wh) — how many watt‑hours the battery stores.
• Usable capacity / recommended DoD — whether manufacturer recommends using 80–90% or less.
• Continuous and surge output (W) — can the inverter handle a fridge or microwave startup?
• Solar MPPT input limit (W) and voltage range — determines how many panels you can run at once.
• Weight and portability — vital for vans and removable cabins.
• Charging speed (AC and solar) — useful if you need fast replenishment between uses.
• Battery chemistry and warranty — LFP, cycle life, and warranty terms.

Using current deals (early 2026)

Examples from early 2026 promotions:

• Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus — headline deal at ~€1,219 or bundle with a 500W panel for ~€1,689. This unit gives a high-capacity, plug‑and‑play option for weekend cabins and small year‑round tiny homes. (See a recent portable power station field review for tradeoffs when choosing capacity and surge rating.)
• EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max — flash sale prices around €649–€749 in early 2026 for compact stations. Excellent value for vans and weekend use, but check capacity and MPPT input limits if you want multi‑day autonomy.

Practical tip: a single HomePower 3600 will often replace two smaller units and simplifies wiring; however, two smaller stations can be easier to carry and can provide redundancy.

Step 4 — Solar panel sizing for Europe (realistic panel math)

Solar sizing depends on local solar yield. Use these conservative average yields per kWp installed:

• Northern Europe (UK, Scandinavia): 2.2–3.0 kWh/kWp/day
• Central Europe (Germany, France, Benelux): 3.0–3.6 kWh/kWp/day
• Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Greece): 4.0–5.0 kWh/kWp/day

Allow system losses (inverter, wiring, dust, tilt): use a derating factor of ~0.75–0.80.

Formula:

Required peak panel power (W) = Daily energy need (Wh) ÷ (Average kWh/kWp/day × derating factor) × 1000

Example: small cabin, 1.66 kWh/day in Central Europe

Use 3.3 kWh/kWp/day and derating 0.75.

Panel kW = 1.66 ÷ (3.3 × 0.75) ≈ 0.67 kWp = 670 W of panels.

So a bundle like a 500W panel with a 3.6 kWh battery helps — but to reliably recharge in lower sun you may want 700–1000 W of panels (two 350–500 W panels) or to rely on shore AC charging in winter.

Van vs cabin vs year‑round tiny home guidance

• Van (weekend / mobile): Aim for 200–600 W of panels and 500–1,500 Wh usable battery. Focus on portability: flexible or foldable panels and compact power stations (EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max on sale are attractive).
• Weekend cabin: 500–1,000 W of panels and 2–4 kWh battery is a comfortable baseline. Jackery HomePower 3600 bundles with a 500 W panel are great entry kits for this use case.
• Year‑round tiny home: 1–3 kWp of panels and 6–12 kWh usable battery (or a hybrid grid/backup approach) for winter heating and longer cloudy periods. Consider combining portable stations with stationary LFP home batteries as you scale.

Step 5 — Match solar input limits to your panels

Check the power station's maximum solar input (W) and the MPPT voltage range. If a station accepts 500 W solar, connecting 1,000 W will not charge faster unless the station supports it. You may:

• Use a single high‑input station plus more panels sized to that input (common for portable kits).
• Charge via AC from a generator or grid when solar can't keep up (common in winter).
• Use parallel/serial panel wiring to match voltage input limits—let a professional help if unsure.

Step 6 — Inverter & surge sizing (don’t skip this)

Many appliances—compressor fridges, pumps, microwaves—have high startup currents. Choose a power station or inverter with sufficient surge rating:

• Dishwasher/microwave: large surge, typically >2,000 W—rare in tiny homes.
• Fridge compressor: 2–3× running watt surge for a few seconds.
• Heat pumps or electric heaters: continuous high draws—better handled by grid or dedicated battery systems.

Actionable rule: add a 25–50% safety margin on continuous watt rating and check surge capability explicitly in the product specs.

Step 7 — Installation basics and safety (European context)

Whether mounting on a van roof or building a small ground array, follow these best practices:

• Protection: Install DC fuses between panels and controller, and a proper AC breaker between inverter and loads.
• Grounding and lightning: Ground arrays where local rules require it; consider lightning arrestors in exposed sites.
• Ventilation: Portable stations with LFP are safer, but keep any battery in a ventilated, dry location away from heat.
• Cabling: Use correct cable gauge for distance to reduce voltage drop (long runs need thicker cables).
• Mounting: Tilt and azimuth matter—fixed southern tilt is best in Northern Hemisphere; use adjustable mounts for season changes if possible.

Legal and permitting note for EU residents: Small portable off‑grid systems are often plug‑and‑play without complex permitting, but fixed ground‑mounted arrays or systems tied to the grid may require local permits. Check municipal rules and national regulations in your country before installing permanent ground or roof arrays.

Step 8 — Shipping, customs, and buying tips in Europe (2026)

Deals we referenced (Jackery, EcoFlow) are attractive, but watch for:

• EU stock: Prefer EU warehouses to avoid VAT surprises and faster delivery.
• Warranty and returns: Confirm EU warranty and service centers—some brands offer EU warranties for units sold in the EU only.
• Customs & VAT: If buying from outside the EU, factor in ~20–25% added to price (VAT plus potential duties and brokerage fees).
• Delivery logistics: Batteries are often restricted shipping commodities (air transport restrictions). Retailers with EU logistics will handle this for you—see practical shipping tips for small brands and cross-border logistics.

Practical approach: if a Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus bundle is €1,689 from an EU retailer with quick EU shipping, that often beats a lower headline price that adds VAT and long shipping. For deeper notes on cross-border logistics see this guide on scaling shipping and fulfilment: From Stove Top to Worldwide: scaling shipping and logistics.

2026 trends to factor in when planning your system

• Modularity is mainstream: Many users now build multi‑kWh setups from stacked portable stations rather than one monolithic battery. It gives portability and redundancy.
• LFP dominates: From safety to cycle life, LFP chemistry is now common in 2024–2026 station designs—choose it for longevity.
• Smart energy management: Expect Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth energy apps with scheduling, export limiting, and integration with smart thermostats or heat pumps.
• Second‑life EV batteries: More ecosystems and DIY packs for larger stationary systems—good for future upgrades.

Case studies — three realistic builds

1) Weekend van (mobile, two people)

• Loads: lights, 1 laptop, phone charging, small fridge — ≈900 Wh/day.
• Battery: 1–1.5 kWh usable (EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max class on flash sale is a cost‑effective option).
• Panels: 200–400 W foldable/roof panels (fast to stow and deploy).
• Notes: Choose flexible or foldable panels and a power station with a high charge input for quick midday recharge.

2) Weekend cabin (central Europe)

• Loads: small fridge, lights, kettle via stovetop (no electric heating) — ≈1.5–2.5 kWh/day.
• Battery: Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus (≈3.6 kWh) gives 2–3 days buffer and simple AC/solar charging options; bundle with 500 W panel for a compact starter kit.
• Panels: 700–1,000 W for reliable recharge across variable weather.

3) Year‑round tiny home (limited grid or hybrid)

• Loads: fridge, washing, lighting, computing, small heat pump for space heating—3–8 kWh/day (seasonal).
• Battery: scale to 6–12 kWh usable; use stacked portable stations or a dedicated home LFP system for cost efficiency.
• Panels: 1–3 kWp array; combine with grid or generator backup for winter months.

Actionable checklist before you buy

1. Make a 7‑day spreadsheet of expected loads (Wh/day).
2. Decide on days of autonomy you need.
3. Apply the DoD & inverter loss formula to size battery capacity.
4. Use local solar yield numbers to size panels (conservative estimate for your country).
5. Compare product solar input limits and surge capacity before choosing a station.
6. Factor in shipping, VAT, warranty and local service availability.

Quick reference formulas

• Battery Wh needed = Daily Wh × Days of autonomy ÷ (DoD × inverter efficiency)
• Panel kW needed = Daily Wh ÷ (average kWh/kWp/day × derating factor)
• Number of panels = Panel kW needed × 1000 ÷ (panel watt rating)

Final recommendations — practical buying strategy

Start with a conservative load sheet and buy a battery station that gives 20–40% headroom. In 2026, many buyers prefer a portable power station they can carry and expand with more panels or a second identical unit. For most tiny home and cabin buyers in Europe, a Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus (current bundle deals include a 500 W panel) is an excellent one‑box starter for serious weekend and some year‑round use. For mobile and budget builds, EcoFlow flash deals on compact DELTA‑class units can be smart for short trips or as a second, portable bank.

Trust anchor: check battery chemistry (prefer LFP), check MPPT input limits, ensure continuous and surge output match your largest motor load, and buy from EU vendors to avoid customs headaches.

Closing thoughts and call to action

Off‑grid power for tiny homes in Europe is now easier and more affordable than ever. With 2026’s modular LFP options and strong Jackery and EcoFlow deals, you can plan a resilient system that fits your lifestyle—whether that’s a compact van setup or a year‑round off‑grid cabin. Start with real load measurements, size battery and panels using the formulas above, and buy from an EU supplier to keep delivery and warranty simple.

Ready to build your kit? Use this guide to sketch your loads, then check current Jackery and EcoFlow bundles (prices and stock change fast) and compare EU shipping and warranty terms. If you’d like, send us your load list and location (country) and we’ll help size a specific kit with panel counts, inverter recommendations and a budget estimate.

Take action now: Calculate your daily Wh, choose days of autonomy, and check the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus and EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max deals to see which starter bundle fits your tiny home plan—then start building.