1. Understand the Foundation: Power, Space, and Regulations
1.1 Evaluate Your Site’s Sunlight and Wind Potential
Before you pick a panel or a battery, sit on the lot and observe the sun’s path. A south‑facing roof in the Canadian Prairies can receive 5–6 kWh/m² per day, whereas a north‑facing location may only get 2–3 kWh/m². If wind turbines are an option, calculate average wind speeds (≥ 5 m/s for a 300 W turbine) and check for local noise ordinances.
Actionable tip: Use a solar calculator (SolarEdge, PVWatts) to model daily production and compare it to the projected load of your tiny house.
1.2 Canadian Building Codes and Energy Efficiency Standards
Your automation system must comply with the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requirements for electrical safety.
- Electrical wiring must be UL‑listed or CSA‑certified.
- Battery enclosures require ventilation per CSA C22.2 No. 71.
- Solar inverters must meet the Canadian Solar Energy Association (CSEA) guidelines for grid‑disconnect protection, even if you’re off‑grid.
Make sure you obtain a temporary or permanent electrical inspection from your local municipality before connecting the system.
1.3 Space Constraints in a Tiny House
A typical 200 ft² tiny house has a maximum of 100 ft² for mechanical equipment. Plan for:
- Solar panel roof area – Keep a 10 % margin for snow shedding in winter.
- Battery bank – Use a vertical cabinet or a bottom‑floor racking system that can be accessed from a single entry point.
- Control hub – A Raspberry Pi housed in a small, insulated box next to the breaker panel keeps cabling short and reduces heat loss.
2. Define Core Automation Functions for Off‑Grid Living
2.1 Lighting & Mood Control
An off‑grid tiny house often relies on LED strip lighting to save both space and energy.
- Dimmable LEDs (e.g., Philips Hue White & Colour Ambiance) can be wired to a Zigbee hub.
- Motion‑activated sensors reduce energy waste during sleep or when the house is unoccupied.
2.2 Climate Regulation (HVAC & Ventilation)
Tiny houses use mini‑split heat‑pump units (≈ 2 kW) for heating and cooling.
- Connect the unit’s thermostat to your hub to enable temperature‑based scenes: “Morning Warmup” at 07:00, “Night Cool” after 22:00.
- Install an automatic vent (e.g., Honeywell 1‑in. vent) that opens when humidity exceeds 60 % to keep the interior dry.
2.3 Water Management & Irrigation
Water in an off‑grid tiny house is precious.
- Rain‑water collection: A 200 L barrel with a pressure‑sensing pump can be automated to fill during low‑water cycles.
- Greywater recycler: A 50 L filtration unit can be powered by a 12 V motor controlled by a humidity sensor, turning it on only when the house