Owning a cabin in the picturesque rural landscapes of New Zealand offers a unique opportunity to create a serene getaway for both yourself and potential guests. With the growing popularity of green and sustainable living, many people with patch of land are looking to set up a glampsite or cabin powered by an off-grid solar kit, like those provided by GridFree. This decision not only helps you become more self-sufficient but can also significantly increase the appeal and value of your cabin on platforms like Airbnb.
Why Choose an Off-Grid Solar Kit for your Airbnb/Rental Cabin?
Choosing an off-grid solar system for a cabin or glamping set up appeals to the growing demographic of eco-conscious travelers who are seeking sustainable accommodation options. By advertising your cabin as powered by renewable energy, you can attract guests who prioritize green living, potentially allowing you to charge a premium rate.
Off-grid solar systems are an excellent choice in remote areas where connection to the national power grid is either impractical or prohibitively expensive. GridFree offers tailored solar kits designed to meet the energy needs of small to medium-sized off-grid homes. These kits come equipped with solar panels, batteries, inverters, and all the necessary components to ensure your cabin remains powered even in the most secluded locations.
For Sonya in Central Otago, off-grid solar allowed her family to share the stunning views on their slice of paradise through their glamping retreat, Hawkdun Hut. It's nestled in the barren high country, providing panoramic views of Mt St Bathans and the Hawkdun Mountain range without anything to obstruct the view, the powerlines, trees, or other buildings.
Installation Advice
Installing an off-grid solar system might seem daunting, but with careful planning and the right advice, it can be a straightforward process. Here are some steps to guide you:
Assess Your Energy Needs: Start by estimating the amount of energy your cabin will need. Consider the number of appliances, lighting, and other systems. Do you want to keep things simple and just power a couple lights and power points for phone charging? Or will you go a bit further and use power for a little kitchenette and bathroom, to have running water and an electric kettle? GridFree can help tailor a system to match your specific requirements, no matter what they are. You can also use their load calculator to get an estimation of power usage and the off-grid solar kit that would be required to power that.
Pairing It with Other Systems: Whilst solar can be used to power anything, we find that things like water heating, space heating, and cooking with electricity require a solar power set up that is prohibitively expensive. We recommend switching these to other energy sources such as a gas califont, woodburning fires, a gas hob etc. In addition to being budget-friendly, woodburners add a novelty to these stays that guests love.
Choose the Right Location: Solar panels need to be installed in a location that receives maximum sunlight throughout the day. Typically, a north-facing roof or a flat area near the cabin is ideal. Ensure there are no obstructions like trees or buildings casting shadows on the panels. These kits come with 10-20m cables runs for the panels, making it easy to place them in the optimal position without being in the way.
Professional Installation vs. DIY: While GridFree kits are designed for easy installation, it's still recommended to consult a professional to handle the more technical aspects, such as wiring it into a switchboard, to ensure everything is done safely and efficiently. This will also allow you to get a Electrical Certificate of Compliance, which may be required for insurance coverage. GridFree can recommend installers around the country to install the whole kit and the rest of your wiring, or just do the final pieces after you do the bulk of the set up.
Batteries and Storage: Since your cabin is off-grid, battery storage is crucial to store energy for use during cloudy days or at night. Make sure the battery bank is adequately sized to cover your needs, especially during the winter months when sunlight is limited. GridFree kits are designed to balance power generation and storage, but you're welcome to get in touch if you think you might need a different set up. Off-grid Airbnbs/glamping sites tend to be more popular in summer when power usage is low and solar generation is high, but preparing for all scenarios means you can rest easy knowing you won't get a panicked message from a guest with no power!
Maintenance: Solar systems are low maintenance, but regular checks are necessary. You'll want to check the battery storage level between guests, and be prepared to run a generator for a few hours to top them up before the next guests if necessary. Keep the panels clean and free from debris, with a proper wash every 6-12 months, and periodically check the components and wiring to ensure it's all still in good condition and functioning correctly.
Adding Value to Your Property
Investing in an off-grid solar system can add significant value to the property. As energy prices rise, the ability to generate your own power becomes increasingly attractive - no ongoing bills, no expensive connection costs, and no risk of power cuts. Additionally, potential buyers may view the self-sufficiency and eco-friendly nature of your property as a major selling point, potentially increasing its market value.
For Airbnb hosts, the novelty and environmental benefits of a solar-powered cabin can be a unique selling proposition. Guests are often willing to pay more for accommodations that offer something special, such as the experience of living off the grid with modern comforts. Many people out there are dreaming of moving off-grid, and offering them a way to trial the lifestyle will help you stand out.
Cheryl and Te Taki, who use a solar kit to power their off-grid glamping site, say that having power available meant a guest who need a Cpap machine could stay at their place! Hear more from them in the video:
Example Handout for Guests: How to Use the Solar-Powered System
Many Airbnb hosts looking to go the off-grid solar route are concerned about the guest experience - they know there's a learning curve and worry that guests will use all their power and leave a bad review! That's why we've written this example handout that hosts can use to introduce the constraints to their guests and keep everyone happy.
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Welcome to Our Solar-Powered Cabin!
We’re thrilled to have you here at our eco-friendly retreat, powered entirely by solar energy. To ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, here are a few tips on how to make the most of our off-grid system:
1. Charging Devices
You can comfortably charge your phones, tablets, and other small devices overnight. We recommend doing so in the evening when the day’s solar energy has been fully captured and stored. This way, you’ll have a fully charged device ready for the next day’s adventures!
2. No High-Power Appliances Please!
Our solar system is designed to handle typical cabin usage, but we kindly ask that you avoid using high-power appliances such as hairdryers, or electric heaters. These devices consume a large amount of energy and could deplete the battery reserve quickly.
3. Stay Warm, Sustainably
If you’re staying during cooler months, we have provided cozy blankets and a wood-burning stove for warmth. Please use these instead of electric heaters to conserve energy.
4. Be Weather-Wise
The weather plays a significant role in how much energy is available. On sunny days, feel free to use the system as you normally would. However, on cloudy or rainy days, we suggest conserving energy where possible. Turning off lights when not in use and unplugging devices when they are fully charged can make a big difference.
5. Enjoy the Experience
Embrace the opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life. Our solar-powered cabin offers a chance to reconnect with nature while still enjoying some modern comforts.
Thank you for choosing to stay with us and for helping us protect the beautiful environment we all love.
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By following these simple guidelines, your guests can enjoy their stay while fully appreciating the unique experience of living off-grid. Not only will this enhance their holiday, but it will also ensure your cabin remains a sustainable and enjoyable retreat for years to come.
Keen to get solar for your off-grid accommodations? Check out the full range of our DIY off-grid solar kits, or our Solar Nest range for a plugnplay solution.
