Dreaming of a peaceful cabin getaway — but still want lights, cold drinks, and maybe even some air conditioning?
In sunny Florida, solar power makes it possible to live comfortably off-grid without relying on the utility companies.
But the big question is — how much solar do you really need to power a cabin?
Let’s break it down in plain English.
Step 1: Figure Out Your Power Needs
Every cabin is different.
Start by listing the appliances and devices you plan to use daily.
Here’s a quick example:
| Device | Watts | Hours per day | Daily Use (Wh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED lights (4x) | 10 | 5 | 200 |
| Mini fridge | 100 | 24 | 2400 |
| Laptop | 60 | 3 | 180 |
| Water pump | 300 | 1 | 300 |
| Phone charging | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Ceiling fan | 75 | 8 | 600 |
➡️ Total: ~3,700 watt-hours (3.7 kWh) per day
That’s a small, efficient cabin — and a great starting point.
Step 2: Match Your Solar Panels to the Sunshine
Florida averages 5–6 peak sun hours per day.
That means every 1,000 watts (1 kW) of solar panels produces about 5–6 kWh of power daily.
So, if your cabin needs 3.7 kWh/day, you’d need:
~800 watts of solar panels to stay even (around 4x 200W panels).
Want a little buffer for cloudy days or future upgrades?
Go for 1,200–1,500 watts (about 6–8 panels).
Step 3: Don’t Forget the Batteries
If you want real off-grid independence, battery storage is essential.
You’ll want at least 1 full day of backup power, ideally 2–3 days for bad weather.
Example setup:
- 2 × 12V 200Ah lithium batteries (SOK or similar)
- Stores around 5 kWh of usable power
- Enough to run lights, fridge, and small devices overnight
Pair that with a Victron inverter/charger, and your cabin will have smooth, reliable power 24/7.
Step 4: Plan for Expansion
Most people who start with “just a few panels” soon realize they want more comfort — maybe an electric cooler, TV, or a small AC unit.
That’s why we design systems that can grow with you — add panels, extra batteries, or upgrade your inverter when you’re ready.
Our off-grid systems are modular and built for Florida’s humidity and hurricane conditions.
Installed By Us — Off-Grid Solar Experts in Southwest Florida
At Installed By Us, we help cabin owners across Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and beyond go fully off-grid with clean, reliable solar power.
We use premium gear from Victron Energy and SOK Battery, built for real-world Florida conditions — not just pretty marketing specs.
Whether your cabin is deep in the woods or sitting by the coast, we’ll help you size your system correctly the first time.
Quick Example System for a Small Cabin
- 6 × 200W Solar Panels = 1,200W
- 2 × 12V 200Ah Lithium Batteries = 5 kWh storage
- 1 × Victron Multiplus 3kW Inverter
- 1 × 150/60 MPPT Charge Controller
- Wiring, fuses, mounts, and safety disconnects
✅ Runs: lights, fridge, fan, laptop, pump, TV
✅ Expandable: add more panels or batteries later
A small off-grid cabin in Florida typically needs 1,000–1,500 watts of solar power and around 5 kWh of battery storage to run comfortably.
Larger cabins or homes with A/C may need more — but the principles stay the same.
With the right setup, you can enjoy complete independence — no power bills, no noise, no compromises.
Ready to design your cabin’s off-grid system?
Call Installed By Us at (239) 241-0953
or visit installedbyus.com for your free off-grid solar estimate.
