How To Add Electricity to a Bunkie

Adding electricity to your bunkie opens up a whole new range of possibilities — from simple LED lighting and phone charging to running a mini-fridge, space heater, or even a small air conditioner. There are two main approaches: connecting to your property’s existing electrical grid, or going completely off-grid with solar and battery storage.

Grid-Tied Electricity
We recommend hiring a Licensed Electrical Contractor to make sure the job is done safely and properly. A Licensed Electrical Contractor will assess how much power you need, pull the necessary permits, and safely install conduit and/or cable from your home or cottage panel to your bunkie. Depending on your location and usage, expect to budget $1,500–$5,000 CAD for a professional installation — costs vary based on the distance from your main panel and how much amperage you need.

What to Consider Before You Start

  • How will you use the bunkie? (sleeping only vs. heating/cooling/appliances)
  • How far is the bunkie from your main electrical panel?
  • Is the bunkie on a property with existing hydro service?
  • Will the bunkie be used seasonally or year-round?

For off-grid bunkies on remote cottage properties — or if you simply want to avoid the cost of trenching cable — solar and battery storage is an excellent alternative. See the off-grid options below.

Electricity installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor

Off-Grid Power - Generating Your Own Electricity

For off-grid power, options to consider are:

  • Compact power storage devices that can be charged ex. Bluetti, Ecoflow or Jackery

  • Rechargeable lights or battery operated lights

  • Solar panels on the roof or a ground mount (more advanced option); most people opt to put the solar panels up themselves and a Licensed Electrical Contractor will do the final tie in

If you are in the planning stages and researching your options, Canadian Off Grid Depot can advise on power and solar options for lighting, laptops, charging stations or TV to more advanced solar power systems for a generator, water pump or mini-fridge.

Off grid power from battery operated and rechargeable lights

Are you thinking about building extra space on your cottage or home property?

We’re famous for our small cabins called bunkies that can be easily built in a weekend for extra space without needing a second mortgage. 

We help families create extra space for more meaningful connections and proudly deliver across Canada and USA.

Call us at 1-888-914-9298 or fill out this quick form. We will get back to you soon.

Let's Connect

Are you thinking about building extra space on your cottage or home property?

We’re famous for our small cabins called bunkies that can be easily built in a weekend for extra space without needing a second mortgage. 

We help families create extra space for more meaningful connections and proudly deliver across Canada and USA.

Call us at 1-888-914-9298 or fill out this quick form. We will get back to you soon.

Let's Connect