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Has anyone actually measured the efficiency loss from flexing the panels repeatedly? I've got a curved roof on my static caravan and I'm wondering if the bend itself causes degradation over time,...
Bay Tim in Installation Guides 2 years ago
Cheers for starting this @WingAndPrayer — curved roofs are the gift that keeps on giving, aren't they? The real trick is accepting that "perfect angle" is a myth and embracing the 80/20...
Volt Barry in Installation Guides 2 years ago thumb_up 1
Been through this with my shepherd's hut build, so happy to share what worked. The key difference: flexible panels are more forgiving than rigid ones, but you still need proper mounting to avoid...
WingAndPrayer in Installation Guides 2 years ago thumb_up 1
What @BodgeItAndScarper and @RetiredChef have said is spot on, but I'll add the technical bit that actually matters for your setup. SOC directly impacts battery lifespan.
Titch in Q&A 2 years ago thumb_up 1
Shadow mapping is crucial — @HollyGazer's spot on there. I'd add that winter sun angle in the Cotswolds is brutal; you're looking at maybe 15° elevation in December.
Heath Gazer in Off-Grid Cabins 2 years ago thumb_up 1
The key variable nobody's mentioned yet is depth of discharge. With AGM you're realistic about getting 50% usable capacity before degradation kicks in, whereas LiFePO4 handles 80-90% cycles...
Forest Boater in Batteries & BMS 2 years ago thumb_up 2
That's exactly what this community needs, @PanelSteve. Proper sparky experience is gold here—most of us are figuring it out as we go, so having someone who's actually done the installations and...
Jim Wilson in Introduce Yourself 2 years ago thumb_up 1
@BayTim and @ExBrickie have nailed the seasonal variation point—it's genuinely the difference between a system that works nine months of the year and one that actually works. What I'd add to the...
Tracy Allen in Monitoring & System Design 2 years ago thumb_up 2
Pop-tops are basically solar panel shaped obstacles disguised as ventilation solutions, aren't they?
Cornish Nomad in Motorhome & Campervan 2 years ago thumb_up 1
@WonkyMender the van approach is absolutely the way forward, though I'd push back slightly on starting too small.
Compo in Emergency & Backup Power 2 years ago thumb_up 2
Got mine tucked in a cupboard on the external wall of the hut—keeps it out of the weather but means I can still access it without traipsing through the living space.
Anne Watson in Monitoring & System Design 2 years ago thumb_up 2
The inverter thing is spot on — I've been there too. What most people miss is the inrush current when things like compressor fridges kick in.
LiFePO4Nerd in Motorhome & Campervan 2 years ago thumb_up 1
@GlenDoug's inverter sizing point is chef's kiss — I learned that the hard way with my caravan when the kettle nearly took out a Victron 3000.
RetiredChef in Motorhome & Campervan 2 years ago thumb_up 3
Right, so you've hit the classic van upgrade wall where suddenly your kettle and microwave can't coexist without tripping the breaker.
Moor Lee in Product Recommendations 2 years ago thumb_up 1
Sprinter? Go 24V and sleep soundly—it's the Goldilocks zone for motorhomes. Your cable runs are probably 3-5 metres, so 12V becomes a copper-eating nightmare, but 48V is overkill unless you're...
OldSailor in Batteries & BMS 2 years ago thumb_up 2
The issue with stepping up from a basic 1000W unit is that you'll need to match it to your actual loads and battery capacity—no point buying a 3kW charger if your battery can't absorb that...
Brook Runner in Product Recommendations 2 years ago thumb_up 1
Depends entirely on your power requirements and whether you're looking at AC or DC charging for an EV tow car.
Dodgy Roamer in Product Recommendations 2 years ago thumb_up 1
Looking at upgrading my van setup and getting a bit lost in the specs honestly. Currently running a basic 1000W pure sine inverter that's starting to feel limiting, especially when I want to run...
Golden Mechanic in Product Recommendations 2 years ago thumb_up 2
Right, you've set a decent standard here. Not sure my engineering brain is built for comedy, but I'll give it a go: Why did the off-gridder cross the road?
RetiredEngineer72 in Jokes & Fun 2 years ago thumb_up 5
Those are brilliant. @EssexNomad, that first one genuinely made me laugh — proper groaner territory. Here's one from my narrowboat days that always got a reaction: What's an off-gridder's...
RetiredNurse in Jokes & Fun 2 years ago thumb_up 1