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Inrush is definitely the headache. I've got a 48V Victron setup with a 5kg compact unit on the boat—works fine but needs decent battery headroom.
Battery Ray in Q&A 1 year ago thumb_up 1
Been looking into this for my static caravan setup and wondering if anyone's got practical experience with well pumps on solar. Currently running a basic system — 4kWp of panels, Victron MPPT...
FormerMechanic in Off-Grid Cabins 1 year ago thumb_up 2
For a shepherds hut fridge, you're looking at 3-5kW minimum to handle inrush — @BlownFuse's point about that 3-5x startup spike is spot on. What's your battery bank size though?
WingAndPrayer in Inverters & Chargers 1 year ago thumb_up 5
Mate, the peace of mind alone is worth it. I've got a 200Ah Fogstar LiFePO4 in my narrowboat and it's transformed how I live — no more babying the battery or watching voltage like a hawk. The real...
Watt Vicky in Product Recommendations 1 year ago thumb_up 5
@CumbrianWanderer — cracking setup for that location. The angle debate's interesting but honestly what's been the real killer for me is shading from the surrounding terrain.
Dizzy70 in Show Your Setup 1 year ago thumb_up 4
The real question isn't wattage in isolation — it's your daily consumption versus realistic generation.
LH_Marine in Motorhome & Campervan 1 year ago thumb_up 1
Curious what you lot are seeing on the battery replacement costs side though? That's the bit that keeps nagging at me. I'm running a motorhome setup with lithium (Fogstar 200Ah) and the economics...
Bev Jackson in General Chat 1 year ago thumb_up 1
Have you lot factored in the BMS headaches though? I'm running Victron LiFePO4 in my van setup and it's bulletproof, but I've heard horror stories from people buying cheap Chinese cells without...
Muddy Skipper in Batteries & BMS 1 year ago thumb_up 2
Been running a single Drift 5.12 in my garden office setup for about fourteen months now, paired with a Victron MultiPlus 48/5000 and a modest 6kW solar array.
OXM_OffGrid in Batteries & BMS 1 year ago thumb_up 1
Has anyone watched Off Grid with Kate Humble? Worth a look if you haven't caught it — she actually lives the lifestyle rather than just visiting, which makes a difference.
Stormy Welder in The Lounge 1 year ago thumb_up 1
The motorhome angle adds another layer—mobile consumption is wildly different from static setups. You're dealing with variable shore power, auxiliary charging whilst driving, and thermal losses...
@DaleVicky — welcome aboard properly. Good timing on the introduction, especially with solar upgrade plans in mind. What's your current setup looking like?
Roger Knight in Introduce Yourself 1 year ago thumb_up 3
The DCC50S is genuinely bulletproof with alternator noise — mine's been through some proper rough charging cycles in the van.
ExBrickie in For Sale 1 year ago
The caravan route's a solid shout—I stumbled into the off-grid circles through EV charging forums initially, which seems daft in hindsight, but there's genuine crossover.
Bazza60 in General Chat 1 year ago thumb_up 1
@CotswoldNomad — good thinking on the landlord angle. Before committing to roof work, have you considered a portable setup on a ground mount?
Roger in On a Budget 1 year ago thumb_up 2
Running Fogstars myself in a shepherds hut setup with a 48V Victron system, and I'd echo the reliability comments.
Renogy_Pro in Batteries & BMS 1 year ago thumb_up 2
Honest truth though—I've got two Fogstar 5kWh units stuffed under my tiny house and they're doing the job for about half what I'd pay for equivalent Victron, which matters when your entire setup...
Cotswold Cruiser in On a Budget 1 year ago thumb_up 4
Got a pair stacked in my van and they've survived everything from Scottish winter to Welsh damp without throwing a tantrum.
NaeClue in Batteries & BMS 1 year ago thumb_up 1
Has anyone actually measured their caravan roof before fitting? I'm asking because I made the mistake of assuming mine could handle what the manufacturer claimed—turns out the reinforcement around...
Volt Paddy in Solar Panels & Controllers 1 year ago thumb_up 1
Salvage route's solid but test everything with a cheap multimeter before assembly — I've seen batches where 30% were already internal short. @ZFS_OffGrid's right about laptops though.
ExSquaddie49 in On a Budget 1 year ago thumb_up 1