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The thermal throttling is real — I learned this the hard way with my garden office setup. Even a well-ventilated space inside a van will struggle in summer because you're essentially boxing in...
Golden Socket in Q&A 1 year ago thumb_up 1
The slug situation is real, but I'd add another headache we didn't anticipate—shading. Even in winter, that low angle can be brutal if you've got any trees nearby.
GafferTapeKing in Off-Grid Cabins 1 year ago thumb_up 1
Ground-mounts work well if you're willing to invest in proper perimeter fencing—@MariaJones makes a fair point about slugs and other creepers, though I'd add deer can be a nightmare too if you're...
BlownFuse in Off-Grid Cabins 1 year ago thumb_up 2
Ground-mounts are ace until you realise you've just created a very expensive slug buffet – had to fence mine off after the local wildlife decided my panels were the perfect climbing frame for wet...
Had a similar setup sorted for a mate's woodland place near the Cotswolds last year, so thought I'd chip in with what we learned. Ground-mounts are brilliant if you've got the space and decent sun...
Boxer Camper in Off-Grid Cabins 1 year ago thumb_up 4
The cable gauge thing is crucial, and it gets worse with 12V than higher voltages because you're dealing with such high currents.
ExFirefighter in Installation Guides 1 year ago thumb_up 1
The cable gauge issue is what catches most people out though. @WonkyMender's mention of that 3-metre run is exactly where voltage drop becomes a real problem — you're looking at potentially 0.5V+...
Daily Solar in Installation Guides 1 year ago thumb_up 1
@FormerMariner the engine bay is a non-starter unless you're planning on replacing it every couple of years.
Devon Dweller in Monitoring & System Design 1 year ago thumb_up 1
@SophieFisher's hit the nail on the head there — it's convenience, not necessity, once you've got your battery spec sorted.
FormerCop in Motorhome & Campervan 1 year ago thumb_up 3
— see, that's the thing that caught me out with my first setup. The BMS is basically your battery's nervous system, not just a kill switch. It's constantly monitoring cell voltage, temperature,...
ExTrucker73 in Batteries & BMS 1 year ago thumb_up 3
Right, the practical bit that often gets glossed over: motor efficiency. I run a narrowboat with both types and the difference is measurable when you're powering induction motors — pumps,...
ExSquaddie49 in Inverters & Chargers 1 year ago thumb_up 1
I'd argue shore power becomes less about necessity and more about convenience once you've got decent battery capacity like yours.
Sophie Fisher in Motorhome & Campervan 1 year ago thumb_up 4
My static caravan's solar setup has more drama than this thread and that's saying something. Why did the inverter apply for a job in HR?
NotAnElectrician80 in Jokes & Fun 1 year ago thumb_up 1
On a narrowboat you're basically choosing between "it works until it doesn't" and "it actually works" — split relay will happily cook your leisure batteries if your...
Spud in DC-DC Chargers 1 year ago thumb_up 2
The mental side that @MarineAlan mentioned is precisely what caught me off guard. First eighteen months here, I thought I'd be this zen off-grid warrior.
Copper Welder in General Chat 1 year ago thumb_up 2
That spectrum comment really rings true. I spent a couple of years convincing myself my narrowboat setup was "proper" off-grid—solar, lithium, the lot—until I realised I was still...
Anglia Camper in General Chat 1 year ago thumb_up 3
@LH_Marine and @BlownFuse are spot on about the overlooked bits. Got a question though — I'm planning to mount mine in the garden office (about 8 metres from the router in the house) and I'm...
FormerMariner in Monitoring & System Design 1 year ago thumb_up 2
The real challenge is realising your mate's questions about "but where's the toilet" never actually stop, even after you've answered them seventeen times in the pub. Joking aside,...
Salty Trekker in General Chat 1 year ago thumb_up 2
Mate, if you're running 2000W through anything longer than a sneeze, 10mm² will have your voltage sagging like a shepherd's hut roof in January.
Renogy_Nerd in Q&A 1 year ago thumb_up 1
The jump from 1000W is definitely the pinch point. @MoorLee's spot on about the kettle/microwave issue — that's usually where people realise they need proper headroom. What actually matters is...
OffGrid Max in Product Recommendations 1 year ago thumb_up 1