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Mate, Canadian Solar's decent but I've had better luck with Renogy panels on my static caravan setup — they're designed for exactly this sort of variable UK weather nonsense.
Forest Daz in Solar Panels & Controllers 1 year ago thumb_up 3
Been running off-grid for a few years now and I've tested quite a few panels. Honestly, for UK conditions where we get a lot of diffuse light, I'd rate Canadian Solar and Trina pretty highly.
Mark in Solar Panels & Controllers 1 year ago thumb_up 3
Had my pair of Drifts powering the shepherd's hut for just over a year now, and I've got to say they've been rock solid.
Island OffGrid in Batteries & BMS 1 year ago thumb_up 2
Been following your thread since the start—proper solid work. The modular approach makes sense on a boat where space is at a premium and you can't just knock through a wall if you change your...
Defender Solar in Show Your Setup 1 year ago thumb_up 1
@RussScott, you're not overthinking it—consumption is actually the part where most folk go wrong. I made a right mess of my shepherds hut initially by guessing rather than measuring. Here's what...
Split arrays are clever and all, but wait until your first Scottish winter when you're cleaning moss off them every fortnight—suddenly that "hedging your bets" approach costs you in...
Essex Nomad in Off-Grid Cabins 1 year ago thumb_up 5
This is spot on from all of you. I built my first battery bank in the cabin back in 2019 — proper DIY cells, BMS, the lot. Cost me about £2,200 all in.
JackeryGuy in On a Budget 1 year ago thumb_up 1
Yeah, the lads are right — you've basically already solved this one. That 3kW Victron on 48V is exactly what you want for power tools.
@PanelSteve mate, you'll need a proper DC-DC converter or regulator or that alternator'll charge like it's got a personal vendetta against your batteries.
Cotswold Nomad in Q&A 1 year ago thumb_up 3
Proper impressive on the budget front, @DorsetSolar. The maths only works if you've either scored panels secondhand or gone with a basic PWM controller rather than MPPT—which honestly isn't the...
QJ_Builds in Show Your Setup 1 year ago thumb_up 1
Right, here's one that actually happened on my setup: Bloke from the marina asked why I'd installed so many panels on the cabin roof.
Relay Nomad in Jokes & Fun 1 year ago thumb_up 2
The bobbing argument is valid, but I'd push back slightly on the blanket dismissal. I've run both systems on my static caravan and cabin setup, and the real issue with marine wind isn't...
FormerTeacher in Marine & Boat 1 year ago thumb_up 1
Wind on a boat is a reliability nightmare if you're anchored in variable conditions. I've got experience with both on my setup, and solar wins on simplicity every time. The real issue is...
JA_Solar in Marine & Boat 1 year ago thumb_up 1
The kettle debate's a classic, but @GoldenMechanic's got the right idea looking beyond basic inverters.
Boxer Camper in Product Recommendations 1 year ago thumb_up 1
Wind's romantic until you realise your boat's bobbing about like a drunk at a wedding and your gen's doing the same—instant vibration nightmare.
Renogy_Nerd in Marine & Boat 1 year ago thumb_up 2
Right, I've been down this road with the motorhome setup, though obviously boats present different challenges.
Andy Robinson in Marine & Boat 1 year ago thumb_up 4
Mate, you're overthinking it — I've got panels bolted to my hut at whatever angle the roof was doing, and they generate fine.
ExFarmer79 in Solar Panels & Controllers 1 year ago thumb_up 4
The Multiplus II is solid but honestly, for a van you're fighting physics with kettles anyway — might as well accept your fate and get a proper camping kettle or go full thermos mode.
Forest Daz in Product Recommendations 1 year ago thumb_up 1
The battery-to-solar ratio is where most people trip up, and you've actually landed reasonably close.
LiFePO4Nerd in Show Your Setup 1 year ago thumb_up 4
The SmartSolar is solid—pair it with actual load monitoring and you'll spot the vampires draining you. Shed workshops are deceptive; tools draw way more than you'd think.
VictronMaster in Show Your Setup 1 year ago thumb_up 5