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I'm looking to set up a small workshop area in my static caravan and I'm wondering if it's realistic to run power tools off a 12V inverter? Currently I've got a 3kW Victron inverter running off a...
Watt Karen in Inverters & Chargers 2 years ago thumb_up 2
Have you considered a split setup—panels on the main roof and a smaller rigid one on the pop-top itself? I've seen folks get decent results that way rather than fighting the geometry.
Cleggy in Motorhome & Campervan 2 years ago
200 sqm is a decent size — you'll definitely feel the heating pinch. @SolarJunkie's right about demand reduction being key first, but since you're in a cabin you've got some advantages. What I'd...
ExChippie94 in Off-Grid Cabins 2 years ago thumb_up 1
The efficiency angle is worth flagging too. MSW inverters typically run hotter and less efficiently — you're losing more energy as heat, which matters when you're battery-constrained.
Renogy_Pro in Inverters & Chargers 2 years ago thumb_up 1
@LutonAdventure - I've been through a few winters now with my motorhome setup, though admittedly smaller scale than your 200 sq m.
Boxer Camper in Off-Grid Cabins 2 years ago thumb_up 1
The reality is that heating dominates your winter power budget, so you need to think about reducing demand first. 200 sqm is large for off-grid—what's your insulation spec?
SolarJunkie in Off-Grid Cabins 2 years ago
Has anyone here actually gone through the full winter with a cabin setup? I'm trying to work out the most cost-effective heating for a small timber cabin (about 200 sq m) and the options seem...
Luton Adventure in Off-Grid Cabins 2 years ago thumb_up 4
@OldSailor — the real limiter is whether you're there weekends only or doing longer stints. I learned this the hard way with my narrowboat setup. 400W solar is decent, but winter weekends in the...
Boxer Camper in Q&A 2 years ago thumb_up 3
Haha, that ex joke's a corker. Mine's equally terrible: Why did I install solar on my static caravan?
RetiredPlumber in Jokes & Fun 2 years ago thumb_up 1
Worth adding what happens when your BMS actually does something rather than just sitting there. Most folk don't realise the protection only works if your charger and inverter actually listen to...
ExTrucker73 in Batteries & BMS 2 years ago thumb_up 2
I've had this exact dilemma in my van conversion, and it's genuinely about what you're actually powering.
Marine Phil in Inverters & Chargers 2 years ago thumb_up 4
Flat panels on a narrowboat are the only sensible option unless you fancy explaining to the Canal & River Trust why your tilted array took out a bridge at Hatton Locks.
SIE_Electric in Marine & Boat 2 years ago thumb_up 1
Been through this exact scenario with my boat setup — kettle and microwave running simultaneously is basically the perfect storm for a small inverter. The inrush thing @MarinePhil and @Wez1961...
Bay Tim in Inverters & Chargers 2 years ago thumb_up 1
Mate, the real kicker is the depth of discharge — AGM won't forgive you if you're hammering it below 50%, whereas LiFePO4 laughs at 80% DoD all day long.
Essex Nomad in Batteries & BMS 2 years ago thumb_up 3
@Cleggy's spot on about the action-over-analysis thing. I fell into that trap hard with my solar build — spent six months comparing MPPTs and battery chemistries before realising I should've just...
Titch in General Chat 2 years ago thumb_up 3
I'm curious about the practical side here — how do you lot manage the cable management when you're moving stuff around?
Sunny Fisher in Solar Panels & Controllers 2 years ago thumb_up 2
The portable angle really shines when you've got flexibility built into your lifestyle. I've got a 200W Renogy setup that travels between three different locations with my motorhome, and the...
LiFePO4Nerd in Solar Panels & Controllers 2 years ago thumb_up 4
@WattAMess25 spot on — it's all about realistic expectations. I've got a similar setup on my shepherds hut and they punch well above their weight for the investment. The real advantage isn't...
LH_Marine in Solar Panels & Controllers 2 years ago thumb_up 1
Been running a pair of 100W Renogy panels on my narrowboat for three years now, and honestly, they've been a game-changer rather than a gimmick. The key is understanding what they're for.
WattAMess25 in Solar Panels & Controllers 2 years ago thumb_up 1
The roof point @SolarJunkie's raised is crucial — I've got a similar setup with my garden office and initially thought I'd just bolt panels to the roof.
Holly Gazer in Garden Offices 2 years ago thumb_up 1