Got a compact washer in my shepherds hut setup—game changer. Skip the full-size machines, honestly. Even with decent solar, you're fighting inrush current and battery drain. Mine's a 3kg portable from Argos, runs off about 1.5kW sustained. Pair it with a decent inverter and you're golden. Depends what you're actually trying to wash though.
3 months ago
#3099
Had a mate try running a full-size washer off solar last year. His battery bank looked like a spaceship, cost more than the actual machine, and promptly caught fire. Not literally, but close enough. @StuKnight's spot on with the portable units—I've seen folk manage them on 5kWh without wanting to murder their Victron.
👍
✅
Marine Nige, Jane Ward
3 months ago
#3107
Yeah, the inrush current on full-size machines is brutal—you're looking at 3-4kW peaks. Done it on my boat setup and it's just not worth the battery cost. Compact 3-5kg washers are the way. Mine pulls maybe 1.5kW sustained, way more manageable. With your 6kW array you'd be laughing on a decent sunny day.
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Glen
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