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You know how some rich people have money sitting around? Well some of us are rich in solar panel generation capacity. Life is good. Gratitude.

Did a search on candlepowerforums (flashlight enthusiast site) for keyword “diysolarforum”. It is two pages long. Yes it was all me (pretty sure) but the exchange of knowledge goes both ways. Quality of solar/heatpump/battery info here is often priceless.

Maybe put together your own component system from NAZ Solar and/or Current Connected?

Calendar aging is a significant concern with both models.

Great video; Actual everyday conditions and duration testing. So looking forward ~2 years from now when that battery will be tested again.

This seems to be the EV thread: Excited and hopeful https://newatlas.com/automotive/mahle-perfect-electric-motor/

In New Mexico, adobe bricks have been used for a long time. Technically we are storing heat in bricks. The sun heats the ones by the south window, wood stove heats the others. It helps but is not the solution in of itself. Adobe homes have no wall insulation traditionally. Living at a higher...

There are forums where members who make a financial contribution have a phrase on their identity field that says “CPF Supporter” (in the case of candlepowerforums.com) That is a way to remind folks that it costs money to host such an endeavor as this. Just an idea; could be, not a good fit...

Sounds like you consider using propane as being somewhat still on the grid. Remember that off grid electrical systems can fail, needing days (weeks?) to solve. If you already have some propane capability, keep it around. The fuel does not go stale like gasoline. Depending on your eating habits...

Apoca Outpost videos offer suggestions for products. He thinks Renogy and Ampere Time are good choices. His choice for an electric 4 wheeler is HiSun (budget line yet kind of expensive with some bad reviews). We custom ordered (windows, man door, openings for propane, heating vent and...

If home heating and cooling are such big users, seems like it would be useful to include those factors in the equation; good amount of sunshine but not so much brutal heat and/or cold that a residence has to deal with in certain locations. Beyond the scope of the article/graphic but something to...

Thing is, once solar pays for itself, it keeps on giving. Sometimes for a long time. Yes battery technology can easily be said to be more expensive than grid-dependence, but it is our economic investment that is helping to bring distributed electrical storage costs down. Plus it is fun for...

What about the Solar Middle Class? Some day we hope to climb that ladder to the middle. For now we can scrimp and save, and smile at our days in the sun.

@ksmithaz1 Are you still rocking Magnepan? If not, did you replace it with something as spacious? Victron is like putting a grass lawn in your backyard. Easy to install, don't abuse it, and everybody will soon take it for granted like it's always been there, quietly performing in the background.

Since about 1997, I have used a Morningstar 300 Watt inverter; no fan, very quiet. Significant load creates some quiet hum/buzz but not noticeable after initial startup. Proximity to inverter, how hard or soft the room is, and what is going on there that also makes noise, all factor in, right...

One time I read a post by CurrentConnnected top tech guy (HighTechLab) writing that the mobile app on one type of battery they sell is not very good. How many times will a vendor honestly admit something like that? Respect.

Our propane refrigerator works for us, but we also have a small portable electric fridge as backup and in case we need to evacuate because of fire (and have the time to pack that kind of item). This discontinued model is also able to cool with electricity but it is not efficient at all; heating...

Currentconnected talked to me phone and email.

1996 75 watt British Petroleum (BP) panels cost about $4.50/watt back then. Early adopters helped pave the way to today.

Might as well open the hood of that MidniteSolar back panel behind the Outback 24V 3500W inverter: Know that this is 15 years ago installed, before I replaced the lightning arrestors with MidniteSolar SPD’s. Two screws and front cover (behind inverter) swings open for access.

I had a good chat via PM with Markus where no money was involved at all. Seemed like a helpful individual. Yes I have read posts here on DIYsolarforum where he may have misplaced his temper but aren't we all prone to that? Markus is definitely moving fast trying to help folks. We're all human...

Same array during fire season:

What is the reasoning behind bifacial panels not being good for desert environment? (Spell check tried to call them biracial panels)

Curious no one has stepped up on this question.

Redundancy, especially in a distant locale, can make good sense. Seems like researching energy storage thoroughly and building the rest around your batteries? Hoping other members will contribute.

Having a company like Signature Solar responding to forum questions and complaints seems like a win for the consumer. Telling Signature Solar they need to change their business model when they are plainly growing faster than they can hire quality help? Hmm… Victron uses their dealers to...

So nice! Lightning is a thing in Florida; hoping you have your solar panels grounded right. Do you have any surge protection devices?

Cold weld. This is the way.

Thanks for the explanation! Thanks for the good attitude you have demonstrated with this thread.