Recent content by 45North

It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble, it's what you know for sure that just ain't so: Mark Twain

Proace already has up to 200 miles (320km) of range, why mess with it? We have a saying:"If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

What car?

Homes theoretically Could be made hurricane proof too but they'd be expensive to build. Haven't most home insurance companies withdrawn from the Florida market? Too risky!

But if your windmills are blown over and destroyed by high winds you get nothing. Are they hurricane proof?

Welcome! Stick with lead acid batteries then: Li must not be charged below freezing or they'll be damaged

Yes, 12v let's you use lots of standard stuff off-the-shelf from automotive and RV stores. And for small systems that's all you need.

I've also heard it called "Phantom load" - what is used when everything is supposedly turned off (but really on "standby") To make sure stuff is really off you can either unplug it or turn off its power bar.

Sounds like you're doin the right thing: Design your overall topology/layout upfront rather than try to add it on after the fact bandaid style. Mebbe you should get some professional help? This sounds like an awfully big project to be diy-ing.

Thanks for the link, SG. I've never heard of this cheese, even though I've visited Wales.

Windex?

Yes, they flicker when it's cloudy and there's not enough sun. They come on steady when it's sunny.

I have several LED lights lighting up the basement in the daytime.

I'm a gardener too, so sometimes my tools go out with the leaves and never come back! Or else they drop somewhere in the yard and get so rusty they're unusable. I just pray I don't run over them with the lawnmower.

That is a huge undertaking! I'd start by taking a serious look for opportunities for downsizing and conservation. Every watt saved is a watt you don't have to produce. Is selling off your kids legal in California?