diy solar

diy solar

Recent content by jbird526

  1. jbird526

    LFP and Victron upgrade on 42" sailboat

    Still feel like the windlass should be on a Gel or Mat battery so you can beat the heck out of it and not feel concern about the BMS. Could you increase the bow thruster battery bank and run both? By run both not to mean running both at the same time as that is unlikely. Making an assumption...
  2. jbird526

    A Tentative Plan for This Old Boat...

    If on a budget, and who isn't? Possibly consider these batteries that Will has on his site. Save you a few hundred to start. No they are not marine but as you state this is a trawler with an enclosed cabin and mounted high inside. Maybe in a sailboat at bilge level would not consider but have...
  3. jbird526

    Pass Thru Box For House

    Don't know for sure but this seems like would pass code for a price. Of course codes differ in all locations. https://www.solar-electric.com/misomnsoarco3.html
  4. jbird526

    50' Gulfstar sloop "B-Hoppy"

    Think Victron Smartshunt to GX device with relay to fire generator on low alarm.
  5. jbird526

    50' Gulfstar sloop "B-Hoppy"

    @Milka Just a word of advice. You really should do whatever @sunshine_eggo tells you to do. He often has saved members from themselves.
  6. jbird526

    Boat Batteries – Help me Make a Final Decision

    The article does not mention the lithium chemistry involved in the fires. LiFePO4 tends to be more stable and reliable than say Li-ion, which is more than likely what was used in those fires.
  7. jbird526

    Boat Batteries – Help me Make a Final Decision

    Also I wouldn't worry about 10-20 years. If any of these companies are around in 5 years, would be surprised. Also in 5 years salt or unobtanium batteries may be the new cheap hotness and you will swap out anyway. Just musings....
  8. jbird526

    Boat Batteries – Help me Make a Final Decision

    Are you on a sailboat or trawler? How far between ports would you be? What loads have you calculated? I am curious as to what you are working with as if you are in the Bahamas, you may not be more than a few hours from land. If you are in the Caribbean not more than a day or two. If open water...
  9. jbird526

    And let the solar begin

    Would think it important to figure out the inrush current of the well pumps. Want to make sure enough can be supplied to run both at once, or setup so that only one can run at any given time. Either way make sure whatever inverter you choose can supply the current needed. Also maybe look at...
  10. jbird526

    Back up system for natural gas furnace - Help with bypass

    OH just saw this comment, which would be an issue. Living in Canada, my set up needs to kick in if I am not at home in winter.
  11. jbird526

    Back up system for natural gas furnace - Help with bypass

    @Sneruh have you considered a transfer panel with a few more circuits? I installed this one, which is 4 circuits. Wanted to power some lights along with my furnace. It says its a Goal Zero but its just a PRO/TRAN 2 that they are branding. Transfer Switch
  12. jbird526

    2004 Ford E-150 Campervan Conversion

    Sorry to hear all the downsides that you went through but happy that you were able to make something happen with all your investment. Another possible option. I've now had friends wish they had build out a utility trailer like @rmaddy or update a small used travel trailer with more PV, etc...
  13. jbird526

    12, 24 or 48v

    I can see the advantage of having a separate 24v house system with a caveat as to certain load scenarios. Say you want to convert over to induction cooking and ditch the propane or alcohol stove. Seems most induction use up to 1500 - 1800 watts, on high at least. Add in a few items like a...
  14. jbird526

    Hurricane Ian in Cape Coral Florida

    What size and how many panels do you have there? What size array does that make?
  15. jbird526

    Picking brains...help with Engine swap to electric...32ft Cabin Cruiser

    So nice starting point for some experimentation. Some may poo poo this idea but how about a hardtop over the flybridge consisting of solar panels? Say 2 350watt panels maybe would have enough coverage. Now I know that is adding 100lbs up high, but that isn't exactly a row boat you are mounting...
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