Mixed Panels
How Connecting Different Solar Panels or Adding New Ones Affects Your System Introduction I often visit locations with very old solar panels, some of which seem like relics from another era. They often have an unusual appearance, and it’s common to find just one or two panels, occasionally three if you’re lucky. These panels are…
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Generator Showdown: Non-Inverter vs. Inverter
Uncover the Pros, Cons, and Top Picks for Your Power Needs Introduction Recently, a customer asked me whether a Victron inverter charger could work with a “dirty power” generator or a non-inverter generator. The answer is that most high-quality inverter chargers, including Victron, can handle these types of generators. However, in the past we’ve occasionally…
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Taking Charge
Charging Basics: Understanding Bulk, Absorption, and Float for Lead-Acid and Lithium Batteries Introduction Charging your batteries the right way is more than just plugging them in, it’s about understanding the process and setting the correct parameters to the type of battery you’re using. Whether you’re working with traditional lead-acid batteries or modern lithium options like…
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Power Play
Choosing the Perfect Inverter Charger for Your Off-Grid Getaway Introduction Designing an off-grid solar system is like piecing together a puzzle, each step building toward a clear and functional whole. We began by assessing our needs with a load list , identifying the essential appliances and devices we wanted to power in our cozy cabin retreat.…
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From Sunlight to Storage
The Role of a Solar Charge Controller Introduction With our little cabin design from the past three articles, ( From Cabin Lights to Water Pumps , Your Off-Grid Lifeline , One Array All Seasons .) We’ve now reached a point where things get a bit more complex, making it the perfect opportunity to get into some critical concepts…
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One Array, All Seasons
Creating a Solar Array Built for Winter’s Worst Introduction Our goal is to help you understand how to calculate the right solar panel capacity for your system, from meeting your load list to ensuring winter battery charging. If you haven’t yet read our articles on Load List and Battery Capacity, these are foundational steps leading…
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Your Off-Grid Lifeline
Building a Battery Bank for Every Season Introduction When we assess a home, boat, van, or any other setup for an off-grid system, our process always begins with reviewing the load list in a consultation call. During our discussion, I send over a comprehensive sheet that outlines nearly every type of load they might consider…
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From Cabin Lights to Water Pumps
Calculating Your Solar Load Needs Introduction When I work with cabin owners designing new solar systems or upgrading older setups, we always begin with a close look at their power needs. Many cabins already have systems, but often, these systems are outdated, or the owner is ready for more capacity to support new appliances and…
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Inverter To Main AC Panel
Choosing the Right AC Cable Size to Connect Your Inverter Introduction In off-grid solar installations, we often encounter cabins and homes where wiring is less than ideal. While these setups may appear to function normally, many lack critical safety components like fuses, breakers, and adequate grounding, essentials for protecting both system performance and safety. A…
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Introduction to Mopeka Sensors
The Ultimate Liquid Level Monitoring Solution Introduction In the world of solar energy systems, real-time monitoring plays a critical role in optimizing performance and preventing potential issues. At IOTG SOLAR, we’ve integrated numerous advanced devices that track key metrics like voltage, temperature, incoming solar current, and energy output to various loads. While some clients prefer…
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