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18 Months with OFF GRID Solar – Worth It?

ByMAKE. DO. GROW August 20, 2022 1 min

We’ve been off-grid on solar for a year and a half. Has it worked? Have we had to change our behaviour? Do we use more or less power than we used to? How much do we need to use a backup generator?

We’ll answer all these questions and discuss some of our future plans for upgrades and expansion.

Our Solar Setup:

2400kW of solar panels
3-string DC combiner box
Victron MPPT Solar Charge Controller 150V | 60A
Victron Multiplus II 48V | 5kVA | 70A inverter / charger
Victron Cerbo GX communications system
4 Pylontech US2000 batteries | 9.6kWh of battery storage

Total system cost: €6250

MOSA GE-4000 3kVA generator | Honda petrol engine – additional €770

Solar Shop was the supplier of solar kit we used in Portugal (not sponsored)

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Knitting Needles

I've only just started knitting again and have had to upgrade from my original Symfonie needles (they tend to snap quite easily). I have a set of stainless steel needles from ChiaoGoo and also an ebony set from Lantern Moon.

I like both! The stainless steel was a little hard to get used to but yarn really glides on them. I like the look and feel of the Lantern Moon set too, but unfortunately they don't come in all the sizes I tend to use so I now end up switching between the two sets.

Crochet Hooks

I've tried loads of different single hooks to find the 'perfect' hook. I finally found what I was looking for in the Clover soft touch range. The hook glides well and the thumb rest is really comfortable. Unfortunately they don't seem to be available in a set, so I have a jar full of all the sizes I like to use.

Tunisian Crochet Hooks

My favourites are these from Lantern Moon, they're super comfortable and glide really well, and the best bit is that they swivel. They are also compatible with the KnitPro Symfonie hooks (these seem less sturdy but also glide well).

I also have a set from ChiaoGoo made from bamboo. These are very lightweight but I find that they can snag on some yarns (a nail file often helps to make the hook head better).

18 Months with OFF GRID Solar – Worth It?

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Camera Gear

Smart Home Tech

DIY Tools

In the Kitchen

In the Garden

Yarn Projects (crochet/knitting)

Knitting Needles

Crochet Hooks

Tunisian Crochet Hooks

Yarn

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