April 29, 2025
Day 1,306 of the Adventure
Yesterday, I admitted that our off-grid "experience" is not 100% off-grid. In describing our set-up regarding electricity, we have a combination of grid and off-grid systems. What makes it a little bit unique from the normal "hybrid" sourced systems is that in addition to having them set up as a "Priority" system. We also have a small, dedicated grid connection. Meaning that our solar is set as the priority source 100% of the time on the solar input. The grid serves as a back-up to the solar if the battery system depletes for any reason. In addition to that, we do have a dedicated grid connection to the cabin and will also have one connected to the house. These serve as "grid-only" connections in select locations throughout the structures. They run a minimal number of lights and outlets in the event of a off-grid component failure. Things that may cause that are catastrophic damage to the solar panel array. Another could be a lightning strike taking out any part of the solar system. One other that actually happened about 6 months in to our solar plant experience was the failure of our Inverter/Charger. I'll admit that it was a lower cost, less reliable brand. One morning I awoke to no power from the system. Upon investigation, discovered that the Inverter was not working at all. It took a couple days to diagnose to the point where the supplier asked for it to be brought into their shop for further work. Three months later, they had not been able to identify the exact cause of failure. Worse yet was that the failed component was unavailable and there was no expected ship date for it. For three months, we had the choice of either connecting a generator directly to the cabin supply cables......... Or, just running off the few dedicated grid circuits we had installed in the cabin. By doing this, we had essential kitchen power, lights in the whole cabin and power in enough other locations to keep everything running mostly normal. It was a gamble that paid off quickly and proved to me that a small, dedicated grid connection was a prudent part of an over-all system. Does it make the "Off-Grid Purists" happy? No. But then again, I only need to keep me happy!
Adventure Quote: “You have as many options as you give yourself.” ― Kasie West
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