Joel_T wrote:
cannesdo wrote:
Yes, it (inverter) can be turned off but the problem is when I want to turn it on and live as I normally do, with the inverter on, on battery power. I live in my rig full-time and don't want to feel like I'm camping. I have many hours of work to do every day and my whole social life is on line so it's important that it feels like my home...all the time.
It's not a matter of whether you feel like you're camping or living at home, it's a matter of whether you are living on grid (shore power) or off grid (batteries). Shore power's got everyone spoiled, except for the bill possibly, you just plug in to the grid and use everything as much as you want. If you're gonna run off just your batteries you need to keep them charged. That could be a generator, solar, wind, hydro or whatever. But more has to go in than out. You have to find out what you'll typically be pulling out of those batteries. Your requirements appear to be too much to expect out of solar, so you'll probably want to plan on a generator. What kind? That's a whole other thread.
Whoa. That's your story. You don't know me or my story. I'm not spoiled because after decades of battles with illness and all sorts of things I'm not going to mention here I know that I need a refuge that makes me feel safe and happy and secure. I am not camping. This is my house. I know what my limits are and what would cause me to feel depressed. And I'm not going to apologize for not wanting at this point in my life to life like I'm camping most of the time. I understand that it requires greater awareness to move off the grid. I completely accept the reality of the situation and I am asking questions that I can figure out what the best case scenario is and if and how and when I want to move toward a more green source of power.
I would be completely happy in the future, for several months in a stretch to do what is necessary to make this work if it means I can be in a location I love that doesn't happen to have hook-ups but other times, the majority of the time, I would like to have electric available as back-up so that I can enjoy my space and focus on work n socialize online without worrying all day every day about running out of power. So I'm figuring it out. That doesn't make me spoiled. That makes me someone who cares about the earth who wants to maybe save some money on electric bills and venture beyond the tether of the almighty post.
I'm not diving in without looking and whining because I can't run a toaster and a microwave and a Cuisinart. I live simply but I also live alone (and will be dealing the rest of my life with mercury toxicity) and I know what I need to stay happy and sane. Your results may vary and I'm not going to judge your journey or needs or choices so I'd appreciate if you didn't scoff at mine.