Ken made significant progress on the solar setup today. Previously, the system was located in the laundry area and consisted of three 120AH AGM batteries, a 2000W inverter, and a small MPPT that handled both 12v and 240v. Now, we've upgraded to a 3000W inverter, four 120AH Fusion lithium batteries, and an array of sleek blue Victron components—though I admit I’m still figuring out what half of them do!
Ken decided to relocate everything to the outdoor storage cupboard, which originally held petrol jerry cans and other miscellaneous boat items, transforming it into a dedicated solar workspace. It's shaping up beautifully. We currently have a 3.4kW petrol generator, which explains the need for petrol storage, but Ken plans to replace it with a diesel generator to eliminate petrol from the boat entirely. This makes sense for safety, especially since our setup already includes an inboard Yanmar diesel motor with a 800L diesel tank, a diesel heater, an instant gas hot water system, and a two-burner gas stove with a mini oven on the front deck. Reducing the number of fuel types onboard streamlines things and minimizes risks.
Inside, we've simplified our cooking appliances by removing the large four-burner oven and replacing it with a low-start-wattage double induction benchtop cooker and a microwave. For now, we’re using the outdoor stove to boil water for tea, but we’re planning to get a compact 600W, 800ml electric kettle for indoor use—winter is coming, after all!
Ken's idea is to dedicate the AGM batteries to 12v operation while configuring the new lithium batteries for 240v power. On the roof, we have eight 250W, 24V solar panels, which handle off-grid living beautifully. However, to better manage energy storage on consecutive overcast days, we’ll likely invest in another set of Fusion lithium batteries. Everything is coming together nicely!
The dogs are snoring, and it's time for bed. Goodnight for now – Houseboat Woman 🛟