How to thrive on a non EHU site .

I haven't carried an orange cable now for 4 years! The 135w panel on the roof supplies and has supplied all the power I have needed and with the help of my 2000PSW inverter,, I have even been able to use my microwave, my 240v vacuum, my blender and the thing I really didn't want to do without- my electric toaster. The water is heated by Safefill gas at about 25% of what I was paying for rental cylinders, the fridge is driven by gas and everything else is on Solar power. If I were caravanner in the deep mid winter I would certainly be warm enough but the solar panel might not be up to the task fully so I would never say the bollard is never needed but certainly in the summer, from April to the end of Sept I have never needed it. I have already recouped far more in saved fees that I spent converting the 'van to non EHU- about twice as much if I were to take a calculated guess-  and the savings go on. 

Merve,  I'm afraid that it's always the Toaster that amuses me!  We have one at home, but only because it was a kind gift.....it is never used! ...the gas grill makes far better toast.

The greatest 12v demand these days for most people is the TV and/or Laptops, especially during the long winter hours.  No problem if it's sunny, but a succession of overcast days can leave you struggling.

My own solution is to carry a spare battery in the car. This can be connected in parallel with the 'van battery to store surplus PV power when available;  or if necessary recharged in the car when out and about.

Yep, there's always a solution Vic. My Toyota Surf towcar carries yet two more large Varta batteries so plenty of power if needed. Brings back memories of a lead from the back of the car from the 7 pin plug as it was then!! - I like my toaster! Does very nice toast and it's convenient and if the batteries can handle it why not- saves on the gas😂😂😂😂. Yes, a battery can always be charged by the car. I am thinking of upgrading my alternator to be more efficient.  

Uh Oh it looks like a new thread! 

Vic I am with you about the gas grill - what people don't seem to understand is that the gas works much better especially if it has been preheated!  That way you don't wait for ages for one side of the toast to toast - you let it get hot and then stay there and turn it! 

Merve I barely use a toaster - either!  How much toast do you eat?  Or perhaps the grandchildren eat a lot? 

Being on my own I think winter might rob me of the TV that keeps me entertained at night - although with a solar panel as big as Merve's it would probably run the TV in winter too.  I don't need a toaster

OK guys- Gas toast is better ! 😂😂😂 useful for turning out extra toast when the grandkids are there though! I wouldn't use a toaster in the winter anyway. -  Only in summer when the SP can easily replenish the power that has been used. 

Don't talk to me about doing toast under a caravan grill! I did that up until about 4 years ago still. I don't like carrying unnecessary equipment. For a number of reasons electric for me now.

When doing toast under the grill I wanted 4 rounds for the two of us. The only practical way for me was to put two slices on the grill pan and two more on top and shuffle them. Also meant both me and OH having two pieces of thick white.

The electric, for me has advantages. I can pop in two slices of thick white for OH who prefers white toast soft in the center. When hers is done I can pop mine in. I prefer three slices of medium wholemeal as I like my toast crisp right through. I like mine left in the toaster for a while after toasting so that it is really crisp. 

It is often said that we are all different 

Rather than getting this thread bogged down on the merits of toast...

If fitting a flexible type solar panel, think carefully if your roof is not the bonded type. The continuous flexing can cause them to fail prematurely.

As important as toast is......😂😂😂 thanks Cyber. It's a good point you make re flexible SPs. Bonding them to a board made of marine ply and sealed would be my answer to that of you are not sure. The frame type such as mine have no such problems. Mine has travelled thousands of miles and is still working perfectly but of course they are heavier than the flexible. - and produce more amps per sq in.

MODERATORS: CAN YOU MAKE THIS THREAD A STICKY AND UNSTICKY THE 'How to survive a non EHU' PLEASE. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw0j5nqbS6C-bmtJa3VPbGNlODRJWENZcmxIcC1vRmRjWVpj/view?usp=drive_web

I have posted this PDF file as a reference point to the new acceptance of Safefill Cylinders. The previous link seems to be live and brings up the newest edition of Petrol Heads. Please print this out and go and see that garage or forecourt that won't fill your Safefill because it's a cylinder!! Please send all successes to Safefill or post it here and I will do it. Thanks