By Dave Miller · off-grid sparky · 22 years wiring solar, batteries and sheds in central QLD
“After blowing three Victron inverters in a central QLD heatwave, I learned to size my 12-volt system for 4000 watts, not 2000.”
— Dave. Measure twice, buy once.
ArticlesCalculatorsSite PlannerShopForget the "off-grid" nonsense. If you're living in a Delica camper in Australia, you need a reliable electrical system that won't leave you stranded at a campsite. No fancy fluff. Just the essentials that work. Here's how to do it right.
Forget the "off-grid" nonsense. If you're living in a Delica camper in Australia, you need a reliable electrical system that won't leave you stranded at a campsite. No fancy fluff. Just the essentials that work. Here's how to do it right.
Don't skimp. A 100Ah lithium battery (like the Victron 12V 100Ah) is non-negotiable. Lead-acid? Waste of space and money. Lithium lasts 3x longer, charges faster, and handles deep discharges. Budget $1,200-$1,500.
Pro tip: Never run batteries below 20% charge. That's the death zone for lithium. Set your monitor to alert at 25%.
Get a pure sine wave inverter. Cheap modified sine wave units fry your laptop and fridge. 1,500W is the sweet spot – enough for a small fridge, kettle, and phone charging. Avoid "1,500W continuous" claims; they mean 1,500W f or 10 mins max.
Recommended: Victron 12V 1,500W pure sine wave inverter. $650-$750. Install it close to batteries – long cables = voltage drop = dead appliances.
200W solar is the absolute minimum. 300W is better. 400W+ if you're serious (like running a fridge 24/7). Mount panels on the roof – no more "I'll just leave it on the roof rack" nonsense. Roof mounting is secure and efficient.
Critical: Never run the inverter while charging. It causes voltage spikes. Charge batteries first, then use the inverter.
Don't waste money on fancy USB hubs. Just wire two USB ports (from Jaycar – $15 each) directly to your battery bank. Use a 5A fuse. Done. No more "my phone's dead" at 2am.
Forget those dim, flickering halogen lights. Get 12V LED strips (like Aussie Solar – $25 for 5m). They use 90% less power. Install them under cabinets, in the roof, and near the bed. No more "I can't see my coffee" at dawn.
Practical Tip #1: Wire everything to a central fuse box (like a Circuit Breaker Box from Supercheap Auto – $40). No more "I don't know which fuse blew" chaos.
Practical Tip #2: Test your whole system before you hit the road. Run the fridge for 24 hours. If it dies, you're not ready. Don't be that guy at a national park with a dead fridge.
Practical Tip #3: Keep a spare 12V battery in the boot. If your main bank dies, swap it out in 5 minutes. $200 for a 50Ah spare – worth every cent.
Total: ~$3,680 (before you buy the Delica, obviously)
Look, this isn't rocket science. It's about not being that person who's stuck at a campsite with a dead phone and a cold beer. Do it right once. Don't waste time and money on half-baked setups. Your off-grid life depends on it.
Worth a watch: Don’t install a DC-DC battery charger! Unless… · Solar Saving
While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:
Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.
