subaru update - power and space

[lforto20]

You are on the way!

I see a screw in that bed leg that has a bungee hooked over it. That screw head is sharp and I could see it ripping the bedding or you as you pull stuff in and out. If that is all it does I would swap it out for something less vicious like an eye bolt with smooth surfaces.

And so the evolution of your solution begins- they do talk back to you if you listen. Keep listening and they keep getting better.

I appreciate the thought! I actually did the bungee to keep everything on the bed while I was driving with the windows down, but have since taken those back screws out and changed the front screws to be eye hooks. So that was an excellent idea! I just don't have a more recent photo, I had to take stuff out so we could do the electrical. Hopefully I'll be organizing by the end of the week!

[lforto20]

I spent a little more than a year working on my solar setup. I purchased parts and supplies when I had the money. I worked on the installation when I had the time. I found that the large purchases were easy to plan for. I would save up until I could afford to buy X item, then make the purchase. A few months later, I'd have the money for the next item. It was the little things, nuts, bolts, etcetera that were difficult to budget for. I including a breakdown of my expenses in my build thread. After looking it over, I realized that if I had made different choices I could have cut the cost of my system in half, but I probably would not have been as happy with the finished product. There was a nine month gap between purchasing the first component and beginning my installation. Even when I started working on the installation, it took me the better part of three months to finish because my time was limited. A couple hours here and there was all I could spare as my work schedule permitted.

Before I began purchasing parts, I researched. I spent a lot of my free time learning everything I could about solar power systems. I found this site to be an invaluable resource in my research, but by no means the only one. I had an advantage in that I am a stage electrician, with thirty years of working on lighting and electrical systems in the theatre industry. I don't know your background, but you seem to be intelligent and capable, plus it would seem you have family who are willing to help with your setup. If you're willing to take the time to research solar installations, you'll be able to learn what you need to know to do your own installation. Alternately, you may decide that hiring a professional installer is a better option. Either way, you'll know when you're ready to begin the process.

I am definitely all for the research. Doing research played a major role in my degree so at least that is serving a purpose even if my degree isn't at this time (whomp whomp). Electrical is just so intimidating when you have literally no knowledge beyond the basic that everyone knows.