Energy & It Guy

26/05/2026

Tilt or not to tilt??

Solar Panels Available Today:https://www.mobile-solarpower.com/300w-solar-panels.html~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*Tired of getting ripped off? Check ...

16/05/2026

On a narrowboat, your batteries are not “probably fine”. They are either being charged properly, quietly sulking, or preparing to ruin your evening just as the fridge, lights and water pump all want a turn.

Without proper battery monitoring, you are guessing. And guessing at batteries is how you get poor performance, shorter battery life, and that special onboard lifestyle where every switch is treated like it might summon bankruptcy.

Van lifers and off-grid folk tend to understand this better, because they live inside their power budget. They know what is coming in, what is going out, and what happens when the kettle joins the party.

A Victron SmartShunt gives you that same visibility on a boat. It shows charge, discharge, state of charge, and what your appliances are actually doing to the battery bank. Not vibes. Not “the voltage looked alright earlier”. Actual information.

That means better charging decisions, fewer surprises, and a much clearer idea of whether your batteries are healthy or just wearing a brave little hat.

If you live aboard, cruise regularly, or rely on your batteries for comfort, a SmartShunt is not a gadget. It is the fuel gauge your electrical system should have had in the first place.

28/04/2026

When they're Gone, they're Gone. PM for purchasing details.

24/04/2026

I've been do this for about 3 years now as 'Tribe of One', please consider joining the project and joining my team.
You can read more: https://foldingathome.org

23/04/2026

⚡ Big news for anyone with a Victron solar or battery system — or anyone thinking about getting one.

Victron's latest firmware update means your energy system can now talk directly to Shelly smart home devices. That means automatic control of your hot water tank, pool pump, lighting, and more — all based on what your solar and batteries are actually doing.

We install and configure the whole thing. Read the full story 👇

https://tinyurl.com/vsa20260423

💬 Message us to find out what's possible for your home or business.

23/04/2026

So what's the point of having all the Victron kit, if you can't get some real insight in to how your invest is performing?

So for clients I wrote an AI MCP connector. You can connect any MCP compliant AI and use our Victron Reporting and Graphing (VRG Connector) tool.

NO WAIT! It's easy, you can now just literally ask a question of your favourite AI, and you'll get a report, graph or advice back. It uses you own systems realtime and historic data.

He's a daily report for 22/04/2026, take a look, see what you think:

https://mcp.ds4a.uk/reports/56c910c623a149e5a739847bb50af25685842692ce403353d940558307f8cf54.html

Alternatively just ask:

"Using the VRG connector, tell me in under 150 words what one thing I could do to improve my current system?"

Claude responded:
"Here's the standout finding from the live data:
Investigate the Bow MPPT's underperformance.
Right now the Stern panel is producing 36W and the Butterfly is producing 174W, but the Bow — with an identical 600W panel and MPPT — is only producing 31W. Today's peak also tells the same story: Stern peaked at 421W, Butterfly at 551W, but Bow only managed 413W.
This is the known issue flagged in your context, and it's consistently showing up. The Bow panel is producing meaningfully less than Stern despite identical hardware. A shading source — possibly the cabin roof, an aerial, or something structural at the bow — is the most likely culprit. A visual inspection on a clear midday to identify what's casting a shadow, followed potentially by repositioning or trimming whatever is causing it, could meaningfully improve your daily yield."

22/04/2026

Just taken part in a Victron Energy and Shelly, integration webinar.

Once again the Victron Eco system goes from strength to strength.

11/04/2026

Special offer! When they are gone, they are gone!

Hankook XV31 Dual Purpose Leisure Battery.

This heavy duty deep cycle battery is designed to meet the needs of leisure and marine vehicles. With its sealed calcium construction which makes it 100% maintenance free.

Post and 8mm stud.

£85.00 ea. delivered.

20/03/2026

So here is the 3 battery version of the DS4A LiFePO4 battery, battery box. Can be screwed, bolted or glued into position. Versions that accept 1,2,3 or 4 DS4A LiFePO4 12v 230Ah and 300Ah smart, heated batteries.

Can also custom make to any battery LxWxH and number of batteries.

https://www.ds4a.co.uk/support/docs/lifepo4/

16/03/2026

Just wanted to remind people that engine bays are wet, humid places, that aren't kind to electrical fittings, connections or cables.

Bad connections lead to poor electrical conductivity and as a consequence performance of things like starter motors (can manifest as the appearance of a lazy starter or low battery), or alternators (poor charging, manifesting as low SoC or excess heat in your alternator or cables).

The below image is a starter connection that is as we used to say, 'sub prime' / 'US' (Unfit for Service). This crimp was also oversized for the cable terminated in to it.

Recently removed and replaced with a new, shiny, insulated terminator crimp of the correct stud and cable size. Studs cleaned and abraided.

Why not consider an 'Electrical Service'.

Inspect and test connections, batteries, alternators, isolators and cabling.