Knowledge Base
Guides, tips, and deep dives on solar panels, batteries, controllers, wiring, and everything you need to design your off-grid system.
Pure Sine Wave vs Modified Sine Wave: Which Inverter is Right for Your Off-Grid Setup?
Pure sine wave power matches what comes from home wall sockets -- the gold standard. Modified sine wave (modified square wave) is a cheaper alternative that approximates a true sine wave but has li...
DC-DC Chargers vs DC-DC Converters -- What's the Difference?
Both DC-DC chargers and DC-DC converters take DC power in and put DC power out. That's where the similarity ends. They're two completely different tools that happen to work with the same type of el...
A Quick Guide to DC-DC Battery Chargers for Campervans
A DC-DC battery charger is a powerful tool that keeps your leisure battery charged while you drive, ensuring readiness for relaxation once parked.
Adding New Solar Panels to an Existing System
Do you need to generate more power from your existing solar setup? The best thing to do is add the exact same panel model with matching voltage and current specifications. Wattage is nearly irrelev...
Are Flexible Solar Panels Worth the Hype? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Flexible solar panels are lightweight photovoltaic panels using thin solar cells made from monocrystalline silicon or advanced thin-film technology. These panels feature bendable layers enabling th...
Are incorrect cables killing your Battery Life?
When designing an off-grid solar power system, every component and detail plays a critical role in ensuring efficiency, performance, and reliability.
Attention Solar DIYers: When do you need to call a Licensed Electrician?
LUX Solar's mission centers on enabling everyone to achieve energy independence cost-effectively and efficiently, including through prewired "plug and play" kits. However, certain off-grid solar in...
Battery Advanced Topics
In this knowledge article we will cover some more advanced battery topics including:
Do I need a circuit breaker or fuse for my solar kit?
Why does LUX Solar include circuit breakers and fuses in our solar systems? Although it increases the cost of our DIY solar kits slightly, there are very good reasons we include circuit breakers or...
FAQ - LUX Solar Plug and Play Solar Kits and Off-Grid Solar
All pricing displayed on the website already includes GST.
Galvanic Corrosion in Marine Solar Systems
In this knowledge article we look briefly in to what Galvanic corrosion is and why we've considered it when designing and installing your solar power kit.
Half-Cut Solar Panels
Solar technology continues to advance, with half-cut solar panels representing one of the more recent innovations available in the market today.
How do I choose a Victron Solar Controller?
There's a lot to learn when you're first diving into solar. To help simplify things, we'll walk you through the basics of sizing Victron MPPT solar controllers so you can make informed decisions fo...
How much Solar will I produce on a Cloudy Day?
Solar panel performance during overcast conditions depends on geographic location and seasonal variations rather than constant peak efficiency.
How to Choose a Multiplus with Confidence
Please note that for your safety and to comply with NZ/AU Regulations, Multiplus Products must be installed by a qualified electrical installer.
How to Choose a Solar Kit for Small Off-Grid Solar Systems: Caravans and Beyond
For those considering solar power for small off-grid setups like caravans, boats, or cabins, LUX Solar offers guidance through their "Power to be Free" initiative. Selecting the right solar kit can...
How to Choose Off-Grid System Voltage: 12V, 24V or 48V?
Choosing Between 12V and 24V Off-Grid Solar Systems - What's Best for Your Caravan or Boat?
How to Get Solar on Your Horse Float or Horse Truck
Horse floats remain stationary for extended periods at events without power access, unlike daily-moving caravans. They function as mobile bases with cooking areas, sleeping quarters, and social hub...
How to Reduce Your Generator Dependency with Solar and Batteries
Running a generator as your primary power source is getting expensive -- and risky given fuel price volatility. A properly designed solar-battery system can dramatically reduce generator runtime by...
IP Ratings in Marine Solar Systems
IP ratings are defined in the IEC 60529 standard. An example is IP45, where IP stands for international protection. The first digit refers to dust protection level, while the second digit indicates...
Is LiFePO4 (Lithium Ion Phosphate) worth it for caravans and RV Leisure Batteries?
LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries are gaining popularity for caravans, RVs, and campervans due to their extended cycle life, superior current ratings, safety features, and resistance to mi...
Is this a 12 or 24-volt Solar Panel?
Solar panels aren't inherently classified as 12V or 24V devices. Companies use these labels for convenience based on typical pairings with battery systems rather than actual panel specifications.
Maximising your Roof Space with good solar design
Your caravan's roof space represents a critical asset for harvesting solar energy and often determines the maximum off-grid power generation capacity. This article explores strategies for optimizin...
Mounting Solar Panels on Your Caravan Roof: Complete Guide
Careful layout planning before installation is essential. Key considerations include measuring available roof space while accounting for vents, antennas, air conditioning units, and structural ribs...
NZ Recycling Guide
LUX Solar prioritizes selling products designed for longevity and maintains a commitment to recycling. The company has compiled a directory of specialist recycling facilities they utilize.
Selecting Solar Panels for Your Marine or RV Solar System
This knowledge article provides guidance on choosing solar panels and calculating required solar input for marine and RV applications.
Selecting Your Marine Solar Cables
In this knowledge article, we discuss the importance of selecting the correct size cable for the job.
Series vs. Parallel Wiring - Which is best?
Should you wire your solar panels in series or parallel? Many customers have heard that parallel wiring can reduce shading issues, but it's not always the best option considering the electrical pro...
Sizing Your Off-Grid, RV, Caravan or Marine Solar Batteries
This knowledge article focuses on battery fundamentals to help inform your battery selection. Battery types divide into two major categories: starting batteries and solar batteries, with the emphas...
Solar Controllers
This knowledge article discusses what to look for when selecting a solar controller.
Solar Glossary
A reference guide to the key terms used in off-grid solar system design.
Solar Panel Wiring Diagrams
There are multiple configurations that solar panels can be wired in. These include multiple panels in series, in parallel or a combination of both. When wiring panels make sure the panels are exact...
Solar Systems 101 - The Very Basics
Welcome to the LUX "Knowledge is Power" series, designed to equip you with the knowledge needed to confidently set up your own solar system.
Solar Systems 101 - The Very Basics
Welcome to the LUX "Knowledge is Power" series, equipping you with the knowledge you need to confidently set up your own solar system.
Victron Controller Model Numbers
The Victron SmartSolar functions as a solar charge controller designed for off-grid applications including caravans, boats, motorhomes, and remote cabins. Its primary role involves safely regulatin...
Victron Energy: A Global Leader in Off-Grid Power Solutions
With nearly 50 years of expertise, Victron is synonymous with technical brilliance, reliability, and adaptability, delivering power systems that are trusted by professionals worldwide across renewa...
Victron Energy's Ecosystem for Caravan Solar
Victron Energy was established in 1975 in the Netherlands by Reinout Vader. The company initially concentrated on creating quality inverters designed for marine use, becoming well-regarded among sa...
What You Need to Know About Solar Panels Specs - Vmp, Imp, Isc and Pmax
Understanding solar panel specifications is essential for proper system design. Understanding your solar panel specs is the FIRST step to getting your solar working.
What's a Shunt? Shunts and Battery Monitoring 101
A shunt is an electrical device used to measure current in a circuit. It works by creating a low-resistance path that allows current to flow through it, while simultaneously generating a small volt...
When Do You Actually Need a Victron Quattro?
The Victron Quattro is an impressive inverter-charger with two AC inputs, automatic source switching, up to 15kVA of power, and parallel/three-phase capability. However, it's worth comparing with t...
Why is "Free Energy" So Damn Expensive?
The concept of using solar power for "free energy" sounds appealing. As off-grid living and energy independence gain popularity, off-grid solar systems attract increasing interest. However, there's...
Why Off-Grid Solar Breaks Smart People
LUX Solar shares a common customer story of someone reaching a breaking point after struggling extensively with an off-grid solar system. The customer expressed profound frustration: "The hours, an...