The Planning Stage: Building Reliable Off-Grid Systems
Planning an Off-Grid System the Right Way
If you’re starting to build your off-grid electrical system, I can’t stress this enough — the planning stage is everything. A good plan helps you avoid costly mistakes, improves long-term reliability, and makes upgrades easier down the line.
I put together a full YouTube video breaking down all the things I’ve learned from building dozens of systems — including the one in our own bus. You can watch it right here:
Start With the Right Components
One of the biggest mistakes I see is people using undersized cables or mismatched components. This can lead to voltage drop, overheating, or worse — your system thinking it’s fully charged when it’s not.
Here are the key components I cover in the video:
• Victron Multiplus 48V Inverter/Charger
• Victron SmartSolar MPPT 150/35
• Victron SmartSolar MPPT 150/70
• Slotted cable ducting and other wiring tools (just get in touch — we stock these even if they’re not listed)
You can also grab the exact wiring diagrams I’ve created to help you size cables, choose the right fuses, and plan your system properly.
Heat Management Is Key
Heat is the enemy of electronics. The way you lay out your board should allow for airflow between components. I go into detail about spacing, using standoff bolts and fans, and why certain gear — like DC-DC chargers — should be placed at the top of your setup.
If you’re limited on space, compensating with smart airflow is a game changer. Fans, vents, and clever component spacing will extend the life of your gear and make the system more efficient.
AC and DC Segregation
Another important tip: separate your AC and DC sides. If you’re using a Victron Multiplus, the DC connections are on one side and the AC connections on the other. Wherever possible, plan your board to mirror that. It keeps your layout tidy and makes troubleshooting a breeze.
Make It Future-Proof
Even if you’re not planning to expand your system yet, make it easy for future-you (or a future owner). That might mean upsizing cables slightly, leaving extra slots on your Lynx Distributor, or simply labeling everything clearly. If something ever goes wrong in the middle of the night, you’ll thank yourself later.
Ready to Build?
If you’re DIYing your system, you don’t need to figure it all out alone. We’ve helped thousands of Aussies go off-grid with wiring diagrams, tech support, and the right gear to make your system dependable.
Check out the wiring diagrams collection to get started, or contact us if you’re stuck.
Helpful Resources
• 🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube
• 📘 Grab a wiring diagram here