Advanced Consulting
$ 500.00
Stop buying the wrong solar parts.
Most DIY solar builds go over budget in one place: parts that turn out to be too big, too small, or incompatible, and then get bought a second time. I’ll design your off-grid system around what you actually need to power, and I’ll use the gear you already own wherever it works. You get a custom wiring diagram with every wire size and fuse rating marked, and I review photos of your finished install before you switch it on.
First diagram usually within 2 weeks. I take on only 2 projects per month.
Off-grid systems only (RV, van, trailer, cabin, boat, shed). Already have a diagram and just want it checked? See Basic Consulting ($149).
1 in stock
Description
The expensive way to build a solar system
Most people start the same way: a few YouTube videos, a forum thread, and an Amazon cart. Then the charge controller turns out to be too small for the panels, the inverter is too big for the battery cables, or the battery won’t work with the charger they already have. One customer told me he went through several charge controllers before he contacted me.
Every wrong part is money spent twice. A single wrong inverter or battery can cost more than this whole service. My job is to make sure you buy the right parts once.
How I save you money
I work with what you already have. If you’ve already bought panels, a controller, or an inverter, I design around them wherever they fit. You only replace something when it’s unsafe or can’t do the job, and I’ll tell you exactly why.
I size the system to your real needs. We start with a load analysis of what you want to run and for how long. That stops you from buying a bigger inverter or extra batteries you’ll never use, which is where most people overspend.
I point you to better value. I test and review solar gear on my YouTube channel, so I know which budget brands perform just as well as the premium names and which ones fail early. You’re free to buy wherever you like.
I catch mistakes before they cost you. An undersized cable, a missing fuse, or a breaker wired backwards can destroy equipment or start a fire. Every one of those is cheaper to fix on paper than in your RV.
What you get
- A load analysis of everything you want to power, so the system is sized correctly from the start.
- Component selection for panels, batteries, charge controller, inverter, charger, and protection, built around your budget, your space, and any brand you prefer.
- A custom wiring diagram showing every connection, with each wire gauge (AWG and mm²), fuse, and breaker rating marked.
- One shared Word document where our whole conversation, your photos, and every revision of the diagram stay in one place. Nothing gets lost in email threads.
- An install review. Send me photos while you build and when you’re done. I’ll check your crimps, fuses, breakers, and grounding before you power it up.
- Troubleshooting support for several months if something doesn’t work as expected.
A real example
A client was upgrading his motorhome with a 2000W inverter and a mix of old and new parts. He opened our document by saying he hoped we could work with what he already had. We did. We kept his AGM battery bank, his Victron charge controller, his inverter, and his charger.
Along the way we found some wiring issues, and a GFCI breaker wired so it would never trip. Then his new inverter started alarming every time he plugged something in. The manufacturer told him it was defective. It wasn’t: the system had two ground-neutral bonds. We removed one and the inverter worked perfectly. No return, no replacement.
Later he asked whether he needed a bigger inverter and more batteries for a second project. He didn’t, and he kept that money in his pocket.
What customers say
“Best investment of the whole project.” John McIntyre, RV installation
“Think of it as very cheap insurance so you don’t cause yourself, someone else, or your house a problem you may regret.” Rod
“I was going down a very wrong road with my design and he patiently helped me through months of building my system.” Steve Brown
Read all reviews by going to the top of the page and click the review stars.
How it works
Step 1: Order and send your details. After you order, you’ll receive a short questionnaire. Tell me what you want to power, where you’ll use the system, and what parts you already own. The more detail you give, the faster we move.
Step 2: We design it together. I review your load analysis and your parts, suggest changes, and we agree on the components. You’ll usually have your first diagram within 2 weeks, depending on the size of the project.
Step 3: You build, I check. Build from the diagram and send me photos along the way. I’ll point out anything that needs fixing before you switch it on.
Common questions
$500 is a lot. Can’t I figure this out from YouTube and forums?
You can, and plenty of people do. The trouble is that forum advice comes in pieces from people who don’t know your whole system, and nobody checks how those pieces fit together. Most of my customers came to me after buying at least one part they didn’t need. If this service stops you buying one wrong inverter, battery, or charge controller, it has already paid for itself.
I’ve already bought some parts. Is it too late?
No. Most of my customers have already bought something. I design around your existing gear wherever it’s safe and suitable, and I’ll only suggest replacing something when there’s a clear reason.
I’m a complete beginner. Is this for me?
Yes. Several of my customers had never wired a solar system before. I explain everything in plain language, and the diagram shows you exactly what connects where. If you’re not sure about something, ask me before you do it.
You’re based in Belgium. Can you help with a system in the US or Canada?
Most of my customers are in the US and Canada. I design with AWG wire sizes, 120V AC, and brands you can easily buy in North America. Our work happens in a shared document, so the distance makes no difference. If you are not in the US then I can switch to mm² and 230VAC systems.
Do I have to buy the parts you recommend?
No. I recommend the parts I’d use in my own system, and some of my links are affiliate links. You can buy the same parts anywhere, or ask me about an alternative you prefer.
What happens after I get my diagram?
You build, and I stay available. Send me photos of your install and I’ll review them. Support continues for several months after your diagram is delivered.
Does this cover more than one system?
One consultation covers one system. If you want to design a second system, for example a cabin after your RV, that’s a separate consultation.
Is this a stamped plan for permits or inspection?
No. This is design guidance and a wiring diagram for your DIY build. Your installation should follow your local electrical code, and if a permit or inspection is required where you live, that’s your responsibility.
Do you do grid-tied systems?
No. This service is for off-grid systems only: RVs, vans, trailers, cabins, boats, sheds, and similar builds. I do systems where I have the AC-in of an inverter feed into a system to charge the battery or a charger attached to the grid like an RV on a campground. But I don’t design energy storage systems for homes.
Ready to build it right the first time?
I only take on 2 projects per month so every customer gets my full attention. If a spot is open, click Add to Cart and at the top of this page, purchase the service and I’ll send you the questionnaire.
Rick (verified owner) –
Nick is an excellent resource. I paid him for a diagram to connect several components. He went above and beyond 10x back and forth not only to help me understand, but to ensure I had the correct components, type and quality so my system would not only work but be secure/safe. Thanks Nick.
Nick Ruggiero (verified owner) –
Was a total newbie at solar stuff. Trying to string together a simple 175watt solar panel to a small controller and a 12volt battery was easy. But what I wanted was a much larger array of panels and a lot more battery capacity so I could run power to my 30ft travel trailer, much like what is available when docking at an RV campground with shore power.
I must have tried 5 or 6 different MPPT controlers and various battery sizes and types of battery connections. Even find the right Inverter was chalenging. To top it off I had no knowledge at all of how to use various voltages to gain more power and/or save on component parts. In other words, I didn’t know what the hell I was doing and was likely gonna waste a lot of money figuring it all on my own.
I want looking for some books on Amazon and found 4 that I ordered. The best one I found was “Off Grid Solar Power Simplified”. It helped me a lot. But for the system I wanted to build I got in touch with the author of the book for help. The author, Nick, not only made great recommendations via email with me; but after I gave him details of the system I wanted, Nick also supplied me with a diagram of just how to put everything together. The diagram was so so helpful, including battery connections, wire sizes, fuse sizes along with what items to buy and where to buy them.
I can’t thank Nick enough for his help and expertise. Saved me money, got me a much better full system than I could have ever pulled together on my own.
Thank you, Nick
John (verified owner) –
The support was totally awesome. I was completely lost in setting up my system and he explained what was needed and laid it all out in a diagram.
Marvin (verified owner) –
I contacted Nick for help with setting up a solar power system for a cabin in the central Yukon Territory, Canada (off-grid). I had purchased his book, which I found very thorough and helpful, and then signed on for his Review Service.
Nick has been just great. We’ve exchanged quite a few emails as he guided me through the entire process of putting a system together. His responses have been prompt.; his explanations, clear; his advice, sensible and solid. He goes the extra mile. Moreover, he comes across as a good and likeable person.
I feel fortunate to have come across Nick. I can recommend his Review Service without reservation.
Rod (verified owner) –
I’ll keep this short for other DYI guys like myself. I am not qualified to design a system for myself that would work well and not cause problems down the road. Solar System Review Service is conducted by an electrical engineer who is very experienced in designing systems. I told him what I was trying to accomplish and he walked me through the process so that the end result was professional, safe, and long lasting. For the fee you get peace of mind that you constructed something of value that you can be proud of.
Do not hesitate to hire this service if you are putting together a system of size without a true understanding of electrical engineering. Think of it as very cheap insurance so you don’t cause yourself, someone else, our your house a problem you my regret. You’ll find Nick patient and thorough in his information. When you are finished with the assembly of your project you will have a much better understanding of what is required to build a system correctly. The five star rating for this service is truly warranted.
Steve Brown (verified owner) –
For those interested in DIY solar you will find that Nick is an excellent resource for all things solar. While building my solar system Nick responded to more than fifteen emails that I sent him asking for help. He is a truly knowledgeable resource. I was going down a very wrong road with my design and he patiently helped me through months of building my system. I now have a first-class solar system thanks to Nick.
John McIntyre (verified owner) –
It was my first try at a RV solar installation. I had a basic idea how to go about it. But soon learnt that I needed help. Finding Nick was God sent. He had me fill in a detail sheet. this is the most an important step. so take the time to do it correctly.
Once I did this correctly, Nick came back with suggestions, we made changes and than Nick asked if I wanted the drawing. I got the drawing, of all components and detail on wire and fuse selections.
Best investment of the whole project.
Thank you Nick!
Kolin Zomnir (verified owner) –
Cargo trailer conversion. I have a basic understanding of ac and dc, but in a house or car most of the wire and fuse math is already done for you. My solar setup was just enough over my head I needed his solid advice on the details. He was patient and very informative and asked all the right questions. Highly recommended.
Gordon Tween (verified owner) –
I was fortunate enough to find the Clever Solar Power book early in my confusion and frustration to develop a solar powered unit for our potting shed/greenhouse. I wanted a stand alone unit outside the structure to save the space inside the building and avoid any accidental contact with water and occupant. After receiving Nick’s book, noting the detail, and clear presentation of the concepts it made sense to request technical help from Nick. After weeks of consultation through his program presentation on the internet we achieved my goal. He is not only an expert source of technical information but helped me obtain the appropriate parts, components, and materials to make the project happen. This advice helped me to invest in quality parts and reduce costs. Throughout our dialogue, his excellent graphics, and timely reviews of my efforts I was able to construct the solar unit. I would highly recommend anyone who is serious about a solar DIY project get Nick’s book first, give it a cursory read, and then secure Nick’s expert help to get the project done right. It was my way of obtaining the needed safety and confidence in my system. Besides being professional and personable he knows the subject of DC solar energy and the industry standards that regulate AC power.
Nestor Paronish (verified owner) –
After well over a year of searching the internet, watching hundreds of videos and accessing all I could find concerning off-grid solar power systems, I bought Nick’s book then signed up for his advanced consulting. After finding out what I wanted to accomplish, Nick took me step by step through the calculations, recommended equipment to purchase and explained the proper way to complete each step of the system. Because of Nick’s expertise, I have an off-grid cabin solar system that I trust will last for years to come and protect those loved ones who will use it.