Hey guys 

The misses got me a "Solar Friendly" kettle from Take a Lot. Bugger that thing works lekker on my smallish system , daytime only .Now we save on the gas consumtion as well. 
http://www.takealot.com/sunbeam-1-litre-cordless-kettle/PLID17260519

for anyone that is looking for a > 1 kw kettle. It reads 1.1 kw but the box says 850 w and when tested it gave a 800w draw with a short 100w extra spike. So it should work for most systems during day time. @Don this could help with that base load of yours .

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Thanks for the info @PaulF007. It seems these fancy stainless steel and Glass kettles are the power guzzlers. I have worked on my base load lately.  This is as low as it will go, unless I throw the isolator switch when going to bed, but I can live with it. If push comes to shove, I can actually do it and go through the night on my batteries,  but then I have to pray for sunshine. So for now I am happy. I am down to about 400 W at the moment after switching off the PC and the TV and going to sleep.

 

3 minutes ago, Don said:

... ,  but then I have to pray for sunshine.

I due course it will pass as you learn your system's behavior. It will also contribute to marital bliss. 

3 minutes ago, The Terrible Triplett said:

It will also contribute to marital bliss. 

I must say there is a marked improvement in this department. No more switching on everything that has a switch at the same time. I now get asked if it is ok to switch on the tumble dryer or the dish washing machine, haha. 

4 hours ago, Don said:

I must say there is a marked improvement in this department. No more switching on everything that has a switch at the same time. I now get asked if it is ok to switch on the tumble dryer or the dish washing machine, haha. 

haha, the wife and maid had to learn this lesson as well, the hard way  The isolator tripped once or twice, and they realized the washing machine doesn't remember settings or last "cycle" when it trips. So, the golden rule is: wash first, then tumble dry. Don't run them together.