Thank you for the great forum, Safe Driving over the weekend. Sincerely Jason
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Our picks
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Planning a 2 x 3kW Vicron System
oddysee posted a topic in Starting In Solar? Feel free to introduce yourself,
Greetings all! It's been a long time since I've been lured out of the shadows into signing up on a new forum. What a great place this is - hats off to all the community leaders!
While I'm new to solar energy, I'm a long time petrol generator user. In my previous city, it was commonplace to use a generator when the grid choked. In the land of wine and fynbos, however, I hear no generators and I'm loathe to disturb the peace - not to mention that I no longer have a dedicated generator circuit. So, I've decided to part ways with my Honda 6.5kVA genny to pave the way for some Vicron goodness. Things appear to be worse than they've ever been so going green and sustainable seems inevitable.
Until recently, I decided I would "settle" with Goodwe due to the integrated MPPT charge controller, cost saving and NRS approval. My first love was always a Victron though and I'm leaning more towards this brand once more. I'm particularly sold on the rave reviews, flexibility and their app. The VictronConnect app has to be the best there is! I'm an IoT guy and this sorta thing is super important to me. I don't only want to consult a small LCD screen on the wall or do battle with an app that doesn't update properly.
My casual obsession and nightly research has led me to plan a system around the Victron MP II 48/3000. While I'd love to spring for the 48/5000, it's not possible right now. In order to get a "foot in the door", I figured I'd start with the 3kW now and then add another 6 months later. Good or bad idea?
In terms of solar panels, I'm not really sold on anything right now. Battery-wise, I started off being 100% sold on PylonTech US2000B but I'm now intrigued by the UFO 5kWh. I don't have a ton of garage floor space but have some great wall space that is already next to a mini-DB.
Fire away, gents!-
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- 11 replies
Picked By
Energy, -
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Goodwe vs others
markus_m2 posted a topic in Inverters,
Hey guys,
Been doing a lot of reading here - some brilliant advice and posts.
I'm looking at installing a hybrid system - around 4.5kW Inverter, 3.6kWp PV and probably 2 Pylontech 3000s, largely DIY.
So here's the question - what brand inverter?
Leaning towards the Goodwe as a brilliant little all-rounder. Seems to include all function we require in one unit, good quality, easy install, and all at a pretty reasonable price.
But what would we be missing out on compared to the competition?
Thinking specifically Victron and/or SMA - what extra features and enhancements do these offer over the Goodwe? I hear the Goodwe is a little limited in the setup / programming one can do - this'd be a serious drawback for me. Are the others worth the extra expense and complexity? (As I understand both these other systems one would need seperate modular units as opposed to Goodwe all-in-one)
Would really appreciate your guys' reasons for preferring one over the other...-
- 17 replies
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Energy, -
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Available Now : New 8 x Pylontech Pylon US2000 2.4kWh Li-Ion Solar Battery
Energy posted a topic in Classifieds,
Hi All I have 8 New in box x Pylon US2000 2.4kWh Li-Ion Solar Battery Available NOW for R12500 Excl Vat.
Please note first come first serve. They new stock from a project that did not continue.
All profits go to running of the forum - Thanks All.
I hope this is helpful.
Sincerely
Jason-
- 16 replies
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Energy, -
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What would you like to see on the online Store!
Energy posted a topic in The Powerforum Store,
Hi All
I would love your feedback, What items would you like to see on the online store at www.powerforum-store.co.za
All feedback welcome.
Sincerely
Jason-
- 7 replies
Picked By
Energy, -
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Starting my grid-tied solution to load shedding
Rclegg posted a topic in Starting In Solar? Feel free to introduce yourself,
Hey all,
As with everyone in this country; I am done with Eskom's BS.
I'd like to design a system for my house to initially start out providing the house with power during load shedding periods. I'd like to then upscale the system to the point where Eskom is just a backup. I believe this is the Hybrid system (Grid-tied)?
The requirements I have for such a system is this:
1. I All plugs in the house should be on inverter power
2. All lights should be on inverter power (80% are LED - will be changing the remaining to LED)
3. Should be able to run the ceiling fan / light
Current power consumption is on average 30Kw a day (Have one ion those smart meters that gives readings; not sure on accuracy ?)
We won't need to run the follow for the moment: Pool pump, geyser, stove A/C. Eventually the system should be able to run all that except the stove as we will move that to gas.
I'v done some research and unfortunately I just have more questions than answers; hoping this helpful forum will be able to assist.
1. Will a 5Kva inverter be enough? What brands should I be looking at (And staying away from)
2. Batteries - Would it be better to go with 105ah batteries for now or use 200ah batteries - need to keep the house running for 4.5h min
3. Do I need to have a manual change over switch by the DB? (I know the inverter will do it; but not sure on the law / regulations)
4. Do I need a second DB according to regulations / law? (I am probably going to install one regardless, but would like to know)
5. Do I need to have a certified installer; or can I get someone knowledgable to install and then get someone to certify the system for me?
6. Do I need to register NERSA / COJ for the system to be 'legal'
Finally, let's say I want to upscale to solar - besides the PV panels / roof mounting kit - what else would I need to add to the system?
Budget wise; what should I be looking at to spend here for the short term (Just getting relief from load shedding) I am thinking in the 25 - 30k mark? excluding anything related to solar
Appreciate any feedback; I am completely new to all this and might not understand it all 100%.-
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- 68 replies
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Energy, -
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Hi McDuffy, How do you measure your battery voltages - external voltmeter, Axpert display, or RS232 port and PC? I would really like to see a comprehensive test of the Axpert performance, but using lab equipment to accurately measure volts and amps. Not sure I trust the measurements displayed by the Axpert Regards, Solo -
Agreed. I mention it merely for fairness (so people cannot say I did not consider this characteristic). 🙂 -
Look at the size of the panels and how you will be able to fit them on your roof. With the 275W panels I could fit 2 rows with each panel in portrait orientation on the roof. With the 335W panels I had to fit them in landscape orientation adding to the bracket costing. For some reason at that stage the 14 x 275W panels was just cheaper than 12 x 335W panels. You are limited by kW per string and voltage on the inverter. Thus the max number of panels differ depending on size of each panel. -
This type of load increase has always been part of the city engineers design problems. Evenings when many use showers and ovens to make food. The english who all switch on kettles for a cup of tea after sports games (or something like that) So even when an area with many solar users use a lot less power the municipal electrical supply backbone still need to be designed to handle the full load. In the past many used to pay a connected fee or basic fee for this backbone and then pay a kwh fee on top of that for electricity used. Now many are only paying a flat rate per kWh or on a prepay meter. So for the solar user the municipality is not getting money to maintain the supply to their homes but still have to maintain it.
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I must say the people on this forum is genuinely helpful. I have a tile roof and is 100% north facing i have about 40sqm i can use of the (4 x 13 tile roof) Why did you choose smaller panels and not bigger for the full array or with let's say 15 panels (160w) or will 8 (300w) panels also work, my understanding you can connect up to 19 solar panels to the Goodwe. My thinking is longer term. i.e adding additional panels. What is the pro's and cons around this decision?
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