li0n_za

The reason I opted to go for the 2x extra batteries is because with my current 3.6kWp panels (peaking at around 2.8kWh currently) my batteries are fully charged by 12:30 and my load at that point is 500 - 800w. So I waste a bunch of generated power, thought the extra storage might offset this, as I can use it in the evenings then. Granted that is without the geyser or pool pump currently drawing from the PV. Perhaps a happy medium would be another batterye and more panels for the balance of R17k?

I recently got the following installed (system 1) - 5kW Growatt ES 2x Pylontech US3000C 8x Canadian Solar 455W panels Due to limitations on the Growatt (and having some extra cash and wanting to get the best system possible now) and overloading the 5kW a few times, I have decided to upgrade my system to the following (system 2.0) - 8kW Synsynk 4x Pylontech US3000C 8x Canadian Solar 455W panels (will probably add to this at some later point, my north facing roof is filled with the 8 panels so I will need to add another array on the west roof or split then on E/W) Currently everything is connected to essential load, except my geyser and oven. I was planning on moving the geyser to the essential side too, but it seems that with the Sunsynk and a CT coil this isn't necessary per se(would love some input on this)? Would it be recommended to keep the geyser, poolpump and oven on the non-essential side and power it with PV, limiting battery charge from PV during the times they run? Would it be better to rather drop 1 or 2 of the batteries and rather opt for more panels? Could someone explain the exact function of the CT Coil? I have done some light reading on this, but haven't found anything yet that explained it well enough for me. Should I rather consider the 5kW Sunsynk, considering I do have a few peaks of ~4.2kW per week without the geyser being run through the inverter. Is R165k incl installation for the above system(2.0) a good price (about R10k of this was fixing/replacing 2xDBs in my house, the state of which was a complete fucking shitshow)? Could I spend that in a smarter way to achieve the same goal? System 1 price was R100k, System 2.0 will add another ~R60k. Some more info: My current power usage is between 22 - 34 kWh per day, depending how long the pool pump (750w pump, 2hrs 3 times a week) and geyser (on timer and on only for an hour a day usually, unless hot water is needed at another time, then manual) is running. Obviously the plan is to get my power usage from Eskom/City power as close to 0 as possible, so the idea is to charge batteries and run the geyser/pool pump during the day with PV and supply load to the house for the rest of the evening, and rinse repeat. Input is greatly appreciated, I only really started learning about solar and stuff just before I got the initial system. Every day I seem to read something new and want to change things.

What is the most efficient way to run a solar setup? Assuming 7kWh (US3000C) batteries and a 5kW inverter (Growatt ES), with 0.6-1kWh usage in the evenings Should I run batteries as low as possible during the evenings, probably around 30-40%, focus solar charge during the day and rinse repeat?