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Ah, ok that makes sense. Then I might as well do the batteries from the start as well. Thanks! Edit: There's an overload of info in this thread, so going to compile everything into a doc and decide based on that 😀

I did also consider getting an inverter + minimum panels required to get it working without a battery, but it seems like this will be a no go as the Sunsynk requires a battery. My thinking was that during the day I can use grid + some solar and just not charge anything. Would this not be an option? If loadshedding hits during the sun hours I might be able to offset it to an extend (WFH) Edit: I would then save up and buy batteries in one go

Thanks! Will check out the sizing tool. I didn't know about the PV voltage limitations or weather, will have to calculate accordingly. 🙂 Any suggestions where to start window shopping for pricing? I know these guys have a store as well and then sustainable, but not keen on getting a second home loan with sustainable 😅 There seems to be so much solar shops and installers these days, not sure who I can trust.

Thank you. I feel like I need an advanced degree to read that sheet 😅 I'll start doing some research on panels.

Why would I want to add more panels (kw) than what the inverter can handle? Is it for those cloudy days?

Ah! I actually used it loosely. I do have a generator, but that's going as soon as I start this project. Furthermore, I think hybrid is actually the best to get started and cater for cloudy days. I'm going to do this piece by piece anyway (except batteries, wills ave up and buy everything in one go to not mix old + new) From what I researched, you can set a preference on Sunsynk to use solar first and supplement with grid.

If I get a 8kw inverter, would 8kw worth of panels then be ideal? Might as well plan properly before I officially get started. 🙂

Thanks! I'll continue reading and researching while saving up, but I think I have all that I need for now, 🙂 Thanks everyone!

Thanks for the response! Do you have a timeline more or less of what a short period would be? Considering these batteries go for 20-30k (decent size), I'd have to save 4-6 months before I can add another set. I have to make a choice in either buying all the batteries in one go (saving up longer) or if half a year is ok to wait, then I can get started in the meantime. I already converted to gas for cooking, so that's sorted 🙂

I think powering a geyser with PV is going to be the best bang for buck. My biggest concerns are around batteries. I don't know if I'd be able to add more batteries later and how this would affect existing batteries. Thanks for the feedback so far! 🙂

Good morning everyone. I would like to start my off grid journey this year, finally being out of debt (except home loan). I don't have the capital to do everything once off, so hoping to be able to do it piece by piece. I have a couple of questions and hoping the community would be able to assist. From some research, it seems the most popular set-up is this: 5/8kW Sunsynk Hybrid Inverter JA 540W Solar panels Some form of lithium batteries I was considering converting my geyser to solar first, but then people with existing systems mentioned that although it's less efficient to power a geyser, from PV panels, it is more value for money to get extra PV than say having a dedicated solar geyser kit. E.g. 15-20k extra solar panels vs a dedicated geyser system. What are the thoughts around the above for people that already have off grid/grid tied systems in place? Assuming I go piece by piece, starting with the inverter, would it be possible for the Sunsynk to be installed with one set of batteries and then later more added? I know it's not great to mix old and new batteries, so would this be possible? I know some inverters allows you to install multiple "packs", but I can't seem to find information on the Sunsynk/don't know what to Google for. I average about 15-20 units per day, so I'm going to get myself one of those Efergy monitors, to determine when most power is drawn, but I assume it will be when the geyser is running. How do I calculate the battery and solar panel size needed? (Taking battery DOD, rainy days and so into account). Note: There is no female in my household (yet, but I should cater for this anyway) so no hair dryers and things like that 🤣 Looking forward to some advice 🙂