Neb

The Penny is dropping, Literally and figuratively [emoji106] Apparently the lower voltage batteries have thicker plates and actually last longer Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It seems that transformers don't work on DC. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Would it be OK to connect batteries in parallel and use a 1:4 DC transformer to up the voltage? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What's the highest Ah rated 12v battery on the market available in SA? Shot again. Ok so in parallel the voltage stays the same and Ah multiplies? In series voltage multiplies but Ah stays the same. So what I have now is only 100Ah 48v. No way I'm going with 5 strings! Rather 2 strings of the Ritars. I know this is simple stuff for you guys but thanks again, good forum. It's making more sense now. So I want something like 24v 250Ah +? That would be 2 strings of 2 and give me 500Ah 48v...... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks Plonkster. Yes! definitely not wanting to push the limits at all, that was my thinking behind using a system that is pretty much twice the capacity it needs to be (except the batteries). My understanding is that in the middle of winter with less daylight hours, my array should still sufficiently charge the bank(?). The biggest single load I will have is probably a pool filtration system, 1.75 kW running off a variable speed drive and only in sunlight conditions! The most power I think I could draw at once is about 5-6kw, and that will only happen if I make it happen on purpose. That Imeon is rather heavy, it feels like 50-60kg, lots of copper in that thing and maybe a capacitor to handle a spike, I'm not sure. Your theory about the spike load is interesting but in my setup I don't imagine being near the limits (except on the batteries, but the systems not connected yet so I can change it) If I understand Plonkster correctly, the spike problem would be solved by employing bigger battery capacity? The batteries, I can either get 4 of those Ritar 260Ah that Mike mentioned (1040Ah), thanks Mike! or get another 4 Trojans(800Ah). Economically the Ritars make more sense, are they good reliable quality? I'm also going to check out some bigger Trojans, I like the idea of keeping the battery units minimum, less units to replace! Well done Mike!, Is your company called Thorne Solar? Thanks for the help, looking forward to connecting this puppy and ironing out the bugs. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Interesting ! http://pqrs.co.za/s-a-solar-pv-list-2/ Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Shot superdiy Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I got you there TTT, I wouldn't feel very good marching a bank of Trojans to an early death[emoji106] Any suggestions on a good cheaper brand that could do the job? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks Plonkster. I will consider the option of doubling my battery bank, I'm trying to employ a system that can comfortably sustain the house in an off-grid situation. It should handle the loads regardless of the weather and season (that's why I've gone for so many panels and a 9.12 Imeon Energy) the system should be capable of powering the house during the day without much help from batteries but I agree with you guys that the batteries would struggle, especially on long winter nights. I want a bank that would be perfectly suited to my application, i don't mind investing in a battery bank that could last 8+ years because electricity is not going to get cheaper. So for my application considering 50% DOD, what arrangement of batteries would work without problems? On a sidebar, would it make sense to have freestanding aircon (heat pump) 1500W with temperature programmed at 20degrees Celsius in the DB room to keep the bank and inverter cool on hot days? I thought it should work because the Imeon should supply direct power from the panels therefore not creating a wasted energy cycle? (Eg. running the cooling system to cool batteries off the said batteries makes no sense) any thoughts? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks Chris and Mike! So what would be the easiest way to achieve 500Ah and 48V? Lower voltage batteries with higher Ah rating? More expensive? Yes! All heavy loads like washing machines and pool pumps only work in the day, the inverter is going in a DB room in the workshop. What do you guys think of those new Tesla Power Wall batteries, any good? Will update about how it's going when I've used my system for a while. I'm so excited about not using Eskom. Does the Imeon overcharge batteries? How do you prevent that? After reading about lithium Ion it seems like the wise decision long term? Cheers Ben Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi Guys. I've just purchased 30x 310w Canadian Solar PV modules, 4x Trojan 100Ah Vrla Agm Batteries and an Imeon 9.12 Smart inverter. It's 9Kw DC input and 12kw AC 3 phase output I'm planning on installing this on a north facing roof in Cape Town. (Renovating the house and installing this system as part of the renovations) The house is a 4/5 bedroom but at the moment only 2 adults and a 5 year old will live in it All lighting will be LED, there are 2x150l geysers that are heated by a solar water heater and heat pump. There are obviously all the other appliances (washing machine, dishwasher, fridge) including a 1.5kw pool pump/chlorinator system that would run during Sunlight hours and a 750W well point pump Irrigation system that would run for an hour in the AM and PM. I would also like to run energy efficient air cons if needed, but good insulation is first prize. My worst case of usage recorded was 40KWh per day but with the efficient lighting and water heating it should be less. I would like some expert opinion about the way the system has been sized and what I could run off it? My aim is to not use Eskom ever unless there's something wrong. Would I need more batteries? Should I change the batteries to Lithium Ion? I Look forward to a response. Cheers Ben Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk