Neil.inSA

Hi Neil,

I think it makes perfect sense. Irun solar-assistant (https://solar-assistant.io/help/getting-started/prepare-device) which I see appears to support Sunsynk inverters too. Solar-assistant makes it very easy to configure rules such as, switch to Eskom when battery power drops below X. I ran my Geyserwise PTC element (https://livestainable.co.za/products/geyserwise-2kw-230v-stainless-steel-ptc-geyser-element-2000w-ac-only?variant=43669700608180&country=ZA&currency=ZAR&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwna6_BhCbARIsALId2Z0gT62T5gpLeDw2t85-oQNwNH8OdKndp23Q4OnxU5nqsG88UlFSr4caAm-iEALw_wcB) from a single 5kw Kodak when the tubes did not generate enough power until not too ago using Solar-assistant and also some additional home automation (Homeassistant) to manage total load. I now have 2 x Kodak 5kw and more panels so life is less complicated as far as managing the load. I was actually able to pay for much of the expansion using my calculated saving from my initial system over a couple of years.

I also decided to go with a AC powered pump for the tubes and that is connected to my inverter too. Why another battery and tiny solar panel I reasoned.

You don't mention which area you reside in. Here in Cape Town and surrounds we really struggle a bit with solar generation during winter. You might not have those issues to also consider.

In all honesty, if I had the opportunity to do it all other gain, the one thing I would change would be rather go for a heat pump instead of the tubes. In summer, I often have to cool down the water overnight using the Geyserwise "away mode", but in winter it is a challenge and often have to boost the temperature using the element, Having said that, if you have a regular 3kw or high element for your geyser, I would suggest be very careful with your current 5kw setup. Downgrading the wattage and/or going for a Geyserwise PTC element might be something to consider.

What I also did when I only had a single 5kw inverter was install a change over switch for the geyser which allowed me to switch to Eskom directly in winter and via the inverter in summer and then still had Solar-assistant to manage the actual source of power during summer.

Hope it helped and I didn't confuse the heck out of you. If there is anything unclear or you more question please reach out.

Kind regards,
Heine

Thank you! I’ve ended up going with a 8.5KVa Steko with ATS as they have been on special and for the number of times a year I actually plan on using it the R13k sounded ok…. I don’t plan on using the ATS at this point either. Not the quietest I suspect but that’s ok. Arriving tomorrow and my electrician sorting out tomorrow evening. I’ll feed back on my experiences…😁

If I recall the warranty exclusions on that battery, it allows the 1C discharge for 5 minutes out of every 30 minutes. I would rather set the values to the lower limits for continuous usage in contrast to the BMS peaks. But as pointed out, the 5kW Sunsynk can't reach it with 2 batteries connected.

It looks like they underrate the specs in the spec sheet  as the BMS there is allowing 105A charge and discharge per battery . That is really awesome and good to know . As far as your settings go they seem very good and you dont have to change anything. Your inverter is not able to max out those batteries so you have nothing to worry about. If anything i would set the charge to 100A and discharge to 120A.