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Super_mil

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Reputation Activity

  1. Like
    Super_mil got a reaction from Brian J in Axpert 5kVa Inverter - Overcharging   
    Just an update to this. I have finally fixed the issue, by getting both inverters replaced with new units and updated firmware (71.70).
    It would seem (as expected) that the older 71.50 firmware was the issue. The issue did not resolve itself by running the master with the updated firmware and the slave with the old firmware, I tried. Both units need to be running 71.70.
    It should be noted Mustek were of no help through this process 👎
  2. Thanks
    Super_mil reacted to Coulomb in Axpert 5kVa Inverter - Overcharging   
    This is an FAQ. You have to do this with the rocker switch off. Do this during the day with solar connected so that there is a charge source, so the inverter doesn't switch off while you are saving the change. Or just be quick and use escape to save the setting.
  3. Like
    Super_mil got a reaction from Vosser in Midlands Off-Grid Installation   
    The Sika 11 FC on the upstream edge of the bracket pretty much eliminates the chance of water getting to bolt.
  4. Like
    Super_mil got a reaction from Youda in Midlands Off-Grid Installation   
    Over the past couple months I've been in the process of getting a small property I bought in the Midlands livable and off-grid. The choice to go solar became a lot easier after seeing what Eskom charges for line rental and the general uncertainty WRT power supply.
    My initial plan was to install a Goodwe inverter but after posting my plan here a couple months back, @Chris Hobson suggested the Goodwe wasn't ideal for an off-grid set-up. Chris also gave up some of his time by letting me contact him via telephone to give some further info, for which I'm very appreciative.
    The system consists of 12 x 355w Canadian Solar Panels, mounted as two 6 panel strings. The panels have been mounted using Renusol hardware, which is better suited to IBR sheets (my roof is corrugated).That said I worked hard to ensure each mounting screw went through the very apex of the corrugation and added Sika Flex FC to the attachment point and the front edge of the corrugation that has the screw running through it. We've had some decent rain and no leaks at all so I'm happy. I h. Each string runs through a fuse, surge protector and isolating switch before connecting to a 5kva Axpert/Mercer inverter. The 2 inverters are connected in parallel and supply power to 5 x 2.4kWh Pylontech batteries. The inverters were both manufactured in December 2018, and have version 71.50 firmware (which is what they came with). I have allowed for a generator input for periods of extended cloud/rain etc. I'm in the process of finding better monitoring software as the WatchPower software the inverters came with is very poor.
    The entire AC side of the house was wired by an electrician who also oversaw the solar installation and has signed off on installation. 
    Below are some pics of the system at various points of the installation.
    1. Solar mounting hardware

    2. Panels going in. Fortunately the retaining wall helped to make things a bit easier (co-worker grabbing some shade

    3. Panels in

    4. PV fuse, surge protection and isolator

    5. Inverter details and firmware

    6. General Layout

    7. Battery bank in box

    8. Final setup

  5. Like
    Super_mil got a reaction from Vosser in Midlands Off-Grid Installation   
    Over the past couple months I've been in the process of getting a small property I bought in the Midlands livable and off-grid. The choice to go solar became a lot easier after seeing what Eskom charges for line rental and the general uncertainty WRT power supply.
    My initial plan was to install a Goodwe inverter but after posting my plan here a couple months back, @Chris Hobson suggested the Goodwe wasn't ideal for an off-grid set-up. Chris also gave up some of his time by letting me contact him via telephone to give some further info, for which I'm very appreciative.
    The system consists of 12 x 355w Canadian Solar Panels, mounted as two 6 panel strings. The panels have been mounted using Renusol hardware, which is better suited to IBR sheets (my roof is corrugated).That said I worked hard to ensure each mounting screw went through the very apex of the corrugation and added Sika Flex FC to the attachment point and the front edge of the corrugation that has the screw running through it. We've had some decent rain and no leaks at all so I'm happy. I h. Each string runs through a fuse, surge protector and isolating switch before connecting to a 5kva Axpert/Mercer inverter. The 2 inverters are connected in parallel and supply power to 5 x 2.4kWh Pylontech batteries. The inverters were both manufactured in December 2018, and have version 71.50 firmware (which is what they came with). I have allowed for a generator input for periods of extended cloud/rain etc. I'm in the process of finding better monitoring software as the WatchPower software the inverters came with is very poor.
    The entire AC side of the house was wired by an electrician who also oversaw the solar installation and has signed off on installation. 
    Below are some pics of the system at various points of the installation.
    1. Solar mounting hardware

    2. Panels going in. Fortunately the retaining wall helped to make things a bit easier (co-worker grabbing some shade

    3. Panels in

    4. PV fuse, surge protection and isolator

    5. Inverter details and firmware

    6. General Layout

    7. Battery bank in box

    8. Final setup

  6. Thanks
    Super_mil got a reaction from Youda in Mecer/Axpert Inverter Settings   
    It would seem that I have solved my particular issue. I tried @Coulombs suggestion and lowered the voltages only for it to have no effect. I then figured I'd just check all the wires again and low and behold one of the red and black coms wires were loose. 😤 It was seated properly in the slot but the holding screw wasn't done up very tight so the cable pulled a bit when I added tension. Tightened it all up and all seems well. I can only assume the loose wire was causing some form of miscommunication between the two inverters. 
     

    The offending wire.

    Expected output readings finally happening with no voltage spikes

    The afternoons results.
     
     
  7. Like
    Super_mil got a reaction from georgelza in Mecer/Axpert Inverter Settings   
    I know!! 😖
    Just posting to make sure I'm not missing something obvious from my side.
  8. Sad
    Super_mil reacted to ___ in Midlands Off-Grid Installation   
    Now you all need is an inverter or two 🙂
     
  9. Haha
    Super_mil reacted to SilverNodashi in Midlands Off-Grid Installation   
    Jong. Last time I pointed mistakes like that out on the forum I was, nicely, not to be rude. 
  10. Thanks
    Super_mil reacted to Jaws in Midlands Off-Grid Installation   
    I’m not 100% sure if this was meant tongue in the cheek or slightly serious ?
     
    For an off-grid install I think he made good decision with that gear.
     
    Price wise would Victron even come close price wise ?
  11. Thanks
    Super_mil reacted to SilverNodashi in Midlands Off-Grid Installation   
    Great install and great choice on equipment
  12. Thanks
    Super_mil reacted to Mistral in Midlands Off-Grid Installation   
    Impressive!
    Thanks for posting!
     
  13. Thanks
    Super_mil reacted to Treschen in Midlands Off-Grid Installation   
    Awesome install keen to know how many watts its producing during optimal periods ?
  14. Like
    Super_mil reacted to DeepBass9 in Midlands Off-Grid Installation   
    Awesome. Nice install!
  15. Like
    Super_mil got a reaction from Mark in Midlands Off-Grid Installation   
    Over the past couple months I've been in the process of getting a small property I bought in the Midlands livable and off-grid. The choice to go solar became a lot easier after seeing what Eskom charges for line rental and the general uncertainty WRT power supply.
    My initial plan was to install a Goodwe inverter but after posting my plan here a couple months back, @Chris Hobson suggested the Goodwe wasn't ideal for an off-grid set-up. Chris also gave up some of his time by letting me contact him via telephone to give some further info, for which I'm very appreciative.
    The system consists of 12 x 355w Canadian Solar Panels, mounted as two 6 panel strings. The panels have been mounted using Renusol hardware, which is better suited to IBR sheets (my roof is corrugated).That said I worked hard to ensure each mounting screw went through the very apex of the corrugation and added Sika Flex FC to the attachment point and the front edge of the corrugation that has the screw running through it. We've had some decent rain and no leaks at all so I'm happy. I h. Each string runs through a fuse, surge protector and isolating switch before connecting to a 5kva Axpert/Mercer inverter. The 2 inverters are connected in parallel and supply power to 5 x 2.4kWh Pylontech batteries. The inverters were both manufactured in December 2018, and have version 71.50 firmware (which is what they came with). I have allowed for a generator input for periods of extended cloud/rain etc. I'm in the process of finding better monitoring software as the WatchPower software the inverters came with is very poor.
    The entire AC side of the house was wired by an electrician who also oversaw the solar installation and has signed off on installation. 
    Below are some pics of the system at various points of the installation.
    1. Solar mounting hardware

    2. Panels going in. Fortunately the retaining wall helped to make things a bit easier (co-worker grabbing some shade

    3. Panels in

    4. PV fuse, surge protection and isolator

    5. Inverter details and firmware

    6. General Layout

    7. Battery bank in box

    8. Final setup

  16. Like
    Super_mil reacted to Atti2de in 6 Parallel vs. 12 Series Solar panels   
    Hey @Super_mil, Thank you for the comments!
    I am stuck with the 1 large series string! The higher voltage seems to favor the MPPT chargers...

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