rourke

Hi

I am also looking into this system PV Controller option
I have DIY'd a few geysers on flat plates in Limpopo( Flat roof). Out of 3 installs 1 glass broke due to what looked like a stone ( Maybe Kids) . still worked well Polokwane has enough heat 2nd started leaking internally after about 5years use . evacuated tubes are more efficient especially colder more cloudy areas CPT JHB. Flat plates are good enough for limpopo. Summer sees almost no element usage and winter just a topup here and there( Tenants ) . After 6 years 2 heatteach geysers started leaking maybe my fault as i removed the anode after about 2 years . the spare geyser i had ( The first installed geyser) Builders was just electric about 2 years then flatplat went on . Changed the element gasket 1nc. then worked another 3 years . since took it off as government installed a plasma solar geyser. I used this geyser after 1 heatteach started leaking. still working and is maybe 10years old from new.
Flat plates I bought ( AT Auction) 5 for like 1000 4 builders flat plates and 1 longer 1 all practically new but used .So cheap . even on FB market.
I have a tiled roof with geyser in the roof ( Main house)
So I tried getting some1 with a COC to install a retro fit for me . using my flat plate. All were busy insurance jobs new installs etc . 1 guy wanted me to buy a new tube collector a second hand 1 he had , but i could not meet the guy and he wanted a deposit . so he sounded like a scammer. so that didn't work out .
On the other other hand retro fitting on a tiled roof . geez. Circulation pumps extra pipes fittings , controllers small solar panel , battery etc etc . Is alot of items that can go wrong. then there is the element of leaking due to pipes running through the tiles or pipes leaking in the roof.

I am now looking into the elon smart or the PI2R MICRO as they are the cheapest . and also less moving parts .
So same as OP
I want to look around for second hand panels but 500watts is still pricey on the second hand market at say 1200 1300 maybe . so 3900 plus elon 3800 or PI2R 3300.
Then panel brackets and consumables plus labor ?
So Talia B How much does it cost for the material all in including controller and Panels New.
Elon ranges from 9000 CPT to 11500 JHB with panels new but excludes consumables and labour.
So still an expensive exercise.
I ask cos it will help the OP and Myself and any other people interested in this system to know the full extend of the costs involved.

Cheers