Energy-Jason

Hello Everyone Just received the Hubble AM16+ and the AM5+ will unbox them this weekend share pics of what's in the boxes. I can however say both batteries are really Heavy already a good sign the AM5+ is almost 60KG and the AM16+ cardboard box almost 160KG wooden crate packaging included... all came on a pallet.
I will need extra hands to move that beast into place the good news is that it has wheels.
Exciting stuff will get some feedback from the Hubble engineer on how to make 3 Cloudlinks talk to each other considering the batteries have their own built in units.
Also get the new batteries to talk to the old AM2 Units...
Then I will start playing around with the batteries and get some meaningful testing done may even be able to share live viewing access to the two cloudlinks with links here on the forum.
Will keep you posted this weekend is unboxing and installing.

Its time to cover the lawn with ground mounted solar panels🤣

Most solar calculators online quote you a payback that never matches reality. They assume you use every kilowatt your panels make, that prices stand still, that your battery lasts forever and that the cash you sank into it could not have earned a cent anywhere else.
So I built one that does not pretend. You put in your real numbers and it shows you two figures side by side - the rosy payback a salesman quotes and the realistic one you are actually likely to get - then it breaks down exactly what eats the gap. Wasted daytime generation, panel degradation, the battery you will replace once down the line, financing interest and the higher fixed charge some municipalities slap on solar homes.
It is free and there is no signup. Set your own tariff off your bill rather than the presets and be honest about how much you use in daylight and you will get a sensible answer.
Anyone interested can have a look here:
https://southafricafacts.co.za/solar-savings-calculator-south-africa/
Keen to hear if the numbers line up with what you are actually seeing. Share your own setup and payback if you are up for it.

Built for the Elements. Engineered for Protection.
The LBSA StormGuard Inferno High Voltage Battery is designed to perform in the harshest environments.
With a water-resistant enclosure and integrated fire suppression system, the StormGuard Inferno provides an extra layer of protection for commercial, industrial and agricultural energy storage applications.
Whether facing heavy rain, harsh conditions or fire-related risks, the StormGuard Inferno is built to help protect your energy investment.
• Water-Resistant Enclosure
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When reliability matters, choose a battery designed for real-world conditions.
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Solis IntelliHome (5–16)kWh-OD Series
Solis continues to strengthen its residential energy ecosystem with the IntelliHome-OD series  a premium low-voltage (LV) lithium battery solution engineered for long-term reliability, outdoor durability, and seamless compatibility with Solis hybrid inverters. Designed for homeowners seeking greater energy independence and smarter backup power, the IntelliHome-OD delivers a streamlined all-in-one storage experience for modern residential installations.
Expanded Technical Highlights
Outdoor-Ready Design (IP66 Rated)
The IntelliHome-OD series is purpose built for outdoor environments, eliminating the need for dedicated indoor battery rooms or additional protective enclosures. Its robust IP66-rated housing provides complete protection against dust ingress and powerful water jets, making it highly resistant to rain, humidity, and harsh environmental conditions.
This rugged construction allows installers greater flexibility when designing residential systems, particularly where indoor installation space is limited. The corrosion-resistant enclosure and durable construction also contribute to improved long-term reliability in demanding climates.
Flexible & Scalable Energy Storage
The IntelliHome-OD range is available in multiple storage capacities:
5kWh
10kWh
16kWh
This modular approach enables homeowners to select a storage size that aligns with their current consumption patterns while maintaining the ability to expand in the future. Parallel connectivity support allows multiple battery units to be combined, creating a scalable energy storage solution capable of supporting increasing household loads, electric vehicle charging, or future solar system expansion.
The scalable architecture makes the IntelliHome-OD suitable for:
Backup power applications
Self-consumption optimisation
Load shifting
Time-of-use energy management
Off-grid and hybrid residential systems
Advanced LiFePO₄ (LFP) Battery Chemistry
At the core of the IntelliHome-OD series is Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) chemistry, widely recognised as one of the safest and most stable lithium battery technologies available for residential energy storage.
Compared to conventional lithium-ion technologies, LFP chemistry offers:
Enhanced thermal stability
Improved fire safety
Longer operational lifespan
Greater charge/discharge consistency
Reduced degradation over time

High-Performance Backup Capability
The IntelliHome-OD series is specifically optimised for integration with the Solis S6 hybrid inverter range, ensuring smooth communication, fast response times, and efficient power management.
Supporting high discharge currents of up to 290A, the battery system can handle sudden load surges from heavy household appliances.
This high-current capability enhances overall backup reliability during grid outages and ensures stable performance even during demanding energy events.

Smart Monitoring with SolisCloud Integration
The IntelliHome-OD series features seamless plug-and-play integration with the SolisCloud Platform, enabling homeowners and installers to monitor system performance remotely in real time.
Through the SolisCloud platform, users can access:
Battery state of charge (SOC)
Real-time charging and discharging data
Historical energy trends
System alarms and diagnostics
Remote firmware upgrades
Performance optimisation tools
This intelligent monitoring capability simplifies system management while improving preventative maintenance and long-term operational efficiency.

Why Choose IntelliHome?
The IntelliHome-OD series removes many of the traditional limitations associated with residential battery storage. Its outdoor-ready design, silent natural convection cooling, and flexible installation options allow it to integrate seamlessly into modern homes without compromising aesthetics or living space.
Whether wall-mounted or floor-stacked, the system delivers a clean, compact, and low-maintenance energy storage solution designed to meet the evolving demands of residential energy users.
Reliable, rugged, intelligent, and future-ready, the IntelliHome-OD series is built for the next generation of home energy storage.

For more information, visit: https://www.solisstorage.com/en/productlist/3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The mighty Ban hammer?! I will let the crowd decide the fate! 😄 
Jay

Hola amigo Gracias por contarnos tu caso con el Solis S6-EH1P(3-8)K-L-PLUS 8k y la batería Sunpro LB100AH 51.2V. Es un problema súper común cuando la batería no está en la lista oficial.¿Por qué se te cambian los parámetros?Aunque no tengas cable BMS conectado, el inversor está cargando los valores predeterminados del perfil de batería que tienes seleccionado. Tus valores (44V / 48V / 43.5V) son un poco agresivos para la mayoría de LiFePO4, por eso el firmware los reemplaza automáticamente por los suyos (47V / 51V / 41V). Configuración recomendada (Modo Manual)Selecciona User Define o Lithium Battery LV y prueba estos valores más seguros:Over Discharging: 46.0 V
Recovery: 49.5 V
Force Charge: 46.5 V
Pasos importantes:Ingresa los valores
Guarda
Sal completamente del menú
Apaga inversor + batería 2 minutos
Vuelve a encender y revisa que se hayan guardado
Mejor solución: Comunicación BMS (Muy recomendado)Consigue cable CAN RJ45 compatible
Configura en el inversor el protocolo Solis Lithium LV o Ginlong
En la batería Sunpro pon el protocolo en Solis o CAN Bus si tiene la opción
Actualización de FirmwareMuchos usuarios resuelven esto actualizando el firmware.
Te recomiendo contactar al soporte oficial de Solis en tu país y solicitar la última versión para el modelo S6-EH1P(3-8)K-L-PLUS. A veces las versiones nuevas mejoran mucho el soporte de baterías genéricas.¿Me puedes decir qué opción de batería tienes seleccionada ahora y qué firmware aparece?
También si puedes subir de nuevo las fotos te ayudo más exacto.Cualquier duda aquí estamos para ayudarte

The Solis S6 80-125kW Hybrid: The "4-in-1" Powerhouse for South African C&I
Streamline your commercial installations with the new S6-EH3P(80-125)K-NV-YD-H series.

This isn't just an inverter; it is an integrated energy hub that combines PCS, PV, EMS, and STS functionality into a single, high-performance unit.
Why it’s a game-changer for your projects:
High-Power Compatibility: 10 MPPTs with up to 20A string current, making it fully compatible with the latest high-efficiency, large-format modules.
Superior Backup Capability: <10ms seamless switching and 1.6x backup overload capacity for 10 seconds—essential for handling inductive motor starts during load shedding.
Flexible Battery Management: Dual independent battery ports supporting 100A+100A charge/discharge, compatible with high-capacity 100–314Ah HV batteries.
Intelligent Integration: Dedicated ports for Diesel Generators or Wind inputs, with smart peak shaving in both "Self-Use" and "Generator" modes.
Reliability: Type I & II SPD protection and IP66-rated enclosure for long-term durability in local conditions.
Scale your C&I offerings with a solution built for resilience.
 Full Technical Specs: solisinverters.com/za/S6-C&I-Hybrid

Hi Aartappel,
Thanks for the details on your potato farm setup in the Western Cape. Irrigation is excellent for solar self-consumption during the day.
On oversizing beyond your 200 kVA supply points:
You're right that many farms push larger PV arrays, but the inverter AC export capacity is normally limited to or below the supply transformer rating to avoid network issues. When the local transformer is at or near maximum capacity, the common compliant solution used by Western Cape farmers is.
Oversize the PV array add Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with strict export limitation and zero-export control.
This allows you to.
Generate more solar higher DC:AC ratio, e.g. 1.2–1.5 for better yield.
Store excess daytime production in batteries.
Discharge batteries to loads pumps, etc. without exceeding the transformer’s export and import limits.
Keep net export at or below the allowed value (often 0 kW or a small % of NMD).
Modern hybrid inverters (e.g.Solis Sunsynk, Victron, Deye, GoodWe, etc.) support dynamic export limiting via CT sensors or zero export mode. The system throttles PV/battery output so the net flow back to the grid stays within Eskom’s approved limit.
Important rules & realities Eskom SSEG:
The generator size inverter AC rating is generally capped around your supply rating 200 kVA or 75% of transformer capacity on LV supplies. Significant oversizing usually requires a network impact study.
Batteries do not bypass the limit Eskom assesses the total possible export. However, with proper export control plus anti-islanding, many farms get approval for larger PV and BESS setups because net export is controlled.
Systems >100 kW total need NERSA registration plus a Pr Eng sign-off.
Battery charging from the grid is usually limited e.g. 25% of breaker size in some guidelines to prevent cold load pickup issues.
Practical recommendations for your 4 × 200 kVA points:
Do a proper load & export study Measure actual daytime irrigation demand vs proposed solar. Batteries shine here for shifting energy.
Contact Eskom Western Cape early [email protected] with your account numbers and proposed setup PV kW and BESS kWh plus export limit. Ask for a pre application network assessment.
Choose installers experienced with farm BESS us export limited SSEG in the Western Cape. Ask for references of similar approvals.
Key documents needed:
Eskom SSEG application.
Detailed single line diagram showing export control.
Inverter and Battery datasheets (NRS 097-2-1 compliant).
Export limitation settings & test procedure.
CoC and Pr Eng sign off where required.
This approach larger PV + batteries + export limit is indeed what many farmers are successfully using when transformers are constrained it maximises self-consumption, reduces diesel and generator runtime, and stays compliant.
If you share more info current peak loads, quotes received, exact transformer details, or whether you want zero export or limited expor ), the forum can give even more specific feedback.
Solar with storage should significantly cut your pumping costs. Good luck!

i dont know if it works or not . its brand new as in never been used but its been in storage for years . im based in Sandringham JHB near the Sandringham Shell on George avenue

Just a reminder for recent joiners:
Please familiarise yourselves with The Powerforum's Terms of Service;
We shall respect one another on the forum.

Hi,Thanks for the feedback glad the info was helpful!
You're spot on about the self-consumption difference. Many users coming from Sunsynk are pleasantly surprised by how efficient the S6 runs.
PV plus Battery Augmentation on Load Spikes When there's good sunshine and the battery has usable charge, the Solis S6 16kW does exactly what you're hoping for: it prioritises PV first, then augments short-term high loads with battery power very similar to Victron's behaviour. It won't unnecessarily pull from the grid if the battery is available in normal Self-Use mode.
This is one of the biggest improvements over Sunsynk for many customers who get frustrated when the system still draws from the grid during sudden spikes even with a full battery. You can fine-tune this behaviour easily through the Solis Cloud app or the large display adjustable discharge SOC limits, peak shaving, etc.
One of the things users love most about the Solis S6 is how seamlessly and intelligently it blends power sources. It blends PV, battery, and grid or generator together in real time with very smooth transitions. Another major efficiency advantage is the energy conversion design. In most normal operation when running from PV or grid, the Solis converts from high voltage to low voltage which is inherently more efficient.
Victron, on the other hand, almost always has to convert from low voltage 48V battery up to high voltage 230V AC, which costs more energy.
This is why the Solis S6 shows such strong efficiency numbers the majority of the time. Only when running purely off battery no PV or grid does it convert from low to high voltage and even then, it does so very efficiently.
Solis engineers looked at the best features across the market Sunsynk/Deye, Victron, GoodWe and others and combined them intelligently into the S6 series.
That's why you get.
Load priority / battery assist like Victron
AC coupling with frequency shifting for easy retrofits
Smart Port for auxiliary loads, generators, or non-essential shedding similar to Sunsynk/Deye
Built-in Earth-Neutral bonding relay which neither Sunsynk, Deye nor Victron has integrated
Extra communication ports (including additional RS232)
Integrated AFCI DC arc-fault detection on the PV side for added safety
And quite a few other "hidden" refinements that make daily operation smoother
It's essentially a “best-of” hybrid that addresses many of the common pain points people have with other brands. Another big plus is the very robust cooling system.
The S6 uses intelligent redundant fan cooling with smart control. In real world use in South Africa, it stays much cooler and rarely if ever derates or overheats under heavy load even in hot conditions. This is in contrast to some Sunsynk and Victron units that are known to run hot and derate output when pushed hard.
On top of that, the S6 has excellent surge handling.
It can deliver 200% of its rated capacity for 10 seconds 32kW surge on the 16kW model.
This makes it very good at handling heavy inductive loads like pumps, motors, compressors, and geysers without tripping.
Combined with an ultra-fast <4ms UPS changeover time, it provides seamless backup power with almost no noticeable interruption.
Trade ins We don’t offer formal trade ins ourselves.
However, we have a very active Classifieds section here on Powerforum where lots of members successfully sell their old inverters when upgrading. You’re welcome to post your Sunsynk 12kW there it usually attracts good interest from people looking for a more affordable option.

The BYD Blade: A Lithium Love Story
A few years ago, I began the journey of installing lithium batteries in my home. I’ll admit—my OCD had me constantly imagining worst-case scenarios, like a battery fault leading to a house fire.
To put my mind at ease, I went down the rabbit hole searching for what I believed to be the safest lithium battery available in South Africa. That’s when I came across a video of a metal nail being driven straight through a BYD cell.
No fire. No explosion. Just some smoke.
That was enough for me—my concerns were settled, and I knew I wanted the BYD Blade.
I’m not here to promote any particular manufacturer—I can genuinely promise that. But during my search, I discovered the Hubble BYD Blade 7kWh battery, and I was immediately impressed.
Long story short, I bought two. They’ve been outstanding—reliable, efficient, and completely trouble-free. I currently run them on a Sunsynk 5kW system without any issues.
It was disappointing to learn that Hubble has discontinued the BYD Blade range, mainly because the blade cells are harder to source compared to other, more readily available options on the market.
That said, I reached out directly to Hubble’s senior team to ask about ongoing support for existing units. They reassured me that parts and support will remain available, so there’s no need for concern on that front.
Interestingly, Hubble still has a limited number of these 7kWh units in stock. With that reassurance in place, I’ll definitely be adding another one when budget allows.
If you’re interested in picking up one of the remaining Hubble BYD units, they’re currently available for R18,400 (incl. VAT) from Powerforum. https://www.hubbleenergy.com/blade
I Hope this helps someone considering their options!
Sincerely
Jason

Hi Jason, I am very happy to hear about your positive experience with the Blade battery. I have also seen the video with the nail being hammered through the battery, and am seriously considering getting a BYD Shark Plug In Hybrid (has the same battery) for work. I will upgrade my existing solar system, putting an independent system in my garage to charge my new car, and act as the backup for my existing system, much like a generator. Most of my traveling is at night, so I can charge the vehicle in the daytime. And my customers have 3 phase electric power available so I will get a plug in charge cable (22kW) to top up charge between jobs. But it should start up on petrol once the battery gets to 20% SOC anyway, so there will be no range anxiety.
I am nervous of the new vehicle, I have seen so many reports of electric cars catching fire, but I have seen way more petrol cars burnt out on the side of the freeway. So I have promised myself that if, after one year of their release into the local market, there are no negative reports I will get one. Reliability is my biggest concern, breaking down at 3am outside an informal settlement is dangerous. But I will be saving R12k a month on diesel, and another R2k a month by going off the grid, so it will pay for itself in no time and have a long term benefit to our monthly expenses.
I will keep you updated,
Regards,
Paul

@DAVID-EC
The answer lies in your requirements.
Pro's:
Like @zsde says, if reliability is a must e.g. people in house requiring life-support equipment, then go parallel.
Parallel is a good option, if you have run out of (mostly) north facing roof, and only have East/West left, then you score 2 extra MPPT's to add to the original 2.
Less cost. One 5kW + installation is probably going to be a lot cheaper than flogging the 5kW and getting a new 10kW.
Cons:
Parallel is always more complex to install.
More costly. Wiring etc. And you would need to add more batteries, depending on the reason for upgrade.
From what I've seen parallel installation don't behave exactly the same as a single unit.
For standard household installations I would go with a single, bigger Inverter.
I don't think your older model will not be compatible with the newer 5kW models, just make sure they are on the same firmware level before you upgrade.
If overloading was you main issue, then be careful if you go the single route. A 8kw SS can only sustain 128A (6.4kW) from DC (batteries) at night with loadshedding.
So if you requirement is more than that, rather go for the next up model, e.g. 10kW.

I know exactly how you feel - it's amazing how many patients manage to survive ICU, not withstanding the medical profession's effort to keep you there 😁 Just joking, of course, but that's how it felt to me every time I had to endure it - tubes everywhere, beeping monitors that are ignored by the staff, lights on 24/7, nurse waking you up at 04:30 just after falling asleep for the first time that night, just to give you a sleeping tablet...
I'm back there on Monday to get a fourth stent in the ❣️
Anyway, glad to hear that you're better - trust that you will be up and about again very soon.

Morning guys and ladies on the forum. I am feeling much better this morning due to the fact that I am in the medical ward instead of Icu or high care. I just want to take a moment to thank each and everyone for the well wishes and especially @Scorp007 my friend that passed the message on. It is very scary when it happens, can't breath and your heart start racing and you are overcome with anxiety, it goes through your mind is it a heart attack but I thought when it happened it felt like a blood clot same symptom as in Mauritius until I became unconscious. Later semi conscious with all these pipes and monitors. The physician and pulmanologist want to change my blood thinning regime from Xarelto to Warfarin.
Again thanks to all for your support.
God bless

Please post in English on this forum.
Please tell us the current firmware version(s). There are too many subtle variants, e.g. to suit a particular DSP chip.

Some feedback on our test Site with the 2KW Variable Pitch turbine.
Currently Running 0 to 360 VDC output
Solis S6 Advanced Hybrid 6 KW MPPT 1 Constant voltage initially at 250 VDC later changed to 300VDC
Wind Started Blowing at 2AM started really Pumping at 3:30 AM as you can see on this

Peak output for a 2KW turbine 2.968 KW total energy generated up to 12:30

8.2 KWh Production battery at 97% so the MPPT is limiting production at this stage.
Took my 38.5 KW battery bank from 74.5 % SOC to 97% while supporting a base load of 600 Watt with up to 2.2 KW spikes.
Weather is overcast and very windy so my PV performance is low.
Looking at the voltage spikes you can see the turbine is now just dumping power to the dumpload.
Ignore total yield this machine is a new unit Solis sent me the old one was one of the 1st ever produced and they wanted it back so they sent me a brand new unit.
Things to still do is setup the remote monitoring on the controller so I can share data directly from the Turbine controller this should be done in the next few weeks as the industry slows down for Christmas.

Hello everyone
I know I have been quiet on the Wind turbine front however here is an update.
We have a new site in Muizenberg Cape Town running 2 x 5 KW Machines coupled to the MPPT's of a Sunsynk 50 KW took some time to get Sunsynk to sort out their MPPT performance (over 3 weeks) but everything is working perfectly now on the Site machines easily reaching their peak output of 5 KW output.
Just on the Sunsynk setup seems like the standard firmware does not have the Wind Turbine functions as default it requires a special request to make that firmware available.
It also takes them some time to finetune the firmware Sunsynk HQ engineers has to get involved.
I think this is the 1st and only 50 KW Sunsynk in SA with 2 x 5KW Variable pitch turbines coupled to the MPPT's
So for those of you that was wondering if it can work I can now confirm it does work very well.
One machine is in a less Ideal position and the tower height is limited due to municipal and public issues.
There is a clear performance difference between the 2 machines illustrating the importance of the correct location and tower height.
Both Machines are on a hill and there would obviously be ground turbulence caused by the wind blowing up the hill this is where the tower height is important to lift the bottom blade end of the turbine out of turbulence.
Regardless of that the machines are performing very well taking all the factors into consideration.

Hi
I had my system installed at the end of March 2025. Recently I came across a few posts with regards to the heat that the solar charge controllers were generating. My charge controllers were hot to the touch during the day and I decided to go down the rabbit hole of figuring out what temp's the controllers were hitting and how to reduce them.
Got myself a Temperature Sensor Gun and measured my controllers at 50.5 degrees Celsius before implementing my solution to cooling them down.
Parts :-
4-6 x 120mm CPU fan ( Deep Cool in my case )
1 x 90W 12V/7.5A Adaptor ( Model Q-A265 )
1 x 1 to 2 DC Split Cable ( used by CCTV )
2 x 1 to 5 DC Split Cable ( had those lying around )
4-6 x DC Female Power Connector ( CCTV ADPT MJ077 )



The heat sink of the controller is against the wall, I didn't want to interfere too much with the installation setup ( I removed the conduit cover for the middle fan to push air through ).
I left the conduit cover of the second controller on to see if there was a difference and you hardly see any difference in temperature. ( second controller at the far end in the pic ).



These are the measurements for today :-
At 07:30 the system was running at 3.8kWh solar production
Controller 1 ( 3 fans ) - 31 degrees ( Fans off )
Controller 2 ( 2 fans ) - 32.5 degrees
I purposefully left the fans off so that the controller can start heating up
At 09:08 the system was running at 6.8kWh solar production
Controller 1 - 50 degrees
Controller 2 - 50.5 degrees
Fans were switched on at this stage
At 09:22 the system was running at 7.3kWh solar production
Controller 1 - 43 degrees
Controller 2 - 43 degrees

At 10:17




The temperature of both controllers have been hovering between 41 and 42 degrees with the fans on.

Example of how the fan is connected



I hope that this implementation will extend the life of the controllers!!!!

Have a great day all.

These people are back at it again and the website is Live Again.
Can I ask that everyone that ordered from them please submit a takedown form here on ISPA: https://ispa.org.za/tdn/take-down-form/
Select Axxess DSL as the ISP and complete the rest of the fields its free and wont take longer then 5 mins.

Sold

I have a 5kw Sunsynk (5K-SG03LP1) In existing use, no problems whatsover, bought and installed DEC 2021 via a reputable installer. I want to Sell.
Also Included: 2x Hager 2P 40A MCB Breakers (M240Z), 1x Hager 2P 40A ChangeOver (STFT240) , 1x 12way Eurolux Surface PVC DB, 1x 1P 40A CBI Breaker
Also included: Custom 12V blower 3x fan assembly via temperature controller
I want R13 000 for the 5kw Inverter inc Breakers & Fan
I reside in Centurion close to the SA Mint

Currently its only Container orders however we are working on getting some Bonded and Consignment stock available this will be then available to PF users and for that matter anyone that wants these panels.