Vosser

Cool, please post details on how to enter for the giveaway!

Boereplaas bordspel?

I was just trying to keep losses as low as possible. But I settled on 6mm2 wire now and will just keep the cable lengths as short as possible.

Guys I'm looking for a MC4 crimping tool that can crimp 10mm2 cable. I see most crimpers only do up to 6mm. The ABB option at RS is the same as an extra 5-6 panels...(tool: https://za.rs-online.com/web/p/crimp-tools/1368631/ + bigger (10mm2) die: https://za.rs-online.com/web/p/products/1368633/) Any suggestions?

Jaco, thank you for the replies. The 4 panels per string will be connected in serie with their pre-installed 4mm cables. I was wondering about the size of wire that I will have to install from the positive side of the nearest panel and the negative side of the furthest panel in the string to the combiner box. The combined length for those two wires will be about 30m.

Good day, Guys I'm planning my system and need some advise, please. Broadly I'm planning an off-grid system using the following: 12x Canadian 405W panels (3 strings of 4 each) MultiPlus II 48/5000/70-50 CCGX MPPT 250/100 2xPylontech US3000B (a diesel generator and maybe more batteries later will follow) Using the Victron MPPT Excel calculator for temperature variation between -5 to 80 degree Celsius tells be the current per 4 panel string will vary between 36.4A to 27.7A (206V to 124V). The panels will be on the roof of the house and the rest of the equipment will be in a outbuilding which is about 1-2 m away. I am uncertain about the size of solar cable from the panels. The combined cable length (+ and -) from the panels will not exceed 30m. When using this calculator (https://www.solar-wind.co.uk/info/dc-cable-sizing-tool) with the worse case values (36.4A, 206V and 30m) it gives me 10mm cable (for 3% loss) and 6mm cable (for 4% loss). Am I doing the calculation correct? Should I go for the 10mm or 6mm cable? When going with the 10mm it looks like not all MC4 connectors is made for 10mm (most are up to 6mm)? Will I need a bigger MC4 crimping tool (or are all of them capable to do 10mm)? Thanks for reading. Any advise is highly appreciated!

@Super_mil I'm planning an installation and will also be using the Renusol mounting equipment. I saw that they do have a corrugated mounting adapter with a curve that sits between the roof and the roof anchor and has a rubber seal to prevent leaks. Seems like your install is working well without it - good improvisation!

Those veggies look very healthy! Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for the continuous update, @DeepBass9 . I really enjoy following along and seeing which ideas I can also implement.

Cool, let us know when it's time!

Tersius, where are you located? I wonder what it'll cost to courier the batty? Are dibs allowed?

Yes, full time. What do I have look out for when choosing a generator?

Thanks, will do a price comparison between the package and separate items.

DeepBass9, will a cheapy diesel gen suffice to top-up the batteries monthly? If I understand correctly you mean a proper generator to power the house if the solar system breaks or the batteries ran flat?

North West - Near Vryburg BTW: we stayed at Dream Lodge some time ago (in Gecko) and had a tour of your system - long before we thought of going solar!

Sjoe, I didn't realize there are so many scammers around. Seems like it's better to pay a bit more and use a local and reliable installer/supplier!

Plonkster, are you saying https://www.gwstore.co.za/ is not legit?

We'll be doing an off grid installation from scratch. I am looking at the Victron products and Pylon batteries. What's the pros and cons between getting the Victron EasySolar-48/5000 - 70-100 and getting a standalone Victron Inverter, MPPT etc? Am I right that the EasySolar just combines the seperate products into one panel?

Seems like it is a scam. https://www.reportacrime.co.za/CrimeReport.aspx?ID=33454

Welcome! I am also looking at the PylonTechs. Whats the best price you found for them?

Chris Louw, which unit did you use? Wired/wireless?

Good info, thanks! (I read through your LAB thread - very impressive!)

Is the Powerforum Store a reality already? Found it.

There's nothing wrong with a gas oven for baking. Ours has a fan system and my wife bakes all sorts of stuff. Which brand and model is it, DeepBass9?

Very impressive, Youda. I'm still busy with the design of my off-grid system, but your posts really shows one what is possible and what extras/wish list items to allow for!