Mistral

Routines are essential when going solar!

That is a good tip! Was planning to use aluminium tilted frames which are expensive.

Thanks for these good points. I have used the handbook but wondered in general terms if this is a bad idea. I have a sloping flat (corrugated) roof which may cause problems with installing panels and facing East looks like the best solution. The roof is in full sun all day. Where possible I would aim at using the grid at night to optimize the life of the batteries.

If all panels are facing East and not North how much power am I losing in a day?

Thanks guys - here in the W. Cape it rains sometimes!

I am wondering how easy is it to remove panels if you need to fix roof leaks?

Thanks for the update! Keeping up with this technology is challenging.....

Here is the manual .pdf looks like it is only lithiums..... Link towards the bottom of the page https://solartricity.ie/solis-hybrid-off-grid-energy-storage-solar-inverter/

Do they take any type of battery or only Lithiums? The spec sheet I saw mentioned lithiums.

Thanks! Are the new Solis hybrids on the Cape Town list as yet?

I am a bit of a maverick in that I am not primarily concerned with load shedding. I would like to generate power to keep a lid on electricity bills in the future and not be reliant on Eskom. And solar is fast developing into a new hobby! I am pretty good with managing loads (kids have left) and am currently only using around 20KW (the maximum) a day. Of course we are not into winter proper as yet so this could rise. Heavy loads are 3KW geyser/ 1 - 3KW heater / Washing machine / Dishwasher / Drier. Geyser currently switched on for 2 hours during the day. I realise that at this stage Eskom remains the cheapest source of power. I have a choice of two systems - both are unfortunately only 3KW to stay below the 3.4KW limit and I won't need to replace the existing breakers: Multiplus II 48V - quality make - good back up and spares. But expensive and unfortunately requires batteries to operate. I would probably use lithium's. Couple this to 8 Canadians 335V or 400V. ROI very much long term. Hopefully I could configure the Multiplus to use as little of the battery power as possible extending their life? An advantage of this system is that if Eskom load shedding worsens this winter I would have some power at home. Solis - "cheap as chips" to generate power during the day and use the grid at night. Also 8 panels . No batteries required . ROI short - a couple of years.

Thanks! Kits look good.

What does it cost to mount panels on a conventional roof like in the pic. I am referring to cost of material - mounts clamps etc not labour.

Thanks! I thought so but wanted to make sure - my 4x4 DC - DC could do with this too.

If one installs Pylontechs with Multiplus II is it necessary to have the BMV-702 monitor?

Thanks. I have watched the video but your precise answer makes it so much clearer for me!

Carlo Gavazzi what is its function on a Victron Multiplus II? Does one need it? I seem to have seen installs without it?

Thanks Nigel!

So does one need the speed and robustness of the new GX version soon to be introduced? Introduced when?

I believe they have an identical function and Colour GX is expensive. What advantage do the push buttons on Colour GX provide - any other benefits over the Venus?

Best way of monitoring input and outputs on Multiplus II and what sort of stats are available? Please post images if you have them.

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Blue is my favourite colour on the forum nowadays!

Sounds good! Did you see the post from an installer - Tokolosh - in the Goodwe rant thread who has done 147 Goodwe in SA but was unhappy about the level of support he received for some clients?

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