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gooseberry

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Posts posted by gooseberry

  1. I've got a Solis 4G 4.6kW inverter connected to 2 strings of 4 450W JA Solar panels. It's connected to the grid and has the CT clamp connected.

    I'm seeing voltage (>180V) on the strings (both with the multimeter and on the Solis itself but I'm getting an ILEAK-PRO04 error) I'm not sure whether the leakage is on the DC or the AC side. It happens with both strings, or either string connected. I've got some Noark DC switches which I can use to switch the strings on or off.

    This was a self-install with a second-hand inverter. The message on the web interface is that it sometimes happens when it's raining, but it's not been dry for a few days and the issue persists. It also adds that you updating the Firmware might help but I don't have the stick to do that with. Anyone know someone who can help? I'm in the Somerset West area.

    I've also switched around the positive PV connecters going into the inverter as I've seen that people sometimes mismatch the + -'s going into the MPPTs resulting in this error but that didn't solve the problem.

    Some pics of t he install:

     

    The connection here is connecting 2 strings of 2 panels in series to give a 4 panel string. (did it this way so I can also connect them in parallel to the Axpert I'm running as UPS in case there is a long power outage)

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  2. 13 minutes ago, JoeyhZA said:

    Well, with the grid tied option - I'm thinking the batteries on my current Axpert will still be charge from solar regardless (even with no panels connected to the Axpert)

    The Axpert will be set to charge from Utility and for all intents and purpose the Axpert will see the power the grid tied Solis pushing in as Utility power anyway, and charge the batteries that way. Load dependent of course and my daily loads aren't exorbitant, so should be enough excess to charge batteries.

     

    Thats my logic anyway - and I'm almost certain it will work that way :D

    Will you put a timer on it? And you don't mind charging from utility when it's a bit cloudy or other loads are using the solar? Looking for a way to could set it up that it just sunk all extra solar energy to the battery charger instead of how it would dump it to the grid if there was no CT clamp.

  3. 33 minutes ago, JoeyhZA said:

    Thanks - looking to not shell out bucks on this problem :D

    Is there perhaps a free software option that could accomplish something similar?

     

    Thing is, I'm aiming to go with a Solis option as well. The current Axpert solution works perfectly for backup during loadshedding for essential loads. I slapped on some solar panels as an interim measure. Aim is to go grid tied with limiter and move the current panels as well as add a few more panels to the Solis in the near future.

    That's a few months away though and was hoping for a quick and non-fuss solution to the problem. Well, a better solution that the manual flipping of breaker I currently adopt now :)

    Also went this way but now wondering how to ensure the batteries are charged from solar, especially if you plan on running lights etc off them at night.

  4. 9 hours ago, TerryFos said:

    Thank you for your reply, so would any PV over the 5300 watts be wasted and not worth while, or would it do some damage to the system ?

    I understand that I can just buy another mppt to extend the watts, but was wondering what the optimal config would be, as the mppt's are quite pricy.

    It won't damage the system and it will not be totally wasted as it will get you closer to 5300W in the morning and late afternoon.

  5. You can oversize your array (up to a certain point*) but the max the MPPT can push is 100A and the battery float voltage is about 53V so it can only supply 5300W. 12x450W panels are already 5400W. 16 panels are 7200W which is maybe a bit over-specced unless they are not optimally placed?

    *The max PV short circuit current for the 250/100 MPPT is 70A. I'm estimating an Isc of about 11A per string so you could do up to 6 strings if you wanted. Just check your panels' Isc: floor(70/Isc) = max number of strings.

  6. The Sun Pays one is low pressure, so your hot water will only be gravity fed. Mixers etc on taps won't work correctly if you have high pressure municipal cold water. I also saw a post recently of someone who installed them, they rusted quite badly within 2 years. Maybe not so much a problem in the Kalahari though.

    A brand of solar geyser I've heard mostly good things about is Xstream.

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