daniemare

Thanks Piet. Which specific Goodwe inverter model will that be. And how is Anti-Islanding then achieved if the solar panels can feed the grid side if my backup/side is not utilising everything? Will the EZMeter do that? Can you share a link to that. Thanks

I saw the Goodwe, and the Imeon, but I do not understand how the non-UPS load connects to the Inverter (like the AC2 Out of the Multi). So even though I read that (for example) a 3kW inverter supports 3kW when the grid is off, it can do up to (for example) 6kW when the grid is available tby means off pass through, I struggle to understand how this works if there is not 2 outputs? I will probably, just want to make sure I do not miss a trick buying the same thing for maybe 30-50% cheaper.

Hi all As I educate myself of the world of solar and backup power, I am trying to understand the different inverter brands. Functionally I have settled on the Victron Multiplus II. For 3 basic reasons 1 - I understand the AC1 out (UPS/Backup Load) and AC2 out concept. Logically it just make sense to me how solar plus grid powers both when available and solar and battery powers UPS only when grid is not. 2 - On Cape Town’s list 3 - Wealth of knowledge from various community forums and ESS system that looks very logical and well supported. Now my question, what other Inverters (plus model) does exactly, or almost exactly, the same as the Multi? And what are the key differences when considering point 1 above. Thanks guys Danie

I saw the 2 x requirement. What will the problem be setting up with 1 at first? I want to use the battery only for critical UPS loads during load shedding

I am, I deduct the equivalent of a 1200v victron inverter charger and 1 Pylon 2.4 battery and basic installation as my “convenience” cost before seeing of the rest gives me payback. (And this basic setup can even be cheaper with different Inverter and Lead Acid Battery) Still struggle

I also in category 3 as you. And I do think the above holds true. But what I do hate is when someone quote me 1) Kick $50 2) Knowing where to kick $50 Same price, but it just feels like a rip off. I would rather see 1) Equipment quoted at competitive pricing 2) Installation cost (with markup off course) 3) Support cost with T&C of support. Then you know what you have paid for and what you can expect

Exactly what you said. Either bond interest rate if you borrow or investment return if you have the cash. But for ease of calculation, I also do high level assumption that the electricity increase washes the opportunity cost. I guess I was only so surprised that marketing wise, savings and ROI is toted all the time, yet it is not there.

Good point. Is that worth a 35% markup, debatable, but the concept makes sense. Of course this then goes with selecting a reputable installer that will come back.

I use 588 kWh or just under 20 a day (R1075 per month) I even deducted the 1 2.4kWh battery and basic inverter charger from the prices quoted (as I see this as my basic load shedding luxury charge) and I still don’t get to a decent 5-7 year payback. I might not know allot about solar (yet), but I can run numbers, and all the examples I see never take into account opportunity costs. But I have no problem to be corrected.

Western Cape. I mailed you

Herein lies my problem. If they do it on the equipment lines, how inflated is the service lines which I cannot check or quantify myself. Yes, I am getting more than a few quotes, but it becomes impossible to compare apples with apples as installers do not lump their generic lines the same. And my address normally see service providers add another 25% But, I have basically concluded that there is no payback for a solar install at my level of self consumption, unless I can do every bit myself which I cannot really (like wiring into the DB) So basic UPS it is for loadshedding

Well, although I agree on a markup for working capital, the self same quotes I got was very specific about the deposit I have to pay upfront. So no, there is financing of stock by the installer

Hi All, As I am getting quotes from various installers, I have noticed that the installers typically charge between 20%-35% more for the itemised equipment compared to websites like Livestainable, The Power Store etc. Typically for the Inverter (Victron), MPPT (Victron), Battery and Solar Panels. Why is this? Would Installers not would have preferential prices with the distributors/wholesalers, and should at least match (or slightly higher) the online guys. 1 - is the installer double dipping (i.e. mark up on equipment and installation fee) OR 2 - are the online guys doing parralel importing (grey products). As I am new in this industry, I am trying to figure out what will my risks be regarding warranty and after sales support buying direct vs using the installer to source the equipment. Thanks All Danie

Have a heat pump. Very happy with that. In the western cape, with kids using water in the evening, and the adults in the morning, I cannot be happier or recommend it more. I actually use about 550kWh per month, but buy up to the limit of the 3rd tier of Stellenbosch’s tiered pricing. The accumulated energy is then used in Jan and Feb for the aircons at night, essentially using the prepaid system as a battery.

Thanks PJ. But I am still unclear about the wiring and installation costs. The inverter and battery part is easy enough to get pricing, but the rest is unclear and what is the advantages of the UP 2500 over the US2000/3000 in this UPS application? I do not mind the low selling price, I do care about the fixed fee which I currently do not pay on prepaid, so for my calcs it is incremental