Good day all, I'm new to this and load shedding has got me really frustrated,  so appreciate all the assistance in advance. 

I've decided to install an inverter back up power supply system at home and require some advice.

Purpose: Mainly for load shedding and adhoc power outages

Kw Usage: I estimate I consume approximately 2.5-3kwH. Essentials that would be powered by back up are led lights, fridge, 2 x freezer, 2 x TV, 2 x decoder, phone, modem, single door garage motor, ps4, 2 x fan, 4 x led lamps, clock radio

Invertor: The Mecer 5kw hybrid seems like a reasonably priced unit, and very common in the market, so I am considering going with this + I have the option to add solar panels later on 

Battery: Revov R100 5.12kw VS. Pylontech UP5000 4.8kw are the 2 Li-ion batteries I'm considering. 

1. Are both these batteries compatible to the Mecer?

2. Are these batteries required to be used daily to ensure lifespan, warranty etc. considering usage will be intermittent 

3. Can the Mecer manage item 2 automatically ie. Daily/weekly discharge if required when there is no load shedding 

Installation + Electrical incld. DB: Based on a few quotes, this cost has ranged between R9k to R20k. Is there a benchmark that I could refer too? 

Monitoring: Is there a built in / automatic monitoring system that I could check re. usage etc. or is this something additional that I need to install?

Thank you

 

 

Hi 87, thank you for the feedback. 

Are there any recommened installers for the Durban area?

Re. the Raspberry Pi, without this module will the invertor still be able to manage the battery cycling?

Re. the 450V solar input voltage, is this a different spec to the Mecer 5kw or are there various specs within the range?

Re. the batteries,  these are what the installers have quoted on. Are there other batteries that I should consider?

Hi 

I've followed this thread with much interest. I'm also a newbie and am trying to learn before purchasing.

Could I also have some tips/ recommendations on batteries.

I am considering a RCT Axpert M3 5Kva/5Kw inverter with a 3.5Kwh Li-ion battery either the Pylon tech US3000C or the Dyness BAT B3. 

I just want to keep the lights, CCTV and alarm on for now, along with some phone charging and maybe a fan, and then look to doing a few solar panels and adding in another battery in the future. This due to budget constraints.

On 2021/10/25 at 7:25 PM, 87 Dream said:

Hi Ahmed, unfortunately I work in Gauteng Area. Durban is a bit of an unknown quantity for me. 

 

This module is very important & possibly one of the most important inventions of the modern Internet of things...It can manage without this device but without it, it will not work as efficiently. It's package deal with the software is in the region of +-R2.8K but it will give you value data of how much consumption you are using etc. Also allow you to plan for Loadshedding by managing your inverter when you are not home. Eg. Loadshedding is announced to start at 7pm & you are at work. You can dynamically change the settings while at work to have a full battery to be ready for the loadshedding. With the inverter on its own you cannot do this.

 

The parent Company making these inverters is called Voltronics. They are then distributed in China to various suppliers all over the world. Mecer is one such supplier/ vendor. The 5kW models with the high Voltage input is the MKS2, VM3, MKS3 and now the new MKS4. The sticker on the side that has the barcode will have this listed as Solar DC input 450V. Other local names of distributors in SA are Kodak. 

 

Without stepping on anyone's toes. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are decent chemistry of batteries. I can suggest the biggest bang for your buck in a pm...

But I don't want to get in the way of what another company is trying to sell you. 

But in general you try to get the best band for your buck. In other words the highest capacity at the lowest price. 

Will send you a PM on some buying tips...

87