Good day all

I am very new to solar and inverter setups etc and would really appreciate some advice. I have had my RTC-Axpert 3K inverter for a few years now but only in battery backup mode. The current set of batteries “Goldshine 200Ah Gel” weren’t terribly good quality and I don’t think I had the best battery management settings in place either, and are now almost dead. I am looking to replace the batteries with better quality batteries, and install 1 or 2 solar panels just to get the maximum out of my current system. The system runs my office, some lights and a TV, on average the draw is about 170 Watts but might want to add the fridge to that if possible.

1.  I have been quoted on Deltec BCS 200Ah C20 GM batteries at R4725.00 ex vat each. Are these any good and is it a decent price, and is there something better for the same money?

2. Would someone be able to suggest the best settings for my inverter for best battery management and battery longevity?

3. Is there a better way of insuring the batteries don’t discharge below 50% besides the inverter?

4. Would installing a Victron battery balancer be recommended?

5. Could you recommend solar panels that I can get the maximum out of my 24V 600W solar charger and configuration?

6. Lastly am I missing anything besides the above for best performance out of my current system?

I really appreciate all the help and advice.  

Richard R

Purely on the "install and forget" no maintenance aspect alone (there is no, no maintenance, but it sounds cool) Lithium is work the price, twice over. Also the lifespan measured in 1000s of cycles to 80% or 90% discharge or even a few times 100% discharge with no ill effects, will pay for itself over and over. 

On the no maintenance part: There is nothing in the cells to check, no electrolyte to measure or refill. There is however the Voltage and Current to configure for charging and discharging and this should be monitored. You have to monitor the max battery voltage and the BMS should manage the cell voltages and provide protection.

Thank you for the advice I really do appreciate it. I do think you are right I should go for the lithium batteries. Would you be able to recommend some lithium 24v batteries that would be compatible  with my system? 
 

Should I be going for something like 1 X Pylon UP2500 2.84kWh Li-Ion Solar Battery 24V with CAN connection “if comparable with my system”

or

Possibly 2 X Hubble Lithium S-100 12.8V 1.2kWh batteries

or possibly something else? 

 

 

Rather look at Hubble AM-4, instead of S-100. 

Thank you, I will definitely look at that one instead.

Lithium is pure truth.

And if you take lifecycle and recurring cost into account , it's cheaper than lead acid.

Of course another avenue you can pursue is DIY LifePo4 Lithium arrangement. It's not out of the box , you'll have to build your own wall mount or floorstand rack etc. But you get even more value for rand. Not for everyone, although its underlying tech is well supported on this forum . That's the route I've taken , and I live every moment of it. 

Active members here like @87 Dream refers. They are always willing to shepherd you in the right direction. Just my own experience .

 

With regards to solar panels I was looking at either

2 X JA Solar 295W Mono Percium 5BB All Black

or possibly

2 X Canadian Solar 295W Poly PERC KuPower GEN4

Will these fall withing my inverters tolerances and they good panels?

1 hour ago, dropkick said:

Lithium is pure truth.

And if you take lifecycle and recurring cost into account , it's cheaper than lead acid.

Of course another avenue you can pursue is DIY LifePo4 Lithium arrangement. It's not out of the box , you'll have to build your own wall mount or floorstand rack etc. But you get even more value for rand. Not for everyone, although its underlying tech is well supported on this forum . That's the route I've taken , and I live every moment of it. 

Active members here like @87 Dream refers. They are always willing to shepherd you in the right direction. Just my own experience .

 

Thank you dropkick, I will definitely look into it as an option and will contact 87 Dream. Appreciate it