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budget 5kW backup system build

Featured Replies

On 2022/09/15 at 10:19 AM, Brendonvdh said:

Now to try figure out if the LuxPower can talk to the Revov BMS..

In case you're still considering the Luxpower and Revov. 

https://www.solarpanelenergy.co.za/docs/Luxpower Compatible Battery List 20211019.pdf

You'll set the Luxpower battery code to 2 which is the same setting as Pylon

55 minutes ago, h4ns3n said:

You'll set the Luxpower battery code to 2 which is the same setting as Pylon

Which is not Revov. I have a Goodwe inverter and had Revov batteries. The Goodwe is preconfigured for many brands and models of battery, including Pylontech. But the installer didn't use those settings, nor did the Revov guys when they made a site visit.

  • Author

OK so after spending many hours in this rabbit hole I have decided not to go for a 5kW system 😀

I realised a 3kW system is like half the price and will backup 80% of what I would have done with 5kW

A 3kW system is just much more bang for buck in my case. 

It will still cover all lights, TV, alarm, router, computers and alarm which is all I really need.

and I can add solar later, it will be a smaller and simpler install, and a quicker return on investment.

This is what I am getting:

2 x  Hubble S-120 1.5kWh 12V 120Ah Lithium Battery R14000

https://www.geewiz.co.za/lithium-ion-batteries/153798-hubble-s-120-15kwh-12v-120ah-lithium-ion-lifepo4-battery.html

1 x MUST 3KW 60AMP/MPPT SOLAR HYBRID INVERTER R5500

https://www.solarwaysuppliers.co.za/product/must-3kw-60amp-mppt-solar-hybrid-inverter/

thanks everyone for the responses and tips so far.

I will give an update once I got this system installed.

Edited by Brendonvdh

24 minutes ago, Brendonvdh said:

OK so after spending many hours in this rabbit hole I have decided not to go for a 5kW system 😀

I realised a 3kW system is like half the price and will backup 80% of what I would have done with 5kW

A 3kW system is just much more bang for buck in my case. 

It will still cover all lights, TV, alarm, router, computers and alarm which is all I really need.

and I can add solar later, it will be a smaller and simpler install, and a quicker return on investment.

This is what I am getting:

2 x  Hubble S-120 1.5kWh 12V 120Ah Lithium Battery R14000

https://www.geewiz.co.za/lithium-ion-batteries/153798-hubble-s-120-15kwh-12v-120ah-lithium-ion-lifepo4-battery.html

1 x MUST 3KW 60AMP/MPPT SOLAR HYBRID INVERTER R5500

https://www.solarwaysuppliers.co.za/product/must-3kw-60amp-mppt-solar-hybrid-inverter/

thanks everyone for the responses and tips so far.

I will give an update once I got this system installed.

If I may ask, why the Must inverter?

  • Author
50 minutes ago, Antony said:

If I may ask, why the Must inverter?

I am not aware of any reason not? If you know please let me know.

It has all the basic features, and is R2K cheaper than growatt/axpert/voltronic 

 

10 hours ago, Brendonvdh said:

I am not aware of any reason not? If you know please let me know.

It has all the basic features, and is R2K cheaper than growatt/axpert/voltronic 

 

Nope, I just asked. I see the supplier has stock at least.

On 2022/09/19 at 9:49 AM, Brendonvdh said:

I am not aware of any reason not? If you know please let me know.

It has all the basic features, and is R2K cheaper than growatt/axpert/voltronic 

 

I think Must could be a clone brand and not original voltronics machines. Just do a bit of checking on the forum before you buy. You will get much better support/spares if you buy an original like Axpert/Kodak/Mecer etc.

11 hours ago, jumper said:

I think Must could be a clone brand and not original voltronics machines. Just do a bit of checking on the forum before you buy. You will get much better support/spares if you buy an original like Axpert/Kodak/Mecer etc.

You have it spot on. Can be risky if one needs software or repairs and cannot get it. Then a R2th saving was not worth it.

  • 2 weeks later...
  • Author

Just an update on what I actually ended up installing. 

There was no stock of the 24v inverter or the additional battery, so went with a 12v system:

hubble s-120 12v battery and 700w Must hybrid inverter https://www.solarwaysuppliers.co.za/product/must-1-2kva-solar-portable-inverter/

Total cost with fuses and wiring was R11K

DIY install, I kept it separate from the DB. Connected TVs, Internet stuff and lights only.

I ran extension cords from the inverter through the roof to our 2 x TVs.. Luckily I have open conduits to get the extension wires down to the TV  so its all neat.

Max load I have seen is 400W, lasts through 2.5 hours load shedding no problem. 

This cheap system works for us. The little inverter is actually very impressive for the price. Same functionality of the larger inverters.

Will add a couple 160W panels next month just in case Eskom dies. 

On 2022/10/06 at 12:18 PM, Brendonvdh said:

 

I ran extension cords from the inverter through the roof to our 2 x TVs.. Luckily I have open conduits to get the extension wires down to the TV  so its all neat.

 

Be careful with this. If the cords are running through conduits in the roof and there is a fire, your insurance may take a dim view of your "non-compliant" installation.  I realise the way you have done it a coc may not technically be required, but I would be hesitant to enter that grey area and the potential for conflict with the insurer.

34 minutes ago, Paulcupine said:

Be careful with this. If the cords are running through conduits in the roof and there is a fire, your insurance may take a dim view of your "non-compliant" installation.  I realise the way you have done it a coc may not technically be required, but I would be hesitant to enter that grey area and the potential for conflict with the insurer.

Are you saying an insurance company would overrule a COC with cords in a conduit? Surfix outside a conduit is safer?

So cords from room to room down the passage is fine?

  • 2 weeks later...
On 2022/10/08 at 11:42 AM, Scorp007 said:

Are you saying an insurance company would overrule a COC with cords in a conduit? Surfix outside a conduit is safer?

So cords from room to room down the passage is fine?

No, the insurer shouldn't overrule a CoC.  What is sounds like to me is that brendonvdh is running extension cords through conduit in his roof - work that was not done by an electrician and for which there is no CoC.  Perhaps I misunderstood.

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