Hi all,

I was hoping to get some advice here.

I would like to buy this inverter

https://generatorsupply.co.za/shop/inverters-solar/growatt-inverters/growatt-3kw-inverter-dongle-not-incl/

and 2 of these batteries

https://generatorsupply.co.za/shop/batteries-solar/gel-batteries/eton-100ah-12v-solar-battery/

I wanted to know if this setup would work well together?

 

Also, if anyone knows if this inverter supports LifePO4 batteries like this one

https://www.livestainable.co.za/product/linergy-lifepo4-12-8v-100ah-battery-bluetooth/

Alternately, can anyone recommend a 1KVA+ inverter (under R10K) that fully supports lithium batteries that doesn't cost a kidney and liver transplant?

29 minutes ago, 0deusexmachina1 said:

 

https://generatorsupply.co.za/shop/batteries-solar/gel-batteries/eton-100ah-12v-solar-battery/

These I would give a miss, not a good investment...

29 minutes ago, 0deusexmachina1 said:

 

https://www.livestainable.co.za/product/linergy-lifepo4-12-8v-100ah-battery-bluetooth/

This is the better option I'd think, the inverter won't support Lithium directly you would have to run it in user mode, specifying the voltages to charge at and float at and when to switch off, if the battery is getting too low a SOC, but I'd imagine the inverter should support this, maybe there is someone on the forum that has one of these inverter and can confirm...

I was trying to cheap out with the AGM batteries just to get the system running I'll need 2 to get 24V.

Someone once advised me to buy in this order if I'm going to be slowly building the system

Inverter>Batteries>Panels

 

Right now trying to get a decent inverter and even one battery is costing more than R10k, I can't find any decent 12V inverter, the best are 48V, that means I'll need 4 lithium batteries... why is this stuff so expensive? stupid question...

Yeah, getting into solar is rough... look if you are ok with buying a system that will be temporary before buying a bigger system you can look into the 3kW Axpert with 2 gel/AGM batteries... together it should be in the ball park of 12-15k for the inverter and 2 batteries depending on where you shop. That is the cheap option just to get started, the system should only last a couple years but it'll give you time to save up for a decent system one day. Plus, if you get the DBs, breakers, etc speced for a bigger system already it is just swapping the inverter and batteries when you do upgrade...

I am with @Superflyin that lead-acid has many issues and it's far from a perfect solution, solar is a long term game for those of use who can't afford to drop like 100K on a system off the bat. Plus, if you take care of the inverter you could resell it later to another poor soul who wants to look into solar options on the cheap 😅🤙

Has anyone used this retailer successfully?

https://www.sonskynsolar.co.za/

12 minutes ago, 0deusexmachina1 said:

Has anyone used this retailer successfully?

Best to contact them to get their physical address and ensure that such a company exists at that address. Too many scam sites about.
Also see this thread  

 

On 2022/12/21 at 3:27 PM, Psy said:

Yeah, getting into solar is rough... look if you are ok with buying a system that will be temporary before buying a bigger system you can look into the 3kW Axpert with 2 gel/AGM batteries... together it should be in the ball park of 12-15k for the inverter and 2 batteries depending on where you shop. That is the cheap option just to get started, the system should only last a couple years but it'll give you time to save up for a decent system one day. Plus, if you get the DBs, breakers, etc speced for a bigger system already it is just swapping the inverter and batteries when you do upgrade...

I am with @Superflyin that lead-acid has many issues and it's far from a perfect solution, solar is a long term game for those of use who can't afford to drop like 100K on a system off the bat. Plus, if you take care of the inverter you could resell it later to another poor soul who wants to look into solar options on the cheap 😅🤙

Would 1kW with two lithium batteries be better if I'm also looking for cheaper/temporary solution? Not running a lot but just worried that ends up costing me more in the long run somehow. 

You can consider integrated lithium inverters and batteries. Whatever solution you pick, it probably won't scale. With the integrated solutions the battery management should be decent.

JP Solar definitely scammers

Edited January 3, 20232 yr by Peter V