Posted January 16, 20232 yr Hi I live in a complex on the ground floor and it is not possible for me to put solar panels. I am looking to put an inverter and battery solution. I see that Sunsynk seems to be the way to go, but also a little expensive. Due to the fact that I cannot use solar, do I need a "fancy" inverter, or would something like a budget fivestar inverter work. I have tried to read as much as I can, and understand that I need to ensure the batteries charge and discharge properly, but don't want to overspend if I am not going to even be using an inverter to its full potential. Thank you in advance for your guidance.
January 16, 20232 yr 7 minutes ago, Vinesh21 said: Hi I live in a complex on the ground floor and it is not possible for me to put solar panels. I am looking to put an inverter and battery solution. I see that Sunsynk seems to be the way to go, but also a little expensive. Due to the fact that I cannot use solar, do I need a "fancy" inverter, or would something like a budget fivestar inverter work. I have tried to read as much as I can, and understand that I need to ensure the batteries charge and discharge properly, but don't want to overspend if I am not going to even be using an inverter to its full potential. Thank you in advance for your guidance. If only for backup then you don't need to pay an arm and a leg. Look at the Axpert / Voltronic based systems as well as Luxpower SNA
January 16, 20232 yr Yeah, as @mzezmansaid you could probably get something like a 3kW Axpert pretty cheap... the real question here is what you want to run etc. So, if you're running a load of like 1-2kW then a 3kW Axpert will do the job and be more affordable than a Sunsynk. However, if you are dealing with 5kW or more of load then you may have to look into big units that get expensive anyway. I have checked and my TV, lights, internet and Android box use a total of like 500/600W so have those running through a small 1,6kW inverter and 2 gels batteries that cost like 7K for both the inverter and batteries. I have a gas plate and my geyser is large for 2 people so that stays warm enough to carry on with my life... If you are looking for cheap you will find cheap, you should be looking more for a solution that will fit your needs and then look for the cheapest option👍
January 16, 20232 yr I agree with @Psy, save that I think that Gel batteries are false economy right now. They will have a short life span under continual (and seemingly endless) Stage 6. Lithium will cost more, but you will get more out of it. Notice too his question about what you want to back up. This goes to the splitting of your DB into essential (backed up) and non-essential loads. Factor in the cost of that and also surge protection and extra breakers. Unless it's a small number of devices in a small, manageable area, then get a decent (pure sine) trolley inverter, pay extra for lithium cells, and run some extension leads. Do the modelling he suggests and work out WHAT you need backed up. That's a key factor in sizing the solution appropriately. If you're worried about complex management, act on the assumption that they will find out that you've done something. I put a trolley inverter in my mother's unit. The next morning there were knocks on her door. People had seen the flicker of a TV from her unit and wanted to know what was going on. Nothing malicious about it, just curiosity, but the news will spread.
January 16, 20232 yr 29 minutes ago, Bobster. said: I agree with @Psy, save that I think that Gel batteries are false economy right now. They will have a short life span under continual (and seemingly endless) Stage 6. Lithium will cost more, but you will get more out of it. Notice too his question about what you want to back up. This goes to the splitting of your DB into essential (backed up) and non-essential loads. Factor in the cost of that and also surge protection and extra breakers. Unless it's a small number of devices in a small, manageable area, then get a decent (pure sine) trolley inverter, pay extra for lithium cells, and run some extension leads. Do the modelling he suggests and work out WHAT you need backed up. That's a key factor in sizing the solution appropriately. If you're worried about complex management, act on the assumption that they will find out that you've done something. I put a trolley inverter in my mother's unit. The next morning there were knocks on her door. People had seen the flicker of a TV from her unit and wanted to know what was going on. Nothing malicious about it, just curiosity, but the news will spread. News spreads SO FAST in a complex..hahah. Put in a solar system for MIL and for days after people were talking and looking etc - yet the unit next to hers got solar years ago and no one batted an eyelid
January 16, 20232 yr Author Thanks I am looking at going 5KVA and going with a lithium battery. I was looking at the Lux power that was suggested, there seems to be 2 models SNA and LXP. Assuming the SNA is the right one, cause the LXP is closer to the 20k mark?
January 16, 20232 yr 10 minutes ago, Vinesh21 said: Thanks I am looking at going 5KVA and going with a lithium battery. I was looking at the Lux power that was suggested, there seems to be 2 models SNA and LXP. Assuming the SNA is the right one, cause the LXP is closer to the 20k mark? The SNA is the cheaper one - its also the loud one. But it works - it has 2 MPPTs in case you DO find someway of getting panels. Also has a decent app / web portal for management.
February 3, 20232 yr Author Hi Thanks for the feedback The last point has me pondering a lot. I am concerned about the noise factor. I have read and there are some please suggesting changing the fans etc. Are all inverters in this price range noisy? Do I need to consider another brand/more expensive inverter that is not as noisy? Again it may be over kill as I just want a simple backup solution Thanks
February 3, 20232 yr Where would you install it? You can turn the fans down but they do come on under load. We had to install my mom in laws inside but its in a cool spot so I turned the fans down. You can still hear it under heavy load but it's quieter than initially
February 3, 20232 yr Author Unfortunately, the room in which the DB board is is also where the geyser is. That automatically makes the room a little warmer. But I guess the geyser will not be running when there is load shedding.
February 3, 20232 yr @Vinesh21 Remember that most inverters have built-in cooling fans, that run continuously and it might be loud...............and even louder while it is converting battery power to 220v during loadshedding. Look for a inverter like the 5kw Sunsynk that does not have fans, but massive heatsinks at the back. Will be slightly more to buy, but dead quiet. Edited February 3, 20232 yr by Operator
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