Hi 

I have recently installed a 5Kw LuxPower inverter and a 5Kw Greenrich battery. I have 5 JA 455 w mono Perc panels.

1. Firstly how much power can I expect from these panels on a good sunny day? At the moment they are producing around 1700 to 2000 w. In the past 16 days my consumption has slightly exceeded solar power output eg yesterday - solar production 8.1 Kw  and consumption 9.3Kw. Had 10 days out of 16 slightly exceeding consumption. In the morning around  10 - 10.30 am the battery is fully charged and I start using only solar power. Then in the evening after sundown I use battery power. The lowest battery power was down to 14% after 3 days of rain and outages. At the moment I am running 2 fridges, LED lights, microwave, air fryer, TV, computer and at times the air conditioner. I try to use the air conditioner only when battery is full and tap into solar power. Even then it starts taking some power from the battery.

2. This is what I really want to know should I install another panel to make it six panels? Will it give me the extra energy I need to cover consumption?

I hope for some answers soon as the installer is coming back soon to do some cosmetic work and give me the COC. If I need to add a panel I would like him to finish the job.

Thanks

Heinz

Can never have enough panels. Seems you're in a position to get more - so... get more

It looks like you are covered - obviously having another panel always helps but if your battery is fully charged by 10/11 then the rest of the day your solar is matching your usage - check your utilisation times - it looks like the extra usage is at night? You should be able to use the aircon even before battery is full as well. 5*455 should give you approx 2.3kw peak in ideal conditions. this is impacted by environmental factors - heat, shade etc

6 minutes ago, Heinz said:

Firstly how much power can I expect from these panels on a good sunny day?

my 16 * 280Wp peak around 3k6W to 3k8W at the moment during the day... 4k48Wp -15 to 20% = 3k8W to 3k6W app., so, I'd say you are probably getting a fair return on the panels' power rating.

12 minutes ago, Heinz said:

should I install another panel to make it six panels

it can't hurt, but my suggestion would be to reduce the charging current to the battery and try and consume some of that energy doing other things at the time... my 8kWh battery is usually full closer to 17:00, if I nail it, I can get it full by noon time or even somewhat before, but there is little point, we're better off using the energy elsewhere, like running the irrigation pump from the canal, running the dishwasher and doing some cooking and let the battery charge up a whole lot slower...

56 minutes ago, Kalahari Meerkat said:

my 16 * 280Wp peak around 3k6W to 3k8W at the moment during the day... 4k48Wp -15 to 20% = 3k8W to 3k6W app., so, I'd say you are probably getting a fair return on the panels' power rating.

it can't hurt, but my suggestion would be to reduce the charging current to the battery and try and consume some of that energy doing other things at the time... my 8kWh battery is usually full closer to 17:00, if I nail it, I can get it full by noon time or even somewhat before, but there is little point, we're better off using the energy elsewhere, like running the irrigation pump from the canal, running the dishwasher and doing some cooking and let the battery charge up a whole lot slower...

Seems like we think alike. I have also limited my charging current to lithium drop inn's to 40A. We see so many batteries being charged by 10-11h. Perhaps I am giving away my age by thinking charging at lower but acceptable amps does prolong life. 

Values by @Kalahari Meerkat

Is in line with what most should aim for in good weather and pollution levels. 

38 minutes ago, Scorp007 said:

at lower but acceptable amps does prolong life. 

exactly, just because a battery on the spec sheet says 1C discharge and 1C charge, does not mean one should or that it won't be better for the battery to do a leisurely 0.2C charge, if time and energy allows...

Winter is coming. Get the panel now if you can.

3 hours ago, Scorp007 said:

thinking charging at lower but acceptable amps does prolong life. 

and that is one of the major reasons I prefer "voltage" charge settings from my Inverter instead of the Li Protocol which applies a 1C charge current as set by the BMS

 

Edited January 16, 20232 yr by zsde

Hi All

Thanks for your input. It is most appreciated. Have ordered another panel.