Hi to all

and....... thanks for my approval.

My name is Ace, I live on the east rand of Joburg (or do I have to say Gauteng now?) You know where that is!!

I'm a technician specialising in power amplifier & electronic repairs, servicing the pro audio market (that's my mon-fri work).

On the weekends, I make pocket money by doing what I love..... playing music (I'm a dj).

I'm relatively new to the solar game and just recently went (more like forced actually) off-grid.

My current setup is:

8 x JA Solar JAP6-60-265 24v Solar Panels (4 parallel sets of 2 in series)

16 x Royal Deltek 105ah Calcium Lead 12v Batteries (4 parallel banks of 4 in series)

1 x SOL-I-AX-5M 5000VA/4000W Inverter Charger (No name on this inverter - I presume it's Axpert)

Ok, so I know I haven't invested in the best brands (cheap mono panels, cheap.... ish batteries etc..) but that's all I could afford right now.

I'm using a gas geyser & a gas stove. I invested in a small A-rated energy efficient fridge and have also installed 12v led lighting throughout the house.

I use a Meanwell DC-DC converter to take the 48v battery bank down to 13.8v for all the 12v stuff (lights, alarm, electric fence, router, camera's & gate motor).

I decided on this, because I really like the idea that even if I didn't have sunshine for a week or if the inverter were to pack up, my family wouldn't be in the dark.

It's crazy how one's psyche works, if you don't have light in your house, you feel so stranded & helpless. Yet if you have light, but no 220v it's not that bad at all.

Anyway, the only appliances that require 220v in my house (after sunset) is the Tv, fridge, laptop & cellphone chargers and the occasional 2mins of microwave. 

All washing & ironing, drilling or soldering etc.. gets done during the day while the sun is out.

The panels & batteries seem to just laugh at any loads I throw at it during the day, so overall my 220v power consumption is extremely modest.

And that...... brings me to the closing of my introduction. Hello, Hi & thanks for having me :)

Now with that said, I do have some concerns & questions. Sorry I'm new here, so I just need to confirm:

Can I just continue & ask them here or should I start a new thread in the "Questions & Answers" section?

 

 

4 hours ago, ace said:

My name is Ace,

Hi Ace welcome..... I hope you not related to your more infamous namesake. 

4 hours ago, ace said:

My current setup is:

8 x JA Solar JAP6-60-265 24v Solar Panels (4 parallel sets of 2 in series)

16 x Royal Deltek 105ah Calcium Lead 12v Batteries (4 parallel banks of 4 in series)

1 x SOL-I-AX-5M 5000VA/4000W Inverter Charger (No name on this inverter - I presume it's Axpert)

You would do better to have 3 strings of 3 panels in series. Higher voltage and lower losses. I know you have just spent a lot of dough but that extra panel is probably going to give you good returns. As the voltage will go up and your Amps stay the same you will not have to replace existing cabling.

Your  4 string battery bank should be setup on busbars. Check on various threads for how to wire it up if you have not done so already. Battery balancers and a BMV are a must (the next thing you spend money on).

With that serial number it looks like it is an Axpert and not a clone.

4 hours ago, ace said:

Can I just continue & ask them here or should I start a new thread in the "Questions & Answers" section?

Preferably start a thread in appropriate sections. You will see that the Question and Answers is for NON Solar questions.  If this thread evolves with your questions that is also cool.

Thanks for the welcome Chris.

Also thank you for your input on my system. I will definitely get myself another panel as soon as funds are available again.

My batteries aren't on busbars, so I will be sorting that out asap too.

I'm not at all familiar with battery balancers or battery monitors, although I have been hearing them mentioned quite frequently here on the forum.

I will have to do a bit of research into that. Before I buy anything I will try get some guidance here first though.

I think I will rather start a new thread with my other questions. 

Thanks again.