September 26, 20187 yr Author 1 hour ago, KLEVA said: @AnthonyThe 4KW rating of the Axpert only indicates it's capability, not what he is using at any one time. granted, but I for instance noticed I had spikes of +6kW today. To my knowledge an Axpert will divert load completely back to grid for these periods.
September 26, 20187 yr 14 minutes ago, Antony said: WOW, hats off! I've used 12kWH since 5am this morning with load spikes over 6kW. Its washing day Yes, it's washing day with us as well but the clothes go onto the wire and not the dryer And they 1.5Kw geyser kicks in at 14:00, by which time today's washing is done. Tomorrow another two or three loads will be washed.
September 26, 20187 yr Author 1 minute ago, SilverNodashi said: Yes, it's washing day with us as well but the clothes go onto the wire and not the dryer And they 1.5Kw geyser kicks in at 14:00, by which time today's washing is done. Tomorrow another two or three loads will be washed. On Friday I replace my geyser with EV tubes, then I should see a massive drop.
September 26, 20187 yr 2 minutes ago, Antony said: On Friday I replace my geyser with EV tubes, then I should see a massive drop. EV tubes in Cape Town is a blessing. Clouds be gone, as UV rays still hit the earth ferociously. Ja ja, less than on a sunny day but much much moore than PV panels.
September 26, 20187 yr Just now, Antony said: On Friday I replace my geyser with EV tubes, then I should see a massive drop. I couldn't justify installing a R20K geyser to save a few hundred Rand per month. Instead, I upgraded my PV array, put a 1.5Kw element in and enjoy free hot water
September 26, 20187 yr Author 1 minute ago, SilverNodashi said: I couldn't justify installing a R20K geyser to save a few hundred Rand per month. Instead, I upgraded my PV array, put a 1.5Kw element in and enjoy free hot water you seem to be getting the maximum benefit from your system...
September 26, 20187 yr 3 minutes ago, SilverNodashi said: I couldn't justify installing a R20K geyser to save a few hundred Rand per month. Instead, I upgraded my PV array, put a 1.5Kw element in and enjoy free hot water In Gauteng you are spot on. Cpt, nope. Winter sun and clouds makes PV useless. EV tubes per sqm generates more energy to heat water faster, than a sqm PV. On this forum I posted a doc on that long time ago. BUT, that is for Cpt, not if you have the system in place and just need to add a few more panels to run the 1500w element, in Gaunteng.
September 26, 20187 yr 9 hours ago, SilverNodashi said: Divide that by 19 hours Why specifically 19? 24 - 5 (using the average peak sunlight hours)? With a large (ish) array you should be able to pick up the 200W base load pretty quick in the morning. But let me throw another stone into het bos. Efficiency of an inverter down at 200W is rather poor. Eg, 3kva Multiplus uses a good 35W to run itself (and it is one of the better ones), so you would actually be better off (in terms of money saving) by discharging the battery earlier in the evening, and setting the value a bit higher (eg 500w) and just be on Eskom through the night. This is especially true if you are on a TOU tariff.
September 26, 20187 yr 4 minutes ago, plonkster said: Efficiency of an inverter down at 200W is rather poor. Eg, 3kva Multiplus uses a good 35W to run itself Moses ... you are right. Thanks for that little titbit. Just caused my plan to come to a "pletter stop" - translated: Like when you switch on the aircon on a 900cc car going up a hill past a truck. Basta the small loads, Eskom there we go.
September 26, 20187 yr 1 hour ago, plonkster said: Why specifically 19? 24 - 5 (using the average peak sunlight hours)? With a large (ish) array you should be able to pick up the 200W base load pretty quick in the morning. But let me throw another stone into het bos. Efficiency of an inverter down at 200W is rather poor. Eg, 3kva Multiplus uses a good 35W to run itself (and it is one of the better ones), so you would actually be better off (in terms of money saving) by discharging the battery earlier in the evening, and setting the value a bit higher (eg 500w) and just be on Eskom through the night. This is especially true if you are on a TOU tariff. It's a good safe measure. If you do get 6 or 7 hours, great, but you probably don't get it every day of the year.
September 26, 20187 yr 34 minutes ago, SilverNodashi said: ...you probably don't get it every day of the year. Average is about 5 to 5.5 hours optimal sun per day over 365 days - and that differs between where in the world you are.
September 26, 20187 yr Author 8 minutes ago, The Terrible Triplett said: Average is about 5 to 5.5 hours optimal sun per day over 365 days - and that differs between where in the world you are. One thing about Gauteng, we get a lot of sun most days.
September 26, 20187 yr 12 minutes ago, Antony said: One thing about Gauteng, we get a lot of sun most days. Amen brother! And you can braai most evenings after the standard 30min late afternoon thunder storm has passed, leaving one feeling refreshed after a hot day ... with no wind. We, we need built-in braai rooms, for most of the year. Edited September 26, 20187 yr by Guest
October 1, 20187 yr Author On 2018/09/26 at 11:32 AM, Jaco de Jongh said: You've got a great plan lined up. You can always add two Pylons in the future. Stick to your existing plan and don't cut anything. Can one add 1 Pylon to an existing 2 x Pylon bank?
October 1, 20187 yr 5 minutes ago, Antony said: Can one add 1 Pylon to an existing 2 x Pylon bank? Yes you can. Its not like Lead acid's where you have a limited time to add. I believe its safe to add to and expand your system as needed.
October 2, 20187 yr 41 minutes ago, Anthony said: Wrong @Anthony @Antony Care to elaborate? @Anthony , dont worry, just realized what you meant.
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