Hi All

I've just returned to SA after living overseas for 18yrs and want to install a good solar/battery/inverter system in my house to deal with load shedding. I'm new to all this and although I have read a bit about these systems I need some help please! Some questions:

1. I'm in Durbanville Cape Town, can someone recommend a trusted installer AND someone to buy the kit from? I have looked at Solar Advice and like their website but some of their reviews regarding after sales service concerns me.
2. I don't want to even think about load shedding so the system I get must be beefy enough to deal with at least 4 hours of load shedding (preferably 8 to 12hrs) AND be able to run ALL items in the house including electric oven, geyser etc. My budget is around R500k. The house in Durbanville is 272sqm with 4 bedrooms (I'm hoping I can get at least 20 solar panels on the roof). I don't want to go off grid so am looking at a hybrid inverter (hopefully connected to the internet so I can monitor it via an app on the phone). I do NOT want to have any gas appliances/items in the house to deal with load shedding.
3. I keep hearing the term CoC, what is this and why is it needed? 
4. I see solar panels have different wattage rating (ie: 455W or 620W). I assume if you buy the more powerful panels you need to buy fewer panels to produce the same output?

Hopefully I've provided enough info, if I haven't please ask, thanks for any help!

Bob

Can anyone assist please or point me in the right direction? 😀

12 minutes ago, Bob24 said:

Can anyone assist please or point me in the right direction? 😀

The guys out there must be doing good business if no-one has contacted you yet 🙃

COC is electrical compliance certificate and is a requirement for all alterations/ammendments/additions to your electrical systems in your home or business.
It is a legal requirement.

try with Ryk,  084 396 8818 he did something for me and I was very satisfied with his work. I recommended him to my son to do whole solar installation 

Thanks for the replies everyone, I have some messages to work through now! 😉

One quick question, I've come across a few brands in my readings on the topic of solar/inverters/batteries. Victron Energy sounds like THE brand to get but how does the brand "Phocus" and "Sunsynk" compare?

 

33 minutes ago, Bob24 said:

Thanks for the replies everyone, I have some messages to work through now! 😉

One quick question, I've come across a few brands in my readings on the topic of solar/inverters/batteries. Victron Energy sounds like THE brand to get but how does the brand "Phocus" and "Sunsynk" compare?

 

Sunsynk offers best hybrid inverters at the price. Victron more pricey but they look built to last.

Phocos has been around a few years with their hybrid inverter being cheaper than the other 2.

Based on your budget and need to run as if there is no LS I will limit it the higher output brand and not the typical domestic system. 

Have a word with @TaliaB and @Steve87 for guidance if I can mention 2 members here. 

I didn't read the OP before, R500k is tesla powerwall territory for a normal household. The tesla app certainly looks great when showing it to your friends.

If you already have an induction Hob then getting enough batteries for 3 days might cover the stove but that leaves the geyser not powered for 3 days. If you already have a geyser heat pump then you would also be covered for hot water at your budget. 

Gas appliances help reduce the capital needed for a solar installation since one tesla powerwall can comfortably cover TV' and computers for 23 hours. 2 tesla powerwalls would probably get you 48 hours without the stove and geyser.

Or Freedomwon batteries would get you to 3 or 4 days of TV's, computers microwaves ect.

You will have to put a little thought on how the stove and geyser will be powered.

Please do contact @Steve87 and @TaliaB for quotes.

Edited December 16, 20232 yr by Buyeye