Hi

I want to install my new system outside. Any regulations anyone can share. 

Should it the enclosure be IP55/IP65? 

Any suggestions on the enclosure? 1500x1500x300 or maybe 2 smaller ones. 

Thanks 

Plan on building something like this using bricks and a garage door against the wall. Thus preventing extensive long cables from PV to inverter and inverter to db. 

1 hour ago, swazz99jhb said:

Plan on building something like this using bricks and a garage door against the wall. Thus preventing extensive long cables from PV to inverter and inverter to db. 

Also need to consider what your local municipal requirements are for minor build work. Using brick (and I assume mortar) will likely fall into minor build work which might require some form of approval.

What cooling ideas do you have in mind as well as mitigating dust ?

My current solution is in the garage, this in essence will be a garage. Thus Im fine with dust. Will add some fans and vents at the top to extract heat. 

Seeing that it is less than 5m2, I assume they don't care. 

On 2024/12/19 at 7:21 PM, swazz99jhb said:

Hi

I want to install my new system outside. Any regulations anyone can share. 

Should it the enclosure be IP55/IP65? 

Any suggestions on the enclosure? 1500x1500x300 or maybe 2 smaller ones. 

Thanks 

It might help if you give more info on what you want to put in the enclosure/s? Will it be standing in the north side in the sun? 

It will be facing East.

10kw Sunsynk Inverter , 3 x 5 kwh or 2 x 10 kwh Sunsynk Batteries and all the combiners, connectors/ disconnectors etc. 

On 2024/12/21 at 6:55 AM, swazz99jhb said:

It will be facing East.

10kw Sunsynk Inverter , 3 x 5 kwh or 2 x 10 kwh Sunsynk Batteries and all the combiners, connectors/ disconnectors etc. 

I would suggest you rather get 2 weather proof steel cabinets (those onrange comes to mind). The heat of the inverter wouldn't influence the batteries. A roof over them and positive ventilation should keep it cool enough and everything will be more secure if locked. 

42 minutes ago, Vaal said:

I would suggest you rather get 2 weather proof steel cabinets (those onrange comes to mind). The heat of the inverter wouldn't influence the batteries. A roof over them and positive ventilation should keep it cool enough and everything will be more secure if locked. 

At R12k+ a box versus R10k- for the shed idea, I will have to think about it a bit more. 

Do you have a link or picture of what you're recommending? Need to check dimensions. 

 

Thanks 

2 minutes ago, swazz99jhb said:

At R12k+ a box versus R10k- for the shed idea, I will have to think about it a bit more. 

Do you have a link or picture of what you're recommending? Need to check dimensions. 

 

Thanks 

Ok let me say it straight: Bliksem, I didn't think the enclosures are so expensive.  

Here is a smaller panel. 

https://acdc.co.za/ilinox-mb-quadritalia-other-enclosures-engraving-label/13165-orange-msteel-enclosure-1000x600x320-ip65.html

It looks like bricks and sheeting is going to be way cheaper. But what is the building and regulations going to cost? 

Can't you put it somewhere else? A couple of m, 4 core 10m² surfix at +- R160/m and 16mm² earth might be cheaper. 

23 minutes ago, Vaal said:

Ok let me say it straight: Bliksem, I didn't think the enclosures are so expensive.  

Here is a smaller panel. 

https://acdc.co.za/ilinox-mb-quadritalia-other-enclosures-engraving-label/13165-orange-msteel-enclosure-1000x600x320-ip65.html

It looks like bricks and sheeting is going to be way cheaper. But what is the building and regulations going to cost? 

Can't you put it somewhere else? A couple of m, 4 core 10m² surfix at +- R160/m and 16mm² earth might be cheaper. 

Will check with the builder regarding regulations, but from Prof. Google it would seem to fall under minor alterations, thus R357 with an exemption form to the authorities. 

Paid a builder R5k (labour) to build a 36m wall. Can't imagine building this will be more than R5k for labour , R2400 for bricks, R1k for mortar, R2k for door. 

It will be 15m from DB to to inverter and 15m from panels to db. If the LOSSES are ok, it might be better seeing that I need to install a gas line in the same vicinity and that could be a problem. 

Will Get some proper quotes in the new year. 

Edited December 22, 20241 yr by swazz99jhb
Spelling

@swazz99jhb will your Sunsynk be powering an offgrid or grid-tied property? Am hoping you are mindful or your installer is, of the need for a CT or Eastron Meter and how they intend to ensure you don't backfeed to grid during load shedding? Just food for thought.

1 hour ago, Moffat said:

@swazz99jhb will your Sunsynk be powering an offgrid or grid-tied property? Am hoping you are mindful or your installer is, of the need for a CT or Eastron Meter and how they intend to ensure you don't backfeed to grid during load shedding? Just food for thought.

Thanks, I have a 5kw Sunsynk at my old house I installed myself a couple of years ago at. 

Will definitely mke sure the CT is installed and installed correctly. Amazing how many gets installed incorrectly. 

Edited December 22, 20241 yr by swazz99jhb
Clarity

On 2024/12/20 at 4:22 PM, swazz99jhb said:

Plan on building something like this using bricks and a garage door against the wall. Thus preventing extensive long cables from PV to inverter and inverter to db. 

A structure like that can be build using Lip Channel or Square Tubing and corrugated roof sheets or IBR roof sheets and Shutterply on the inside. At the bottom and top of the frame some expanded metal can be used for ventilation.

6 minutes ago, GerhardK83 said:

A structure like that can be build using Lip Channel or Square Tubing and corrugated roof sheets or IBR roof sheets and Shutterply on the inside. At the bottom and top of the frame some expanded metal can be used for ventilation.

Probably even cheaper than the brick idea and definitely no building permission. 

Need to check if it will satisfy the electrician for a CoC? Not sure what their stance on enclosures are. 

 

Need to check with my insurance as well. 

Edited December 22, 20241 yr by swazz99jhb
Additional info

22 minutes ago, swazz99jhb said:

Probably even cheaper than the brick idea and definitely no building permission. 

Need to check if it will satisfy the electrician for a CoC? Not sure what their stance on enclosures are. 

 

Need to check with my insurance as well. 

Why don't you fit it where the current inverter is?

Just now, Demo said:

Why don't you fit it where the current inverter is?

Bought a new house with no solar. 

1 minute ago, swazz99jhb said:

Bought a new house with no solar. 

Ahhhh - ok   👍

1 minute ago, Thunderdolt said:

That looks perfect. Is it currently being used for solar? 

6 hours ago, swazz99jhb said:

That looks perfect. Is it currently being used for solar? 

It housed an 8Kw Sunsynk and 12.5Kw Felicity Battery for 2 years. Recently moved house and took solar with me.