I would appreciate some advice on selection of a grid free system. During the last loadshedding 3 years ago, I prepared to install a back up power system. I replaced all lights with Led lamps and fitted two 7kw heatpumps for my hot water cylinders and fitted a gas hob (although there is still an electric oven). All the white appliances were replaced with energy efficient items. Loadshedding was discontinued and I never proceeded to install a solar system.

My house is currently supplied by Escom power via a three phase DB board. The only other major power user is a pool pump.

My plan is to install a grid free system combined with managing power consumption. My questions on how best to achieve this are probably very common ones which have been considered by many members:

- how do I decide on a system. It is probably a starting point to look at my current consumption per my City Council electricity bill?

- do I install a three phase or a single phase system?

- do I first decide on an inverter and then look at solar panels and batteries?

- what brand inverter, panels and batteries to purchase for reliability and efficiency?

- what type batteries to use? I recall that when I previously considered installing a system, I was advised to buy the cheapest batteries as the technology and pricing was rapidly improving.

I would be very grateful for some advice and recommendation of some contact detailss of reputable and experienced installers of solar systems in the Cape Town area.

There are are 2 other siblings who are serious about and interested in installing off grid systems and who can benefit from this forum's advice.

 

Edited March 26, 20197 yr by Grid Emigrant
Typos amended

Hi Grid,

Welcome.

Step one, being Cape Town, read up on the forum about the legalities of solar usage, grid tied or off grid.

Grid tied being the most cost effective, grid tied with a hybrid inverter Eskom proof, and for that we seem to favour Victron Mutliplus II inverters mostly, with Goodwe and ABB, as batteries are needed.

If that hits the nail on the head, see the Victron Grid tied from Scratch thread on the forum.

If you are talking like say Axpert, then for CoCT that is off-grid, and I'm out of your hair. 🙂