April 2, 20197 yr Good day all, I need help in laying out the best way for a solar system for my house. I work as an expat and therefor I am for long periods not at home. My wife and 3 pre-teen sons is alone then as well. My security systems, cameras and all as well entertainment such as playstation and, televisions and internet must be on and running. We have a solar/gas geysers and a gas stove. So usage from the grid is minimal. I installed an Efergy Power monitor and it register an average of 11kWh per day. Never over 12kWh per day and that is when it is a school holiday and the boys are 24/7 on the games and televisions. School days, monday to thursday, there is only a few hours of television after homework and sport. A maximum of 2.5kW per hour is used when my wife is in the kitchen using the microwave, the boys are on their televisions and house cleaning is being done using vacuum cleaners, etc. I searched the internet and found a system that I think will help us cope, at SolarAdvice and it consists of the following; 1 x 4.6kW Goodwe ES Hybrid inverter – 2 x MPPT inputs with a Max of 6500Wp NRS approved (National regulation standards) 1 x Cable Pack 10 x 330W JA Solar PV modules 1 x Complete pitched roof Solar mounting kit (to be determined) 2 x BYD B-Plus 2.56kWh LV Battery 100% DOD – 5.12kwh 1 x BYD B-BOX Cabinet, (4 x 2.5) incl. BMU 1 x MC4 Connector Twin Pack ( Kit 1 ) 1 x K&N Dual String DC Switch Disconnector 25A 220V 2 x K&N Single Phase AC Switch Disconnector 25A 1 x 4mm2 single-core 100m cable – Black 1 x KETO Battery Disconnector with 125A Fuses I am also thinking of adding 2 x 1500W/48V wind turbines, after I've added the second string of 10 x 330W panels, to complete the system in the future. I've bought a stand which is high up a hill where there is wind in an abundance. I would like to utilize the wind turbines mainly for cloudy and windy times and especially through the nights instead of buying bigger battery bank. Could you all please assist and advise me in how to go about the whole layout. I would also like to know if anybody knows about good electricians/installers that can do a certified grid tied installation. Thank you all in advance. I LOVE THIS FORUM.
April 2, 20197 yr Author I just want to add that the roof is at 25° and the direction as shown on drawing.
April 2, 20197 yr Hi Roarty, Two comments from my side and one question: 1) Where are you based - it is a bit important to know for referring installers. 🙂 2) Read this thread on wind power: https://powerforum.co.za/topic/2959-pshy-small-wind-turbines-brochure-and-costing/?tab=comments#comment-46108 It is a good idea to know exactly what wind you can expect before you spend monies. And then you need the right product, for wind, as they are hammered most of the time they operate. Why not Victron? 🙂
April 2, 20197 yr If your are only using 12kWh/day then you are doing well for a start. I get by with a similar sized system off grid, so the system size is right.
April 2, 20197 yr Why is the inverter so far from the DB? The closer the better for the wires from the panels.
April 2, 20197 yr Author 3 minutes ago, The Terrible Triplett said: Where are you based - it is a bit important to know for referring installers I work in Zambia but my family lives in Kleinbrak River, Mosselbay. We bought a nice stand in Grootbrak Hoogte for a future build and total 100%+ off-the-grid system.
April 2, 20197 yr Author 2 minutes ago, The Terrible Triplett said: Why is the inverter so far from the DB? The DB is situated in the scullery and there is a lot of base cabinets...the inverter will fit but not the BYD battery box.
April 2, 20197 yr 1 hour ago, Roarty said: Thank you all in advance. I LOVE THIS FORUM. buys you goodwill 🤪
April 2, 20197 yr Author My current usage and earlier this evening with the kids on their televisions watching Netflix streamed through their PlayStations. With some "network down" spot...crappy internet
April 3, 20197 yr Something that you may want to consider about wind power, is that normal horizontal axis turbines make quite a lot of noise, so while it may sound like the sweet sound of energy independence to you, it may sound like the wailing of a restless banshee to your neighbours. Vertical axis turbines may be quieter, but I only have experience with my DIY one. Mine is about 50m away on a hill behind my house, but I know when it is working. Edited April 3, 20197 yr by DeepBass9
April 3, 20197 yr Author 1 minute ago, RRR said: I can refer you to a good installation company RRR...PLEASE...nobody here in Mossel Bay and George replies to any queries...It'a a tourism area and it looks like everyone is permanently on holiday...
April 3, 20197 yr 1 hour ago, Roarty said: ... George replies to any queries ... If you are a Blue fan, then there is a jacked Co in George.
April 3, 20197 yr Author I am currently in the planning phase of our new home. It is going to consume more and my sons are not staying pre-teens forever. I am currently working outside SA and is planning to be back permanently from, hopefully, the end of next year...if God permits. Then I will continue my work and hobbies at home....which will require more power...and then the prices for everything will be higher most probably...as it goes in Africa. Edited April 3, 20197 yr by Roarty
April 3, 20197 yr Author What do you guys think? Connecting the 10 x 330W panels in serie for; W 3300 VOC 464 VMPP 376.5 IMPP 8.77 Or 2 sets of 5 in serie and the 2 sets in parallel for; W 3300 VOC 232 VMPP 188.25 IMPP 17.54 Is my calcs correct? That's the first thing I should ask as newbie!
April 21, 20197 yr On 2019/04/02 at 8:28 PM, The Terrible Triplett said: Why is the inverter so far from the DB? The closer the better for the wires from the panels. The distance between the inverter and DB doesn't matter much, since it runs 220VAC. You can have those two upto a few hundred meter apart, as long as you use thick enough cable. The important part is the distance between the solar panels and MPPT, and the inverter and batteries. Ideally this should be as close as physically possible. Many manufacturers recommend no more than 30m between solar panels and MPPT, and no more than 3m from batteries to inverter.
April 21, 20197 yr On 2019/04/03 at 9:34 PM, Pietpower said: A novice here and looking at a very similar system. What is your goal or aim with the system? Mine is to reduce monthly electricity bill in a cost effective way and to have back up power for power outages (mainly daytime when we have sun). This grid tied system suits the bill. Then: Two batteries might be an overkill as it does not add much to the saving during the night. What is your night time usage vs daytime. I presume it would be less than the 5kWh batteries in this deal meaning some of the battery capacity will always be unused. Not sure again but I think I will be going for less batteries and use eskom at night if need. Twenty panel will be too much for 12kWh per day. They say 10 panels will give 18kWh but that sounds optimistic or perfect conditions. The DB needs be subdivided into two sections and running cabling to and from the inverter over such long distances might have it's own challenges. I am not planning on using a battery box but rather mounting the battery flat against the wall on brackets. Saves a few rand and takes up less floor space. Following your install That would all depend on what your energy price is. The Pylontech's as example, cost about R1.20/kwh. Having more panels than you think often balance itself out on a cloudy or rainy day, when there's little sun to work with. It is often better to calculate for winter usage and have enough in winter, than calculating for summer and sit without power in winter.
April 21, 20197 yr Author 2 hours ago, SilverNodashi said: The distance between the inverter and DB doesn't matter much, since it runs 220VAC. You can have those two upto a few hundred meter apart, as long as you use thick enough cable. The important part is the distance between the solar panels and MPPT, and the inverter and batteries. Ideally this should be as close as physically possible. Many manufacturers recommend no more than 30m between solar panels and MPPT, and no more than 3m from batteries to inverter. Hi @SilverNodashi. Yes & thank you. My brother told me that I can do that, he is a heavy current electrical engineer. Anyhow, I can't bring the inverter & batteries any closer. The main DB is in the scullery which have no space to turn. I might be able to install the inverter there but then what do I do with the batteries. I cant put it outside the house nor keep it in the garage that is 25m away. That is why I am designing a new house for us that has it's own "Electrical Room" which will be directly underneath the solar cables entry point. I am nearly finished with my "detailed" layout of my whole system. I mean detailed cause I am an Structural Design engineer and Architect that doesn't practice architecture anymore. So, the MCB and all will be in detail. LOL I will hopefully post a section today or tomorrow, the roof and garage part. I am still battling with the Mains Circuit Board and dividing it into Grid only / Grid Solar / Solar Backup sections with it's changeover switch(s). I would like the forum's opinion and please be direct as can be. I want to do it right the first time. Especially from the big guys like @The Terrible Triplett @plonkster etc... I want everything as perfect as can be and to NRS & SANS, even to CoCT rules & regulations, although I live 450 km away to the east. I am currently in Zambia on a project but will be back in SA in 8 weeks. Enough time to do the design properly and order the extra equipment, I hope. Then I want to install my own system to the point where the electrician can do the tie-in. Thank you all so far for all the help. Edited April 21, 20197 yr by Roarty
April 21, 20197 yr Author Awaiting your judgement...lol... HOUSE ROARTY PV LAYOUT - GARAGE SECTION.pdf
April 21, 20197 yr 2 hours ago, Roarty said: Hi @SilverNodashi. Yes & thank you. My brother told me that I can do that, he is a heavy current electrical engineer. Anyhow, I can't bring the inverter & batteries any closer. The main DB is in the scullery which have no space to turn. I might be able to install the inverter there but then what do I do with the batteries. I cant put it outside the house nor keep it in the garage that is 25m away. That is why I am designing a new house for us that has it's own "Electrical Room" which will be directly underneath the solar cables entry point. I am nearly finished with my "detailed" layout of my whole system. I mean detailed cause I am an Structural Design engineer and Architect that doesn't practice architecture anymore. So, the MCB and all will be in detail. LOL I will hopefully post a section today or tomorrow, the roof and garage part. I am still battling with the Mains Circuit Board and dividing it into Grid only / Grid Solar / Solar Backup sections with it's changeover switch(s). I would like the forum's opinion and please be direct as can be. I want to do it right the first time. Especially from the big guys like @The Terrible Triplett @plonkster etc... I want everything as perfect as can be and to NRS & SANS, even to CoCT rules & regulations, although I live 450 km away to the east. I am currently in Zambia on a project but will be back in SA in 8 weeks. Enough time to do the design properly and order the extra equipment, I hope. Then I want to install my own system to the point where the electrician can do the tie-in. Thank you all so far for all the help. You don't have to bring the inverter and batteries closer to the DB. Just keep the inverter and batteries in close proximity. My DB is probably 40m away from my inverter.
April 22, 20197 yr 11 hours ago, Roarty said: Awaiting your judgement... You appear to be specifying an AC disconnector for the solar panels. This needs to be high voltage DC rated. Edited April 22, 20197 yr by Coulomb
April 22, 20197 yr Just a suggestion: Replace the 2 x K&N AC 25amp disconnectors with a 3 way change over switch: https://henmar.co.za/products/change-over-switch?variant=24952642633792&utm_campaign=gs-2019-02-04&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4YHbquri4QIVKrftCh3gHAJWEAQYASABEgI7svD_BwE This will allow you to bypass the inverter and supply the loads when carrying out maintenance on the batteries/inverter. I am not too clued up with the visual indicators you need to have on your DB's or 3 way switches. I think you may have to have little indicator lights showing which supply is live, perhaps something like this: https://www.stockclearanceportal.co.za/product-details.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4YHbquri4QIVKrftCh3gHAJWEAQYAiABEgKpgfD_BwE#!itemdetails/code=mgis60&name=mirage manual changeover switch for generators single 60amp&id=865ae9ce-a881-415d-9a35-bbda5885d35f
April 22, 20197 yr 17 hours ago, Roarty said: Awaiting your judgement I don't think you need additional fuses in the PV DB board. The Noark CB's will take care of that. Just choose the correct rating for your cables. I use the 10A version. Also make sure you have CB's between inverter and Grid and inverter and back-up loads. Edited April 22, 20197 yr by Fuenkli
April 22, 20197 yr Author 7 hours ago, Coulomb said: You appear to be specifying an AC disconnector for the solar panels. This needs to be high voltage DC rated. @Coulomb sorry, typing mistake...copy/pasting...should have checked... Supposed to be 1 x K&N Dual String DC Switch Disconnector 25A 220V
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