Posted February 18, 20205 yr Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum and need some advice on a solar set-up I'm considering. Been reading a lot but I'm more confused than ever. The specs are: 1 x Axpert 5kVA inverter 10 x 330w solar panels 1 x 10kWh Li-ion battery My daily consumption is about 30 KWh (geyser is on grid power). I want the setup to reduce my electricity bill as well as provide loadshedding backup. Ideally it should utilise PV for loads and charging the battery, then battery power and lastly grid. It should also bypass straight to grid if the load is high. My questions please: Is the setup the correct size? I'm not sure if the inverter is suitable, are there better options for not much more cost? What would a setup like this cost fully installed, ball park figure? Thank you for the help. It is much appreciated.
February 18, 20205 yr I will give it a shot but I am not an expert by any means ... Size just depends on what you want to achieve. If this is in the range that you are prepared to spend, it is the right size! Since it is a bit under sized for your normal consumption you will basically use it to its full potential every day and you are going to get max return on your investment. Installing a solar heater or a heat exchange for your geyser is more efficient so it might be something to consider. Cannot say about the inverter, I will go with The BLue (Victron) because, over the long term, the difference is not going to make much difference My estimate R150 000
February 19, 20205 yr Author 13 hours ago, Otto ES said: I will give it a shot but I am not an expert by any means ... Size just depends on what you want to achieve. If this is in the range that you are prepared to spend, it is the right size! Since it is a bit under sized for your normal consumption you will basically use it to its full potential every day and you are going to get max return on your investment. Installing a solar heater or a heat exchange for your geyser is more efficient so it might be something to consider. Cannot say about the inverter, I will go with The BLue (Victron) because, over the long term, the difference is not going to make much difference My estimate R150 000 Thanks Otto that helps. I will convert the Geyser to solar at a later stage and then I should be ok consumption wise. Probably changing the Axpert to a Goodwe. From what I read the Goodwe will manage the power sources better, ensuring solar is fully utilised before switching to battery and then grid. Can anybody confirm this?
February 19, 20205 yr 9 hours ago, JL10 said: Goodwe will manage the power sources better, ensuring solar is fully utilised before switching to battery and then grid. Can anybody confirm this? Yes it does.. On my goodwe setup I have solar, battery and escom. Goodwe combines all 3. If there's not enough solar it uses battery and or escom.. You can use the above mode (self use describes it best) or backup mode, which then just uses battery power when escom is off. There is another option to use the battery during specific periods only (say from 08:00 to 11:00). I have set my battery to be used, DoD, when escom is on to 20%,so uses the battery to supplement solar and then when there's enough pv power it charges the battery again..
February 20, 20205 yr Author Thank you for the replies. I've got limited roof space so can fit max 10 panels. Will see how the system copes with the geyser and then take it from there. Seems the Goodwe is a good all rounder to install, slotting in nicely between the Axpert and the Victron in terms of cost and functionality.
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