Hi guys, looking for a backup system for my mum's place.

Has anyone used or installed this system -

https://www.bluenova.co.za/cps/

Thoughts?

I like the fact that it's an all in on solution. 

 

I am looking for a system to run her essential load for 4-8 hrs. Lights, Router, CCTV, TV, Fridge/Freezer. Roughly 500W if all running at once.

If she can use the microwave or her hairdryer for a few min (+-5min @ 1000W), if required, that'd be great too. 

 

Alternatively, I also came across these systems -

https://solaradvice.co.za/product/growatt-3kw-pylontech-2-4kwh-lithium-ion-load-shedding-kit/

https://solaradvice.co.za/product/kodak-king-5kw-pylontech-2-4kwh-lithium-ion-load-shedding-kit/

Thoughts?

 

I like the fact that I could add panels & increase battery capacity, if required, at a later stage.

Budget is R35K installed max.

 

Blue Nova has good batteries. Those are LiFoPo4. I see this is paired with Axpert type inverters. Those should be fine of UPS function.

The only difference in the solar advice links are that those use Pylontech batteries. The Kodac inverters are also Axpert type and IIRC the Growatt is based on the Axpert as well. 

If you just want something for loadshedding, and space isn’t a problem, is LiFePo really necessary? To work in your budget, I think Lead Acid should be better?

6 hours ago, nemo_jhb said:

Has anyone used or installed this system 

Neither used nor installed.

6 hours ago, nemo_jhb said:

Thoughts?

......

I am looking for a system to run her essential load for 4-8 hrs. Lights, Router, CCTV, TV, Fridge/Freezer. Roughly 500W if all running at once.

If she can use the microwave or her hairdryer for a few min (+-5min @ 1000W), if required, that'd be great too. 

 

Any of the inverters should probably handle the peak loads but heating a pre-cooked meal in the microwave while quickly blowdrying the hair could have some unintended blackouts on the 3kW inverters I would think (especially if the fridge/freezer decides to do some special murphy's law type synchronised firing up the compressor).  If mum is okay with being aware of the things "plugged in" or generaly fine to know "ah yes, should have waited before dryinhg my hair..oh well" it should not be a major issue.

With everything on the "want to power list" for 4 and/or 8 hours your problem will be battery capacity (granted that likely not all loads/appliances will be used every time there is an 8 hour outage.. but who knows?)

Bluenova kit has 2800Wh capacity, the Pylontech based systems have 2400Wh capacity (neither the bluenova or pylontechs will have all of that number useable).

(Wish load) 500W x 4 hours ~ 2000Wh (bluenova does a bit better here than pylontech)

(Wish load) 500W x 8 hours ~ 4000Wh (neither will get you to the finish line)

With the 5kW inverter you might want to confirm whether having only the one pylontech battery affects the inverter warranty.

7 hours ago, nemo_jhb said:

I like the fact that I could add panels & increase battery capacity, if required, at a later stage.

If seriously thinking about adding solar at some stage keep in mind the current mine field of what may legally be connected to the grid and what not (even if not having any intention to feed back to the grid)... I suspect all the mentioned systems could run into problems there.

By the way, the bluenova is a 24V system and the growatt/kodak ones are 48V.

If doing a similar system with lead acid batteries it could be cheaper on initial cost than lithium based systems. For load shedding specific application, where depending on the stage of load shedding you could have multiple sessions in one day, I think lead acid battery life can be cut short a bit if the time available for charging requires a high charge current or the battery is repeatedly undercharged because of a charge interruption due to the next stage of load shedding. Space required on lead acids will be roughly double.

Should you want/need to replace the bluenova LiFePO4 batteries you will potentially have to use exactly the same type of "lead acid drop-in replacement" batteries since 24V lithium battery options are not that plentiful (they do exist - pylontech actually has a 24V battery and amongst others bluenova and freedomwon produce the mentioned drop-in replacements).