Hi Guys, Im new here. Look forward to being a part of this community and learning. 

Im based in jhb. I plan on doing a DIY Solar/inverter installation but still lots to learn before I get there. 

Im a big DIYer. Im no stranger to electronics, i know the basic principles. I know the installation needs to be certified so ill do the installation on my own and get a sparky to do the CoC. 

The point of doing it on my own is to learn, understand the system, understand the mechanics/calculations behind it and save cost while doing it. Its also handy to know how it works so you know how to fix it when things go wrong. 

 

I managed to get some basic kit at a bargain from a friend. 

1 x 3kva axpert inverter

8 x 105ah energizer batteries

 

I plan on running just the lights and the internet router/ access points and maybe a plug to charge cell phones. I have a gas stove and solar geysers. 

For now ill just be using it as a UPS during loadshedding. Ill add solar panels later and then try and use some power at night to reduce my eskom bill. 

 

Any advice is welcomed.

Regards

G

 

20 hours ago, gerald5ive said:

8 x 105ah energizer batteries

I assume that those are lead acid. I would start by trying to ascertain the health of those battery modules.

Do you have a 12 V or 24 V charger?

Something to load a 12 V module?

Do you have a decent multimeter?

Hi Coulomb, 

 

Thanks for the feedback. 

Yes those are lead acid batteries. Energizer EC37.  The batteries were bought new 3 months ago. They still have the remainder of warranty on them. 

The inverter is also new. My friend bought this for own solar project and then decided to focus on other projects. 

 

 

Do you have a 12 V or 24 V charger? Yes I have a 12v charger

Something to load a 12 V module? Im sure i can dig something up

Do you have a decent multimeter? Yes i do have decent multimeters. 

 

I tested the voltage. They are on 12.6. I know thats not a true reflection of battery condition. I would need to see how it performs under load. But im pretty confident they good as they are only 3 months old.