16 minutes ago, SilverNodashi said:

Might be cheap chinese knockoff solar cable as well. 

Then again, it might not be cheap Chinese knockoff solar cable. 

Or maybe a typo.

I get my cable sizes wrong most of the time. Even installers have to 'guess' most of the times I have noticed.

Well, all I can say is the maximum number of cables you can get into a 20mm conduit is 4 x 4mm :-) Which for me, because I didn't want to drill yet another hole through the wall, meant going with 4mm as it's perfectly sufficient for my needs, even if the 6mm is only a little bit more expensive :-)

55 minutes ago, The Terrible Triplett said:

Then again, it might not be cheap Chinese knockoff solar cable. 

Or maybe a typo.

I get my cable sizes wrong most of the time. Even installers have to 'guess' most of the times I have noticed.

The "right stuff" is clearly marked  Solar cable needs to confirm to certain standards. Other cables don't and may be rejected by your insurance if a fire might come from it. 

10 minutes ago, SilverNodashi said:

The "right stuff" is clearly marked

Jip, them are the ones I bought.

My problem is that over time with handling those markings rub off on THAT piece of cable you want to check. Very frustrating.

I like the ones where the markings are part of the insulation ... till the wire length used is that one piece that was cut between the markings. (facepalm)

I double checked the size on a off cut piece it wasn't very clear, hence the confusion. Its KBE 6mm cable bought from Rubicon so I'm 99% sure its legit

So I popped in at the battery place, talked to the owner and I got the proverbial middle finger. Ill have a quick chat with my lawyer and see where I stand. R21 000 isn't pocket change.  

17 minutes ago, HeinTheTerrible said:

So I popped in at the battery place, talked to the owner and I got the proverbial middle finger.

Mmmmm, I don't see any reason why they should help or be worried.

2 hours ago, The Terrible Triplett said:

Mmmmm, I don't see any reason why they should help or be worried.

Do we name and shame on this forum?

Just now, HeinTheTerrible said:

Do we name and shame on this forum?

Uhm no ... always issues with that ... unless it is a clear cut case.

But HTT, tell me, where did you buy your batteries from ? 

(Now THAT is not naming and shaming.)

Hein, I think it's time for you to get some formal Solar design training? I think you will be a good candidate, with all the practical experience with your own install. Not sure if there are any institutions in PE. PM me so I can share?

Solar System Designer and IT Systems Auditor

Hein, I will post here - no secrets.

if you have a week and R15 000 - University of Stellenbosch - CRSES - Excellent course (Attendance (cheaper) and Competency options available, which includes an extensive design project for evaluation - Post-grad level). See http://www.crses.sun.ac.za/studies-course-modules-advanced-pv-systems

Terrafirma Academy - various design courses - http://www.terrafirma-academy.com/courses/ (Jhb only AFAIK)

Other courses:

http://microcare.co.za/training/ - in your area?

http://mltinverters.com/ (they have random training sessions on their products - presented by the top inverter designer(s) in SA)

Other suppliers such as Victron? https://www.victronenergy.com/blog/2015/05/18/victron-energy-training-workshops-in-south-africa/ (SA guys a bit snobbish, but good products)

http://pventerprises.co.za/

http://maxx-energy-academy.org/training-courses/

http://www.saretec.co.za/short-courses/view/solar-course-3-super-solar-school.html

http://ncpc.co.za/

http://www.segensolar.co.za/co.za/training

All depends on your budget, time available and inclination.

 

5 hours ago, HeinTheTerrible said:

So I popped in at the battery place, talked to the owner and I got the proverbial middle finger. Ill have a quick chat with my lawyer and see where I stand. R21 000 isn't pocket change.  

what is wrong with your batteries?

Just now, SilverNodashi said:

what is wrong with your batteries?

Nothing wrong with them, I was just misinformed about the DOD cycles of the batteries. The system was spec'd to last atleast 7 years.

9 hours ago, HeinTheTerrible said:

The system was spec'd to last atleast 7 years.

If it was used as a UPS system - not daily cycling.

Re Training, send an email to [email protected] and they'll let you know when there is a training day. Every now and then (about twice a year or so) they have a free training session (including coffee and sometimes food). That is a very good way to meet people and get some basic training. Then you can also go for more in-depth training (which usually costs a few hundred bucks up to maybe a grand), but usually you need to do at least the basic one first before you can do those. You get to play with some of their equipment and you get to meet the freakishly tall Andre Durant.. :-)

2 hours ago, superdiy said:

If it was used as a UPS system - not daily cycling.

I kinda think the same here. You will get bogged down on the small print. Not even the local Trojan benchmark battery (which is a damn good battery, used in golf carts) will last 7 years under regular cycling. More like 4. Caveat Emptor probably applies.

Anyone looking for Delkor AGM's? 

http://batteriesonline.co.za/product/150ah-12v-agm-battery-bk-12v150/ 

11 hours ago, superdiy said:

If it was used as a UPS system - not daily cycling.

Exactly my point. I guess its my fault too, I didn't ask for the specs before buying. I trusted the salesman. 

never trust  the salesman

27 minutes ago, HeinTheTerrible said:

I didn't ask for the specs before buying. I trusted the salesman. 

Truth be told, for salesmen to understand, is a long shot seeing as they do not really understand the needs for solar systems. They do understand batteries for vehicles and UPS'es, so I would imagine the assumption is made if it is good for UPS, it is good for solar, seeing that most sell batts that the supplier claims is "deep cycle". 

Flip side to that. When a salesman tells met to spend more money, say on more expensive batteries, me, I tend to not listen.

1 minute ago, The Terrible Triplett said:

Truth be told, for salesmen to understand, is a long shot seeing as they do not really understand the needs for solar systems. They do understand batteries for vehicles and UPS'es, so I would imagine the assumption is made if it is good for UPS, it is good for solar, seeing that most sell batts that the supplier claims is "deep cycle". 

Flip side to that. When a salesman tells met to spend more money, say on more expensive batteries, me, I tend to not listen.

The funny thing is, they sell solar equipment too.

Just now, HeinTheTerrible said:

The funny thing is, they sell solar equipment too.

Nee my bliksim, then they MUST know ... unless they are, as we discussed on the forum before, those every 2nd shop and their dog selling solar with no IDEA what they are doing.

1 minute ago, The Terrible Triplett said:

Nee my bliksim, then they MUST know ... unless they are, as we discussed on the forum before, those every 2nd shop and their dog selling solar with no IDEA what they are doing.

There's a couple of them here in P.E. I'm no expert but sjoe, they look at my funny when I ask them technical questions.

Builders warehouse also sells solar equipment... :-)

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

15 hours ago, The Terrible Triplett said:

15 hours ago, plonkster said:

Builders warehouse also sells solar equipment... :-)

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

The prices are also ridiculous!

 

Btw, what is wrong with the reply box. Its also impossible to use on my phone. Keeps on inserting quotes from the topic by itself.