Snyper's Solar Farm

Mzezman said:
This is what happened to @Mike Hoxbig and he then moved it across to Essentials - everything else worked but no hot water
Click to expand...
I can do without hot water, doesn't phase me. The missus on the other hand...

DrJohnZoidberg said:
I still prefer having everything on essentials though, I'll probably install a heat pump for the geyser at some point down the line too.
Click to expand...
I love the concept of a heat pump but I have no idea how costly this would be. Kwikot's webpage suggests they're available but I'm not sure if it needs an entirely new geyser or if it can be retrofitted:
www.kwikot.com

Heat Pumps

Heat Pumps
www.kwikot.com www.kwikot.com
 
newby_investor said:
I can do without hot water, doesn't phase me. The missus on the other hand...


I love the concept of a heat pump but I have no idea how costly this would be. Kwikot's webpage suggests they're available but I'm not sure if it needs an entirely new geyser or if it can be retrofitted:
www.kwikot.com

Heat Pumps

Heat Pumps
www.kwikot.com www.kwikot.com
Click to expand...
You can retrofit it to an existing geyser.

Also check:

If you can manage your loads then you don't really need one though if you have enough panels (and storage if you want to do a quick top up before sunrise). It's R15k that can go towards more panels or another battery...
 
Mike Hoxbig said:
You can retrofit it to an existing geyser.

Also check:

If you can manage your loads then you don't really need one though if you have enough panels (and storage if you want to do a quick top up before sunrise). It's R15k that can go towards more panels or another battery...
Click to expand...
R15k is a fair chunk of money. But at some point you'll reach a point where you can't add panels because you run out of roof! I'm a long way from there though.

Thanks for the info! I didn't think to look at acdirect.
 
newby_investor said:
R15k is a fair chunk of money. But at some point you'll reach a point where you can't add panels because you run out of roof! I'm a long way from there though.

Thanks for the info! I didn't think to look at acdirect.
Click to expand...
I have a combo one similar to this (just its older Chinese brother), it's works great and stands outside:
powerforum-store.co.za

200 Elite Magneto Thermo Tank

Thermal Low Pressure Integrated Heat Exchange System By replacing the traditional water geyser element with a heat exchange system you can produce 3kW with 750W of energy consumption. Heat pump system heats water to 60 degrees Super energy efficient – Heat pump uses only 750W of electricity...
powerforum-store.co.za
 
newby_investor said:
Is there not also a configurable aux port? Can that not be used instead of the non-essentials? I seem to recall reading that you could tell it to use solar or grid but not battery.
Click to expand...
Some inverters have connectors that you can set parameters for ie if battery is full close this loop and use that for instance on a contacter that switches geyser on
 
A solar collector (convection)
Paired with a circ pump uses about 20w

Did a diy one long time ago just to play around with , so is 1.18m³ and not suitable for my additional tank 250l i think would have to double check

I have 2 tanks this solar setup acts like a pre heat tank

It gets that tank to about 40deg on sunny days
And 35ish on mixed weather days this then feeds my 150l geyser

So will just add another same size panel later

Or might just donate this and get evacuated tube collector

20w works on any inverter size
 
Last edited:
AndrewGoldy said:
What app are you using to monitor the usage?
I'm using the SunSynk.net website and it's graphs are not as user-friendly.
Click to expand...
That's the solarman app. They have had years and years to refine it, so agreed that the graphs are ever so slightly better, but the retention period is where they really shine. SS does not keep the data for months and years.
You can buy a solarman dongle if you wish, I have both but prefer the convenience of the Sunsynk one. Plus it's fun to watch the app evolve, and I suspect that their exposure to a security breach is far smaller than Solarman.
 
Hey guys. I have just spent almost an entire day reading this thread and would like to thank all the contributors for taking some of our knowledge levels on solar from zero to "novice".

I wish I had invested in solar earlier when the prices were cheaper, but chances are I would have been fleeced by some of these scrupulous distributors and installers out there.

I already had an idea of the system I needed, but this thread confirmed that I am on the right track.

Now I just need to compare some of the quotes I have received which range from R190K to R250K with those provided by Steve and Powerforum and finally take the plunge.

Thanks again for the public service on solar, it is truly appreciated.
 
Deluxxe Legend said:
Hey guys. I have just spent almost an entire day reading this thread and would like to thank all the contributors for taking some of our knowledge levels on solar from zero to "novice".

I wish I had invested in solar earlier when the prices were cheaper, but chances are I would have been fleeced by some of these scrupulous distributors and installers out there.

I already had an idea of the system I needed, but this thread confirmed that I am on the right track.

Now I just need to compare some of the quotes I have received which range from R190K to R250K with those provided by Steve and Powerforum and finally take the plunge.

Thanks again for the public service on solar, it is truly appreciated.
Click to expand...
You are a legend for taking the time to thank everyone here. A Deluxe Legend.
 
Deluxxe Legend said:
Hey guys. I have just spent almost an entire day reading this thread and would like to thank all the contributors for taking some of our knowledge levels on solar from zero to "novice".

I wish I had invested in solar earlier when the prices were cheaper, but chances are I would have been fleeced by some of these scrupulous distributors and installers out there.

I already had an idea of the system I needed, but this thread confirmed that I am on the right track.

Now I just need to compare some of the quotes I have received which range from R190K to R250K with those provided by Steve and Powerforum and finally take the plunge.

Thanks again for the public service on solar, it is truly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Aweh my hond!
 
Hey guys, I finally have an update.

After a few months of researching and tracking prices, I finally decided to bite the bullet today and place my order with PowerForum.

Here is the setup that I decided on going with:
  • Sunsynk 12kw Inverter
  • 2 x Hubble AM-5 51.2V Batteries
  • 12 x JA Solar 550W Panels
And here is the confirmation of the order from Wimpie.
PowerForum Order.jpg

Hoping to get the equipment in the next week or so depending on how long the delivery takes. I did not order some of the accessories like the mounts as my installer is bringing those.

The reason I went with the 12kW inverter is that I found out when the installer was doing the inspection that I have a 3-phase system which I never considered I would have. And although he was saying I could still use an 8kW inverter, but I decided to keep the 3 phase based on some of the recommendations made earlier on this forum.

I will now have to go back and re-read about Solarman and some of the tips you guys provided earlier. I also still need to determine what will be essential and non-essential as that still doesn't 100% make sense yet.

My biggest issues are my geysers and the oven. I have 2 main geysers in the house, 1 in the cottage outside and 1 in the maid's quarters which is currently off. I am installing the Cbi Astuste smart controllers so I can time the geysers but I am still not sure how I am going to do that exactly.

I would also appreciate any heads-up that you guys think I need to be aware of before doing the installation based on your knowledge and experience.

I am grateful that through this forum I have been able to save myself quite a bit of money by going this route compared to some of the quotes I have received!
 
Last edited:
Deluxxe Legend said:
Hey guys, I finally have an update.

After a few months of researching and tracking prices, I finally decided to bite the bullet today and place my order with PowerForum.

Here is the setup that I decided on going with:
  • Sunsynk 12kw Inverter
  • 2 x Hubble AM-5 21.2V Batteries
  • 12 x JA Solar 550W Panels
And here is the confirmation of the order from Wimpie.
View attachment 1576896

Hoping to get the equipment in the next week or so depending on how long the delivery takes. I did not order some of the accessories like the mounts as my installer is bringing those.

The reason I went with the 12kW inverter is that I found out when the installer was doing the inspection that I have a 3-phase system which I never considered I would have. And although he was saying I could still use an 8kW inverter, but I decided to keep the 3 phase based on some of the recommendations made earlier on this forum.

I will now have to go back and re-read about Solarman and some of the tips you guys provided earlier. I also still need to determine what will be essential and non-essential as that still doesn't 100% make sense yet.

My biggest issues are my geysers and the oven. I have 2 main geysers in the house, 1 in the cottage outside and 1 in the maid's quarters which is currently off. I am installing the Cbi Astuste smart controllers so I can time the geysers but I am still not sure how I am going to do that exactly.

I would also appreciate any heads-up that you guys think I need to be aware of before doing the installation based on your knowledge and experience.

I am grateful that through this forum I have been able to save myself quite a bit of money by going this route compared to some of the quotes I have received!
Click to expand...
Excellent! PFS has the 3 phase 12K on special for under 50K right now.

You will soon initiate the order for 16 more panels!
 
RonSwanson said:
Excellent! PFS has the 3 phase 12K on special for under 50K right now.

You will soon initiate the order for 16 more panels!
Click to expand...
Yeah, that's one of the reasons I decided to stick with the 3 phase and just upgrade the inverter. Most of the installers are amazed at the PFS prices!

I'm sure I will, but just want to enjoy the initial benefits of going solar and stop donating so much of my money to Eskom :)!
 
Deluxxe Legend said:
Yeah, that's one of the reasons I decided to stick with the 3 phase and just upgrade the inverter. Most of the installers are amazed at the PFS prices!

I'm sure I will, but just want to enjoy the initial benefits of going solar and stop donating so much of my money to Eskom :)!
Click to expand...
Not only is the pricing good, but Steve's experience and advice is priceless.
 
V
Deluxxe Legend said:
Hey guys, I finally have an update.

After a few months of researching and tracking prices, I finally decided to bite the bullet today and place my order with PowerForum.

Here is the setup that I decided on going with:
  • Sunsynk 12kw Inverter
  • 2 x Hubble AM-5 51.2V Batteries
  • 12 x JA Solar 550W Panels
And here is the confirmation of the order from Wimpie.
View attachment 1576896

Hoping to get the equipment in the next week or so depending on how long the delivery takes. I did not order some of the accessories like the mounts as my installer is bringing those.

The reason I went with the 12kW inverter is that I found out when the installer was doing the inspection that I have a 3-phase system which I never considered I would have. And although he was saying I could still use an 8kW inverter, but I decided to keep the 3 phase based on some of the recommendations made earlier on this forum.

I will now have to go back and re-read about Solarman and some of the tips you guys provided earlier. I also still need to determine what will be essential and non-essential as that still doesn't 100% make sense yet.

My biggest issues are my geysers and the oven. I have 2 main geysers in the house, 1 in the cottage outside and 1 in the maid's quarters which is currently off. I am installing the Cbi Astuste smart controllers so I can time the geysers but I am still not sure how I am going to do that exactly.

I would also appreciate any heads-up that you guys think I need to be aware of before doing the installation based on your knowledge and experience.

I am grateful that through this forum I have been able to save myself quite a bit of money by going this route compared to some of the quotes I have received!
Click to expand...
Very exciting. If you haven't yet, give my thread a read - I try to cover some of the important elements to keep in mind while installing. Obviously you won't be doing the install yourself but it still helps knowing what needs to be done.

Speedster's solar journey

I've been prepping a solar system for my home for quite a while, and have certainly learnt a ton along the way. Over the past 18 months or so I've asked perhaps too many questions (to the great annoyance of some forumites), but I've gleaned enough info to have been confident enough to finally...
mybroadband.co.za mybroadband.co.za
 
Deluxxe Legend said:
Hey guys, I finally have an update.

After a few months of researching and tracking prices, I finally decided to bite the bullet today and place my order with PowerForum.

Here is the setup that I decided on going with:
  • Sunsynk 12kw Inverter
  • 2 x Hubble AM-5 51.2V Batteries
  • 12 x JA Solar 550W Panels
And here is the confirmation of the order from Wimpie.
View attachment 1576896

Hoping to get the equipment in the next week or so depending on how long the delivery takes. I did not order some of the accessories like the mounts as my installer is bringing those.

The reason I went with the 12kW inverter is that I found out when the installer was doing the inspection that I have a 3-phase system which I never considered I would have. And although he was saying I could still use an 8kW inverter, but I decided to keep the 3 phase based on some of the recommendations made earlier on this forum.

I will now have to go back and re-read about Solarman and some of the tips you guys provided earlier. I also still need to determine what will be essential and non-essential as that still doesn't 100% make sense yet.

My biggest issues are my geysers and the oven. I have 2 main geysers in the house, 1 in the cottage outside and 1 in the maid's quarters which is currently off. I am installing the Cbi Astuste smart controllers so I can time the geysers but I am still not sure how I am going to do that exactly.

I would also appreciate any heads-up that you guys think I need to be aware of before doing the installation based on your knowledge and experience.

I am grateful that through this forum I have been able to save myself quite a bit of money by going this route compared to some of the quotes I have received!
Click to expand...
Congrats!!!

I also got all my stuff from him. Twice.
How much did he charge you for the panels?
 
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