Advice needed - Solar System

rh1

rh1

Honorary Master
Joined
Aug 5, 2011
Messages
17,120
Reaction score
19,745
Location
Somewhere close to you
My wife gave the go ahead after I ran the numbers. We are going to get solar.

So budget is R135k for equipment and R15k for installation cost. Probably can wring an extra R15k if needed.

My next step is to get proper energy use readings. But there is some questions I have:

1. What is the key benefits of the Sunsynk Invertors over the others. As there is a significant price difference?
powerforum-store.co.za

Sunsynk 8kW, 48Vdc Single Phase Hybrid Inverter with WIFI included

The Sunsynk 8kW hybrid Inverter is the ideal inverter for managing power flow from multiple sources such as solar, main electrical grid and generator. Product Features Dual MPPT design. Compatible with most Li-ion and lead-acid batteries. Zero export function. Parallels up to 16 x inverters...
powerforum-store.co.za powerforum-store.co.za
https://powerforum-store.co.za/coll...s/kodak-solar-off-grid-inverter-max-7-2kw-48v (is this a hybrid, similar to the https://powerforum-store.co.za/coll...s/kodak-solar-off-grid-inverter-vmiii-5kw-48v which is supposedly a hybrid).

2. Batteries, why would you choose one hubble battery over the other? Pylon?
powerforum-store.co.za

HUBBLE LITHIUM - X-101 51V

• Advanced BMS with current limiting function • CAN Bus, fully integrates and communicates with leading Inverter brands • Excellent high temperature performance • High Cycle Life and Service Life • RIOT integration ready for cloud monitoring • 1C High Performance Lithium battery • High Energy...
powerforum-store.co.za
powerforum-store.co.za

HUBBLE AM-2 5.5KWh 51 Volt Lithium

For orders of 5 and more contact us for better prices Price Includes Free Delivery anywhere in SA The AM-2 is our new 5.5KWh 51Volt Lithium pack designed to be easily wall mounted or shelf installed in a standard rack.Specifications: 51V 100 Ah Rating: 1CParallel: up to 15 units per...
powerforum-store.co.za
powerforum-store.co.za

Pylon UP5000 4.8kWh Li-Ion Solar Battery 48V

A new battery in the UP series from Pylontech. The UP5000 is a 48V battery with incredible features to provide a competitive edge in the market. Product Features Modular design for ease of expansion Higher usable capacity resulting in less battery modules installed Usable capacity 4...
powerforum-store.co.za powerforum-store.co.za

3. Monitoring/programming of system to maximise benefits based on my requirements? Is this available on all systems or only specific systems. I have a few pumps (pool 0.75kw, wellpoint 0.9kw, irrigation and house both 0.45kw). House has no automation at all. I know this might need more equipment, what would I need? Budget?

4. Panels - does JA vs Canada make a difference i.e. is better to use with certain invertors?


I will probably trawl through some threads as I need to compile a list of questions.


My considerations as of now is the following:

I want to get in future about 95% of my usage requirements (monthly use is minimum 600kw which we generally stick to but on occasion we use 750kw max). I would like to install the items that are hard to upgrade first, so big invertor and lots of panels and then batteries, my understanding is the batteries can always be added to.
 
Your budget and usage is enough to go with the most common configuration.

8 kW inverter
~6 kW of panels
~10 kWh of storage

The stuff you picked out is all decent. Sunsynk/Hubble/JA is a proven combination. But you could go with Pylontech as well. Decide if you want it wall or rack mounted - this might help inform your decision. Some batteries aren't designed to be wall mounted.

Run pool and irrigation during the day off your panels...
 
rh1 said:
My wife gave the go ahead after I ran the numbers. We are going to get solar.

So budget is R135k for equipment and R15k for installation cost. Probably can wring an extra R15k if needed.

My next step is to get proper energy use readings. But there is some questions I have:

1. What is the key benefits of the Sunsynk Invertors over the others. As there is a significant price difference?
powerforum-store.co.za

Sunsynk 8kW, 48Vdc Single Phase Hybrid Inverter with WIFI included

The Sunsynk 8kW hybrid Inverter is the ideal inverter for managing power flow from multiple sources such as solar, main electrical grid and generator. Product Features Dual MPPT design. Compatible with most Li-ion and lead-acid batteries. Zero export function. Parallels up to 16 x inverters...
powerforum-store.co.za powerforum-store.co.za
https://powerforum-store.co.za/coll...s/kodak-solar-off-grid-inverter-max-7-2kw-48v (is this a hybrid, similar to the https://powerforum-store.co.za/coll...s/kodak-solar-off-grid-inverter-vmiii-5kw-48v which is supposedly a hybrid).

2. Batteries, why would you choose one hubble battery over the other? Pylon?
powerforum-store.co.za

HUBBLE LITHIUM - X-101 51V

• Advanced BMS with current limiting function • CAN Bus, fully integrates and communicates with leading Inverter brands • Excellent high temperature performance • High Cycle Life and Service Life • RIOT integration ready for cloud monitoring • 1C High Performance Lithium battery • High Energy...
powerforum-store.co.za
powerforum-store.co.za

HUBBLE AM-2 5.5KWh 51 Volt Lithium

For orders of 5 and more contact us for better prices Price Includes Free Delivery anywhere in SA The AM-2 is our new 5.5KWh 51Volt Lithium pack designed to be easily wall mounted or shelf installed in a standard rack.Specifications: 51V 100 Ah Rating: 1CParallel: up to 15 units per...
powerforum-store.co.za
powerforum-store.co.za

Pylon UP5000 4.8kWh Li-Ion Solar Battery 48V

A new battery in the UP series from Pylontech. The UP5000 is a 48V battery with incredible features to provide a competitive edge in the market. Product Features Modular design for ease of expansion Higher usable capacity resulting in less battery modules installed Usable capacity 4...
powerforum-store.co.za powerforum-store.co.za

3. Monitoring/programming of system to maximise benefits based on my requirements? Is this available on all systems or only specific systems. I have a few pumps (pool 0.75kw, wellpoint 0.9kw, irrigation and house both 0.45kw). House has no automation at all. I know this might need more equipment, what would I need? Budget?

4. Panels - does JA vs Canada make a difference i.e. is better to use with certain invertors?


I will probably trawl through some threads as I need to compile a list of questions.


My considerations as of now is the following:

I want to get in future about 95% of my usage requirements (monthly use is minimum 600kw which we generally stick to but on occasion we use 750kw max). I would like to install the items that are hard to upgrade first, so big invertor and lots of panels and then batteries, my understanding is the batteries can always be added to.
Click to expand...
Have a look at my thread

Snyper's Solar Farm

Hi all, I am finally getting round to making this thread. After loads of research and another bout of load shedding I finally decided to pull the trigger and load shed Eskom. Prior to going solar I already had all the lights on LEDs, house is kitted with energy efficient appliances and...
mybroadband.co.za mybroadband.co.za

Quite detailed and similar configuration and monthly use might give you a good idea of what to expect.
 
Mike Hoxbig said:
Your budget and usage is enough to go with the most common configuration.

8 kW inverter
~6 kW of panels
~10 kWh of storage

The stuff you picked out is all decent. Sunsynk/Hubble/JA is a proven combination. But you could go with Pylontech as well. Decide if you want it wall or rack mounted - this might help inform your decision. Some batteries aren't designed to be wall mounted.

Run pool and irrigation during the day off your panels...
Click to expand...
Powerforum indicates this:

1648885252153.png


But what about accessories, could not find any? Would this be part of the Installation costs?

@Snyper564 This is basically your setup. Should I rather buy more panels and remove 1 battery or is 12 the max you can go with this invertor? My concern is that is house orientation. My Roof is big enough but my house is L shape and on the long part of the L, half of the roof gets sun in the morning and half gets sun in the afternoon. Other than that I have no tree or obstruction. The tree in the photo was the first renovation we did when purchased the house. The canopy was over a few properties including my neighbour's house.
House Orientation.JPG
 
rh1 said:
@RonSwanson

Any installer recommendations or anything else I should be aware of?
Click to expand...
Just saw this thread now, good decision, well done.
rh1 said:
What is the key benefits of the Sunsynk Invertors over the others. As there is a significant price difference?
Click to expand...
  • Flexibility
    • Super Hybrid: Grid and Aux ports are both inputs and outputs, and both have shaving abilities and exterbnal CT coil capabilities;
      • Ability to export up to the external CT coil. You can get away with a smaller inverter because of this , for eg. you can use excess solar to power non-essential loads like oven and water heating;
    • You can safely export to grid (if it makes sense for you);
    • You can schedule and service loads like pool pump through the Smart load on the Aux:
      • If batteries are full and there is excess solar you can pump the excess Watts into your geyser;
    • You can add another cheap solar only or micro inverter/s to the Aux port;
    • Ability to take a genny (Aux as well as grid side);
    • Ability to configure the MPPT to control a wind turbine;
    • All above are "out of the box", no additional components needed.
  • Expandability
    • Single phase models range from 3.6-16kW
      • 3x single phase inverters can be deployed in a 3 phase combination
    • Pure 3 phase model available in 12kW
    • All models can parallel. Up to three in single phase and nine in 3 phase
  • 5 year warranty: Well-designed with quality components
    • Ability to "punch above its weight"
    • I have a picture of a 5K Sunsynk producing 7.79kW, exporting 6.29kW to the grid and servicing home loads of 1.22kW simultaneously, and sustained (not just for a minute or two);
  • Manufacturer's local commitment: Sunsynk is totally committed to SA
    • Sales and aftersales support: Showroom with a free installer training lab in Randburg;
    • 4 major local distributors (Segen, Heroldts, Ellies and Getoffgrid) plus a few minor ones
      • Many have their own repair centres
      • Great local support in all major centres
    • Excellent responsive remote tech support for installers via Whatsapp
  • Battery manufacturer support (with CAN, Serial and RS-485 comms, the listing is over 3 pages);
  • Easy timer-based programmability, can be operated by a layperson;
  • Choice of Solarman or Sunsynk dongles, the latter supporting cabled ethernet and GSM in addition to Wifi
  • OTA firmware / OS updates
  • Ability to "fire and forget" (no unnecessary fiddling, tweaking and constantly demanding attention like Axpert-types);
  • Easy to install, and many approved installers;
  • Champagne on a beer budget (Victron-like performance and flexibility at 1/2 of a Victron's price)
rh1 said:
Batteries, why would you choose one hubble battery over the other? Pylon?
Click to expand...
A huge topic. Sunsynk supports almost everything out there, you can pick and choose. I have older Pylontechs in my own home, but prefer Hubble, and last week did a recent install for a family member consisting of 3 Hubble AM-2 and a 5.5K Sunsynk. 6.4K panels will be installed in the coming week.
My own preference is based on:
  • Quality cells: Am-2s use first life BYD cells. BYD, CATL are amongst the largest lithium battery manufacturers in the world
  • Local support: Hubble are based in SA, and have service centres in most large cities
  • Good warranty: 10 years on the AM-2, and not as prescriptive as other manufacturers
  • Great proven BMS
  • Cloudlink.
    • Hubble recently purchased an integrator called RIOT whose little box of tricks allows some deeper inspection of the Hubble batteries, and
    • Remote login and support from Hubble.
      • This means that if something goes wrong, I don't have to travel 1000kms, uninstall and lug them (around 45kgs each) to the nearest service centre. The techs can log in remotely and do diagnostics.
    • OTA firmware updates (coming soon for batteries too)
    • I was checking out the Cloudlink this week, it's only installed via the serial port currently (I had a cable crisis), but also uses the CAN and RS-485 ports when properly installed.
      • Even in beta version for the 5K Sunsynk it allows access to an astonishing amount of info, including the ability to override BMS values.
      • Lots of forthcoming attractions in this little box including home automation integration. Supports 8K Sunsynk today and 5K support will be added in the next few weeks
  • Wall mount: Far better than an obtrusive cabinet or standing on the floor, they look neat.
  • Chemistry: Hubbles are NMC vs most other lithium-ion derivatives. Smaller form factor (more energy dense) and far greater charge / discharge rates (1 Coulomb)
    • which means that one AM-2 can charge and discharge at 100A;
    • So less batteries needed to provide 5000 watts of 220V AC electricity; and
    • Less wear on the batteries when multiple are installed in parallel (charging and discharging at 0.5 or 0.3C extends their life)

rh1 said:
Monitoring/programming of system to maximise benefits based on my requirements?
Click to expand...
As above, it's easy to operate / program, easy monitoring. Integrations also exist for a number of Home Automation Systems, check out powerforum.
rh1 said:
Panels - does JA vs Canada make a difference i.e. is better to use with certain invertors?
Click to expand...
Not really. What you want are panels from a tier-one provider, they are all good (JA-Solar, Canadian, Jinko, Longi et al) and have great warranties, some up to 25 years.

Alternative energy covers many engineering disciplines, it's a lot to take in, and to understand. You need a trusted advisor, so I suggest engaging with Steve from the Powerforum store. A helluva nice guy, with amazing (and very up to date!) industry knowledge. He does not rip people off, and can also recommend an installer. He has insights into all of his recommended installers, what their work looks like, how well they executed their tasks, who screwed up etc. This kind of information is invaluable.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
 
RonSwanson said:
Just saw this thread now, good decision, well done.

  • Flexibility
    • Super Hybrid: Grid and Aux ports are both inputs and outputs, and both have shaving abilities and exterbnal CT coil capabilities;
      • Ability to export up to the external CT coil. You can get away with a smaller inverter because of this , for eg. you can use excess solar to power non-essential loads like oven and water heating;
    • You can safely export to grid (if it makes sense for you);
    • You can schedule and service loads like pool pump through the Smart load on the Aux:
      • If batteries are full and there is excess solar you can pump the excess Watts into your geyser;
    • You can add another cheap solar only or micro inverter/s to the Aux port;
    • Ability to take a genny (Aux as well as grid side);
    • Ability to configure the MPPT to control a wind turbine;
    • All above are "out of the box", no additional components needed.
  • Expandability
    • Single phase models range from 3.6-16kW
      • 3x single phase inverters can be deployed in a 3 phase combination
    • Pure 3 phase model available in 12kW
    • All models can parallel. Up to three in single phase and nine in 3 phase
  • 5 year warranty: Well-designed with quality components
    • Ability to "punch above its weight"
    • I have a picture of a 5K Sunsynk producing 7.79kW, exporting 6.29kW to the grid and servicing home loads of 1.22kW simultaneously, and sustained (not just for a minute or two);
  • Manufacturer's local commitment: Sunsynk is totally committed to SA
    • Sales and aftersales support: Showroom with a free installer training lab in Randburg;
    • 4 major local distributors (Segen, Heroldts, Ellies and Getoffgrid) plus a few minor ones
      • Many have their own repair centres
      • Great local support in all major centres
    • Excellent responsive remote tech support for installers via Whatsapp
  • Battery manufacturer support (with CAN, Serial and RS-485 comms, the listing is over 3 pages);
  • Easy timer-based programmability, can be operated by a layperson;
  • Choice of Solarman or Sunsynk dongles, the latter supporting cabled ethernet and GSM in addition to Wifi
  • OTA firmware / OS updates
  • Ability to "fire and forget" (no unnecessary fiddling, tweaking and constantly demanding attention like Axpert-types);
  • Easy to install, and many approved installers;
  • Champagne on a beer budget (Victron-like performance and flexibility at 1/2 of a Victron's price)

A huge topic. Sunsynk supports almost everything out there, you can pick and choose. I have older Pylontechs in my own home, but prefer Hubble, and last week did a recent install for a family member consisting of 3 Hubble AM-2 and a 5.5K Sunsynk. 6.4K panels will be installed in the coming week.
My own preference is based on:
  • Quality cells: Am-2s use first life BYD cells. BYD, CATL are amongst the largest lithium battery manufacturers in the world
  • Local support: Hubble are based in SA, and have service centres in most large cities
  • Good warranty: 10 years on the AM-2, and not as prescriptive as other manufacturers
  • Great proven BMS
  • Cloudlink.
    • Hubble recently purchased an integrator called RIOT whose little box of tricks allows some deeper inspection of the Hubble batteries, and
    • Remote login and support from Hubble.
      • This means that if something goes wrong, I don't have to travel 1000kms, uninstall and lug them (around 45kgs each) to the nearest service centre. The techs can log in remotely and do diagnostics.
    • OTA firmware updates (coming soon for batteries too)
    • I was checking out the Cloudlink this week, it's only installed via the serial port currently (I had a cable crisis), but also uses the CAN and RS-485 ports when properly installed.
      • Even in beta version for the 5K Sunsynk it allows access to an astonishing amount of info, including the ability to override BMS values.
      • Lots of forthcoming attractions in this little box including home automation integration. Supports 8K Sunsynk today and 5K support will be added in the next few weeks
  • Wall mount: Far better than an obtrusive cabinet or standing on the floor, they look neat.
  • Chemistry: Hubbles are NMC vs most other lithium-ion derivatives. Smaller form factor (more energy dense) and far greater charge / discharge rates (1 Coulomb)
    • which means that one AM-2 can charge and discharge at 100A;
    • So less batteries needed to provide 5000 watts of 220V AC electricity; and
    • Less wear on the batteries when multiple are installed in parallel (charging and discharging at 0.5 or 0.3C extends their life)


As above, it's easy to operate / program, easy monitoring. Integrations also exist for a number of Home Automation Systems, check out powerforum.

Not really. What you want are panels from a tier-one provider, they are all good (JA-Solar, Canadian, Jinko, Longi et al) and have great warranties, some up to 25 years.

Alternative energy covers many engineering disciplines, it's a lot to take in, and to understand. You need a trusted advisor, so I suggest engaging with Steve from the Powerforum store. A helluva nice guy, with amazing (and very up to date!) industry knowledge. He does not rip people off, and can also recommend an installer. He has insights into all of his recommended installers, what their work looks like, how well they executed their tasks, who screwed up etc. This kind of information is invaluable.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
Click to expand...
Thank you! For taking the time to give such detailed feedback.
 
RonSwanson said:
Just saw this thread now, good decision, well done.

  • Flexibility
    • Super Hybrid: Grid and Aux ports are both inputs and outputs, and both have shaving abilities and exterbnal CT coil capabilities;
      • Ability to export up to the external CT coil. You can get away with a smaller inverter because of this , for eg. you can use excess solar to power non-essential loads like oven and water heating;
    • You can safely export to grid (if it makes sense for you);
    • You can schedule and service loads like pool pump through the Smart load on the Aux:
      • If batteries are full and there is excess solar you can pump the excess Watts into your geyser;
    • You can add another cheap solar only or micro inverter/s to the Aux port;
    • Ability to take a genny (Aux as well as grid side);
    • Ability to configure the MPPT to control a wind turbine;
    • All above are "out of the box", no additional components needed.
  • Expandability
    • Single phase models range from 3.6-16kW
      • 3x single phase inverters can be deployed in a 3 phase combination
    • Pure 3 phase model available in 12kW
    • All models can parallel. Up to three in single phase and nine in 3 phase
  • 5 year warranty: Well-designed with quality components
    • Ability to "punch above its weight"
    • I have a picture of a 5K Sunsynk producing 7.79kW, exporting 6.29kW to the grid and servicing home loads of 1.22kW simultaneously, and sustained (not just for a minute or two);
  • Manufacturer's local commitment: Sunsynk is totally committed to SA
    • Sales and aftersales support: Showroom with a free installer training lab in Randburg;
    • 4 major local distributors (Segen, Heroldts, Ellies and Getoffgrid) plus a few minor ones
      • Many have their own repair centres
      • Great local support in all major centres
    • Excellent responsive remote tech support for installers via Whatsapp
  • Battery manufacturer support (with CAN, Serial and RS-485 comms, the listing is over 3 pages);
  • Easy timer-based programmability, can be operated by a layperson;
  • Choice of Solarman or Sunsynk dongles, the latter supporting cabled ethernet and GSM in addition to Wifi
  • OTA firmware / OS updates
  • Ability to "fire and forget" (no unnecessary fiddling, tweaking and constantly demanding attention like Axpert-types);
  • Easy to install, and many approved installers;
  • Champagne on a beer budget (Victron-like performance and flexibility at 1/2 of a Victron's price)

A huge topic. Sunsynk supports almost everything out there, you can pick and choose. I have older Pylontechs in my own home, but prefer Hubble, and last week did a recent install for a family member consisting of 3 Hubble AM-2 and a 5.5K Sunsynk. 6.4K panels will be installed in the coming week.
My own preference is based on:
  • Quality cells: Am-2s use first life BYD cells. BYD, CATL are amongst the largest lithium battery manufacturers in the world
  • Local support: Hubble are based in SA, and have service centres in most large cities
  • Good warranty: 10 years on the AM-2, and not as prescriptive as other manufacturers
  • Great proven BMS
  • Cloudlink.
    • Hubble recently purchased an integrator called RIOT whose little box of tricks allows some deeper inspection of the Hubble batteries, and
    • Remote login and support from Hubble.
      • This means that if something goes wrong, I don't have to travel 1000kms, uninstall and lug them (around 45kgs each) to the nearest service centre. The techs can log in remotely and do diagnostics.
    • OTA firmware updates (coming soon for batteries too)
    • I was checking out the Cloudlink this week, it's only installed via the serial port currently (I had a cable crisis), but also uses the CAN and RS-485 ports when properly installed.
      • Even in beta version for the 5K Sunsynk it allows access to an astonishing amount of info, including the ability to override BMS values.
      • Lots of forthcoming attractions in this little box including home automation integration. Supports 8K Sunsynk today and 5K support will be added in the next few weeks
  • Wall mount: Far better than an obtrusive cabinet or standing on the floor, they look neat.
  • Chemistry: Hubbles are NMC vs most other lithium-ion derivatives. Smaller form factor (more energy dense) and far greater charge / discharge rates (1 Coulomb)
    • which means that one AM-2 can charge and discharge at 100A;
    • So less batteries needed to provide 5000 watts of 220V AC electricity; and
    • Less wear on the batteries when multiple are installed in parallel (charging and discharging at 0.5 or 0.3C extends their life)


As above, it's easy to operate / program, easy monitoring. Integrations also exist for a number of Home Automation Systems, check out powerforum.

Not really. What you want are panels from a tier-one provider, they are all good (JA-Solar, Canadian, Jinko, Longi et al) and have great warranties, some up to 25 years.

Alternative energy covers many engineering disciplines, it's a lot to take in, and to understand. You need a trusted advisor, so I suggest engaging with Steve from the Powerforum store. A helluva nice guy, with amazing (and very up to date!) industry knowledge. He does not rip people off, and can also recommend an installer. He has insights into all of his recommended installers, what their work looks like, how well they executed their tasks, who screwed up etc. This kind of information is invaluable.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
Click to expand...
Hi Ron,

I bought my system from Ellies and got 2 Sunsynk 5.12KWH lithium batteries.

Any opinion on them?

Thank you
 
Steijn1 said:
Hi Ron,

I bought my system from Ellies and got 2 Sunsynk 5.12KWH lithium batteries.

Any opinion on them?

Thank you
Click to expand...
No experience whatsoever, but from a brand perspective they should be great, Sunsynk would not brand it if it weren't good. They use CATL cells and allow discharge at 1C (0,5C charge).
 
RonSwanson said:
No experience whatsoever, but from a brand perspective they should be great, Sunsynk would not brand it if it weren't good. They use CATL cells and allow discharge at 1C (0,5C charge).
Click to expand...
Thanks
 
rh1 said:
I will then just buy 2 batteries as my max budget is about R165k.
Click to expand...
Sounds about right. 3 batteries would be a bit optimistic for your budget. If you need to cut further, the only other leeway would be reducing the panels from 12 to 10. This is still good enough to get you to morning with some planning and config...
 
Mike Hoxbig said:
Sounds about right. 3 batteries would be a bit optimistic for your budget. If you need to cut further, the only other leeway would be reducing the panels from 12 to 10. This is still good enough to get you to morning with some planning and config...
Click to expand...
My only fear is the house orientation vs the sun, should I buy more panels and then every 3/4 months buy a battery?
 
rh1 said:
My only fear is the house orientation vs the sun, should I buy more panels and then every 3/4 months buy a battery?
Click to expand...
Panels are cheaper than batteries - by far, so if you have space for panels, add panels (however if you're struggling overnight, then add batteries).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X