Battery backup hookup costs

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Reyn

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Hi!
I'm starting on my journey to convert some of my load to solar. My first step is to have a battery backup. I'm considering buying a goodwe GW5048D-ES 4.6kw inverter and 2 pylontech 3.5 kwh batteries.

Shopping for the equipment is easy, there are many shops to compare. I'm trying not to be fleeced on the installation costs.
The quote I got from an installer recommended by the online store is as follows:

  1. R5600 - Installation and commissioning Of 5Kva inveter and two Pylontech storages Units
  2. R1750 - Equipment
    4 way surface DB
    20m 4mm x 2 Core and earth
    40A change over switch
    Surge protection Arrestor
    Consumables ( trucking, lugs, cable ties, )
  3. R1750 - DB Connection and rewiring for Solar connections
Is this about what it would cost ?
The "Installation and commissioning of the inverter" sounds like hanging it on the wall and going through a couple of steps to set it up...

Can anyone recommend someone in the centurion/midrand area ?

Thanks!
 
Yeah, (1) sounds very expensive and fishy. The inverters do require some configs etc, but R5600 implies about 10 hours of work - no ways.

(2) and (3) sound reasonable.
 
Sounds quite reasonable to me. The guy's got to make some kind of profit after all.
 
Next quote is R2000 more:

R3 000 - 1 Installation of Inverter and batteries
R2 870 - 1 Breaker kit
R3 000 - 1 Re-wire DB 3000
R600 - 1 Battery Cable
R1 600 - 1 Commissioning of system, Traveling and Sundries

TOTAL R11 070,00
 
That's not just a couple of hours of work to wire up if you're doing a neat job. Seems reasonable to me.
Make sure you get a CoC too.
 
Paul_S said:
That's not just a couple of hours of work to wire up if you're doing a neat job. Seems reasonable to me.
Make sure you get a CoC too.
Click to expand...
It is slightly overpriced, look at the cost for the circuit breaker on the second quote, it's double the price.
 
thechamp said:
It is slightly overpriced, look at the cost for the circuit breaker on the second quote, it's double the price.
Click to expand...

Depends on the breaker. Auto switchover units which kick on as soon as Eskom drops, can be fairly expensive.
 
@ambroseg1 Yeah, it feels like a rip off. I can hang the inverter myself, I can mount all the trunking ... I'm sure I can figure out how to setup the system.

I've started thinking of the installer as insurance and as a troubleshooter later on. The fact that the supplier recommended him makes it easier to return things if they aren't working, because the supplier trusts him. If I ever have issues I'm sure the installer won't mind spending 5 minutes on the phone answering some questions.

@Messugga It's a hybrid system inverter (GW5048D-ES), I believe these supplement your load, meaning there isn't any explicit switch over ? Or do I still need an "auto switchover" ?
 
Reyn said:
@ambroseg1 Yeah, it feels like a rip off. I can hang the inverter myself, I can mount all the trunking ... I'm sure I can figure out how to setup the system.

@Messugga It's a hybrid system inverter (GW5048D-ES), I believe these supplement your load, meaning there isn't any explicit switch over ? Or do I still need an "auto switchover" ?
Click to expand...

You probably don't. If that's the case, they're definitely overcharging for those circuit breakers.
 
Reyn said:
@Messugga It's a hybrid system inverter (GW5048D-ES), I believe these supplement your load, meaning there isn't any explicit switch over ? Or do I still need an "auto switchover" ?
Click to expand...

Hybrid only means that it will operate in a grid-tied or off-grid/backup configuration. Since you don't have any PV generation it means it will only operate in backup mode using the grid to charge the batteries. I'd recommend 6mm core (45A) or 10mm (60A) between the inverter and DB in case you ever want to increase your capacity. The wire costs more but it won't need to be replaced if you ever require > 35A. Without knowing the installers plan the switchover is generally to bypass the inverter and provide mains power direct to the DB. Also, not all breakers are created equal so pay attention and ask what they are supplying.
 
@quovadis Ah ok, so I'd just have a manual switch over in case the inverter blows for example. The inverter (GW5048D-ES) seems not to be stackable. Would you still suggest getting a 6/10mm instead of the quoted 4mm between the db and the inverter ? Thanks I'll get the brand of the breakers, I know I ordered a keto 125A for the batteries.
 
its a little on the high side imo but not that bad, imo the 4mm cable is a bad idea... go 6/10mm one time.
 
Messugga said:
Depends on the breaker. Auto switchover units which kick on as soon as Eskom drops, can be fairly expensive.
Click to expand...

with this setup there is no automatic switchover, the loads will run through the inverter always (the inverter does the switching), there will be a switchover to put it back to eskom in case of an inverter issue etc
 
Reyn said:
@quovadis Ah ok, so I'd just have a manual switch over in case the inverter blows for example. The inverter (GW5048D-ES) seems not to be stackable. Would you still suggest getting a 6/10mm instead of the quoted 4mm between the db and the inverter ? Thanks I'll get the brand of the breakers, I know I ordered a keto 125A for the batteries.
Click to expand...

Regarding switch-over - Correct and helps if you need to service anything on the inverter side and the house needs power in the interim.
Regarding the wire - rather future proof it and then if you ever swap out the inverter or add more its less hassle. Electricians will always cost more in the future and inverters will drop in price over time and increase in capacity. If you're running a 63A single phase DB setup you might just want to install something to carry the entire load if you ever need to.
 
Messugga said:
Depends on the breaker. Auto switchover units which kick on as soon as Eskom drops, can be fairly expensive.
Click to expand...
The inverter has the switchover capabilities built in, I am very sure this is an installer making a massive mark up. I do understand they can add something to cover the undocumented expenses but some go overboard.
 
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