GrootBaas' Solar

Now busy figuring out panels and layout on roof. A bit limited by space so my decision on panels will also be driven by size and not only price. It seems that slightly smaller panels might be a better fit (more panels and thus more watts).

I haven't been too impressed with the installers in this regard. The panels are critical and taking the dimensions and figuring out the optimal panels and placement is a must. These guys just eye from the ground and say yeah maybe 6, or 8.

What I'm not 100% sure about is the amount of overage I must factor in. Ie if the panel is 1134mm how much space needs to be in between for brackets and stuff etc. It seems that I may be able to fit 8xJA 500W panels facing North. (The Jinko 550W's are just a bit too big and will only be able to do 7). Not sure if I should stop there for now or maybe add another say 4 facing West.
 
After a lot of back and forth on the panels, I have decided to bite the bullet and just get it done. Panels purchased and installer paid. Getting 8 x Jinko 540W panels installed to go with the 8kw Deye and 10kwh Volta.

Installation of inverter and battery happening tomorrow (on the public holiday) and the panels will be installed on Friday.

Total cost comes to R157k.
 
Congrats! Is it the Volta 10kwh or 2x 5kwh?
Either way, you will find that money well spent.
 
GrootBaas said:
After a lot of back and forth on the panels, I have decided to bite the bullet and just get it done. Panels purchased and installer paid. Getting 8 x Jinko 540W panels installed to go with the 8kw Deye and 10kwh Volta.

Installation of inverter and battery happening tomorrow (on the public holiday) and the panels will be installed on Friday.

Total cost comes to R157k.
Click to expand...
Congrats, not a bad price.
 
Tradezzz said:
Congrats! Is it the Volta 10kwh or 2x 5kwh?
Either way, you will find that money well spent.
Click to expand...
It's the single 10kwh stage 3 battery rated 1C/1C. Specifications looks decent to my untrained eye:

1691499810546.png

The battery has been in my car since I picked it up on Friday - no way I'm getting that out on my own.
 
GrootVoet said:
Congrats, not a bad price.
Click to expand...
Yeah think I did pretty well. Suspect prices may come down further over the coming weeks, but want to try and get the solar installed and keep my electricity usage below the higher COCT usage bracket for August. Maybe a bit late in the month, but will try.

Already wondering what my first upgrade will be. Suspect a few additional panels but let's park the idea for a few months at least. Need to nurse the homeloan a bit first.
 
GrootBaas said:
After a lot of back and forth on the panels, I have decided to bite the bullet and just get it done. Panels purchased and installer paid. Getting 8 x Jinko 540W panels installed to go with the 8kw Deye and 10kwh Volta.

Installation of inverter and battery happening tomorrow (on the public holiday) and the panels will be installed on Friday.

Total cost comes to R157k.
Click to expand...
Very decent price for that system.
 
GrootBaas said:
After a lot of back and forth on the panels, I have decided to bite the bullet and just get it done. Panels purchased and installer paid. Getting 8 x Jinko 540W panels installed to go with the 8kw Deye and 10kwh Volta.

Installation of inverter and battery happening tomorrow (on the public holiday) and the panels will be installed on Friday.

Total cost comes to R157k.
Click to expand...

That’s a cracking price, congrats and welcome to the club.
 
GrootBaas said:
Yeah think I did pretty well. Suspect prices may come down further over the coming weeks, but want to try and get the solar installed and keep my electricity usage below the higher COCT usage bracket for August. Maybe a bit late in the month, but will try.

Already wondering what my first upgrade will be. Suspect a few additional panels but let's park the idea for a few months at least. Need to nurse the homeloan a bit first.
Click to expand...
Which installer did you decide on? If I remember correctly you're in Boston, Bellville?
 
Tradezzz said:
8kw deye/ss with 10kwh storage and 4.4kwp should come in around R110k now. Seen as low as R104k online reputable site, without delivery and based in Gauteng. R101k if I take best deals from various sites..
Check solarwaysuppliers, jcsolarpanels (careful there's a scam site with similar name), powerforumstore, solar&inverter warehouse (haven't used this one but some good prices and read of others using them, I can't personally confirm if legit).
Click to expand...
+1 for jcsolarpanels.
 
Priapus said:
That’s a cracking price, congrats and welcome to the club.
Click to expand...
Make sure ac and dc are in seperate electrical surfacing. Please make sure they connect the CT coil correctly.
Switch off limit to load on the inverter to allow excess solar to be sent to non essentials ie geyser/stove(eskom needs to be on for this to work)
Finally post pics here as they are installing so that we can criticize their workmanship. The app that you will most likely need to install on your phone is solarman provided your installation comes with a solarman dongle.
 
eepr0m said:
Make sure ac and dc are in seperate electrical surfacing. Please make sure they connect the CT coil correctly.
Switch off limit to load on the inverter to allow excess solar to be sent to non essentials ie geyser/stove(eskom needs to be on for this to work)
Finally post pics here as they are installing so that we can criticize their workmanship. The app that you will most likely need to install on your phone is solarman provided your installation comes with a solarman dongle.
Click to expand...
I think you’ve quoted the wrong person…
 
Katelknaap said:
Which installer did you decide on? If I remember correctly you're in Boston, Bellville?
Click to expand...
Correct. Went with Fuesse Solar. They did a friend's installation and he is quite happy.

They also had availability which was important to me and even coming in on the public holiday. Some of the guys have more than a month waiting period.

Their labour was not too expensive and they are picking up the panels for me from the supplier and only charging a delivery fee to bring it here. They were accommodating to the fact that I did my own shopping and they are just doing the install.

And since they recommended the inverter/battery combo I know they are clued up with that specific combo.

But let's see. Anything can happen. My brother had a horror install from the company he used, so I am preparing myself for at least something to go wrong.
 
Tradezzz said:
8kw deye/ss with 10kwh storage and 4.4kwp should come in around R110k now. Seen as low as R104k online reputable site, without delivery and based in Gauteng. R101k if I take best deals from various sites..
Check solarwaysuppliers, jcsolarpanels (careful there's a scam site with similar name), powerforumstore, solar&inverter warehouse (haven't used this one but some good prices and read of others using them, I can't personally confirm if legit).
Click to expand...
I came in below R110k, so spot on. Could've saved another R5k on the panels, but decided to purchase them through the same supplier I got the inverter&battery from and who is close to me, instead of having it shipped across provinces.
 
eepr0m said:
Make sure ac and dc are in seperate electrical surfacing. Please make sure they connect the CT coil correctly.
Switch off limit to load on the inverter to allow excess solar to be sent to non essentials ie geyser/stove(eskom needs to be on for this to work)
Finally post pics here as they are installing so that we can criticize their workmanship. The app that you will most likely need to install on your phone is solarman provided your installation comes with a solarman dongle.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tips. Unfortunately it doesn't include the solarman dongle, but I'm for sure getting that. In fact, any idea where would be the best place to buy it and have it shipped here by Friday? Or where it can be bought in Cape Town? Guess that adds another say R2k to the outing. Will ask the installer tomorrow about it as well.
 
GrootBaas said:
Thanks for the tips. Unfortunately it doesn't include the solarman dongle, but I'm for sure getting that. In fact, any idea where would be the best place to buy it and have it shipped here by Friday? Or where it can be bought in Cape Town? Guess that adds another say R2k to the outing. Will ask the installer tomorrow about it as well.
Click to expand...
the dongle should be in the box with the Deye
 
GrootBaas said:
Thanks for the tips. Unfortunately it doesn't include the solarman dongle, but I'm for sure getting that. In fact, any idea where would be the best place to buy it and have it shipped here by Friday? Or where it can be bought in Cape Town? Guess that adds another say R2k to the outing. Will ask the installer tomorrow about it as well.
Click to expand...
Your installer should be able to sell you one. Alternatively Try solar way suppliers.

Another option - use a raspberry pi with solar assistant. Apparently it's better.
 
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