Mike's (non-Sunsynk) System

Mike Hoxbig said:
Generally it's one day to install and one day to wire.

Mine took 4 days because they started just before the weekend and there were some issues with the weather...
Click to expand...
Thanks, weather has been an issue but wiring up inside is still not even done :(
 
ands45 said:
There has been rain which delayed the panels, then there is the space between the DB and where the inverter is, so have to run all the cabling through the roof from the kitchen to the garage. Then few other factors but seems like a long time
Click to expand...
Similar issue with mine, DB was 20m+ from the inverter, requiring more work. And panels even further out. Installs like ours unfortunately take a bit more time.

You can try and poke and prod a bit, but ultimately you want the installation to be done properly and not rushed...
 
Mike Hoxbig said:
Similar issue with mine, DB was 20m+ from the inverter, requiring more work. And panels even further out. Installs like ours unfortunately take a bit more time.

You can try and poke and prod a bit, but ultimately you want the installation to be done properly and not rushed...
Click to expand...
Ya, certainly want it done right and installers also want to make sure it is right. Just wanted to get a sense of time frames. Thanks
 
ands45 said:
General question - how long does the average home installation take? Basically to install 8 panels, inverter and 1 battery?
Busy with my installation now on day 5 and still doesn't seem they will be done today. Granted my install maybe isn't as straightforward as it could be but just curious on others experiences
Click to expand...
My install took 2 days

Day one - Electrical work + inv going up
I wanted my whole DB rewired properly along with neutrals coming down to the light switches (Im in the process of putting in sonoff smart switches in every room). All the electrical work of running cable from my inv to the main DB was done as well as running the cables to the roof for the panels, as well as installing a separate DB board for all the AC's at home and installing isolators on them. I also created another DB board for my mining rigs at home that is part of the non essential load

Day two - Panels went up and final testing and settings punched into the inverter and COC issued.
 
ands45 said:
There has been rain which delayed the panels, then there is the space between the DB and where the inverter is, so have to run all the cabling through the roof from the kitchen to the garage. Then few other factors but seems like a long time
Click to expand...
Every installation is different, some have more issues and work than others. Generally it's good to budget around 3 days, but sometimes it can be more. It also depends on the level of diligence and attention to detail. And some guys have smaller teams.
 
My install literally took 6 hours with 3 guys. They pitched up at 11:30AM and 6PM they were gone.

2 guys on the panels (10 modules), done in less than 2 hours.
Cable run done in 2 hours.
The main guy (I presume the install company owner) mounting and wiring the inverter and batteries.
 
RonSwanson said:
Every installation is different, some have more issues and work than others. Generally it's good to budget around 3 days, but sometimes it can be more. It also depends on the level of diligence and attention to detail. And some guys have smaller teams.
Click to expand...
For sure, they have been 2/3 people each day so guess will take a bit longer then. Bit frustrating
 
stepper said:
My install literally took 6 hours with 3 guys. They pitched up at 11:30AM and 6PM they were gone.

2 guys on the panels (10 modules), done in less than 2 hours.
Cable run done in 2 hours.
The main guy (I presume the install company owner) mounting and wiring the inverter and batteries.
Click to expand...
Wow that is quick
 
ands45 said:
For sure, they have been 2/3 people each day so guess will take a bit longer then. Bit frustrating
Click to expand...
Better that they do a good job, you will be thankful and be able to sleep peacefully when that south-easter starts howling.
 
RonSwanson said:
Every installation is different, some have more issues and work than others. Generally it's good to budget around 3 days, but sometimes it can be more. It also depends on the level of diligence and attention to detail. And some guys have smaller teams.
Click to expand...
100% mine took about 3-4 days, a tile roof is a beast to sort out. Also the additional earth spikes etc and proper cable management all takes time. I didnt mind the extra time spent I paid for the install not time.
 
RonSwanson said:
Better that they do a good job, you will be thankful and be able to sleep peacefully when that south-easter starts howling.
Click to expand...
100%, not worth chasing the fastest TAT only to need the installer to come out again to fix items that should have been done properly the first time around.
As a reference mine was done in 1 day, 18 panels about 40m from inverter, db 10m away in another room. But that may very well be an outlier - and i had prepped myself for a 2 day job
 
Snyper564 said:
100% mine took about 3-4 days, a tile roof is a beast to sort out. Also the additional earth spikes etc and proper cable management all takes time. I didnt mind the extra time spent I paid for the install not time.
Click to expand...
Guess so, rather better done than rushed and as you say you pay for install rather than time
 
ands45 said:
Guess so, rather better done than rushed and as you say you pay for install rather than time
Click to expand...
Indeed, I can tell you now if its a rushed job and something happens in a months time and you cant get hold of installer etc you will not be happy.

We had some of the most crazy lightning storms and winds in dec in Gauteng and system didnt skip a beat.

Also had a team of 3 people who didnt waste time just did a proper job
 
Last edited:
ands45 said:
Guess so, rather better done than rushed and as you say you pay for install rather than time
Click to expand...
Finally up and running, all working well. PV pushing nicely to the non essential loads as well :) Took a bit of time but glad it's sorted. Now just to play around with charge times and priorities etc and figure that all out.

Screenshot_2022-05-27-15-05-40-496_com.nfcx.luxinvpower.jpg
 
ands45 said:
Finally up and running, all working well. PV pushing nicely to the non essential loads as well :) Took a bit of time but glad it's sorted. Now just to play around with charge times and priorities etc and figure that all out.

View attachment 1316538
Click to expand...
Just checking you exporting...

If you in jhb we cannot, it might count as usage.
 
stepper said:
Nice. Congrats. Give us the review, specs, et. al of the inverter.
Click to expand...
Up and running for a week now and very impressed with the unit so far. The inverter is the Luxpower LXP 5k, with 1 Dyness battery and 8x545w panels.

It blends from all 3 sources seamlessly, I've set the priority to PV, Battery, then AC. It draws from the battery for non-essential side as well, probably is a setting for it, but I am fine with that. Will just adjust the SOC cut-off levels when night time load shedding is expected (as you can set different levels for when on-grid or off-grid). The web and app monitoring are great, with loads of information, and you can manage all configuration. There is a couple minutes delay in updates but not really an issue.

Haven't tested the EPS yet as we haven't had any loadshedding this week, but hopefully should be seemless. Also the unit is dead silent, even with max load

Such a great feeling to have all daytime load covered by the system, except now and then when heavy load and it needs to import a bit like below.

1654258074884.png

For anyone interested in the specs:

1654259033501.png
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X