One Solar Array

HowTo

HowTo

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Hi all

My setup currently I have 6 JA Solar panels 455W, and battery storage 2* UP5000. SynSynk 5.5 kW

I run from Esdom on Geyser on a timer and Oven. Geyser hot water for washing up plates etc.
For cooking using gas hob and for shower gas geyser.

Then all plug points and lights run of inverter.
I run all my fridges and Routers of inverter at night. LG LCD TV included up to a point, then bed time.

During day time use Kettle, Washing machine and Tumble dryer of inverter.

Big Question do I require a second set of Solar Panels. The current setup is this enough.
 
Last edited:
Short answer: No, it is never enough.

Long answer is a question: How much do you want to save? If you analyse your utilisation over a few months you will probably find that 2730 kWp (in good weather) isn't enough, so you are either dipping into batteries, or using the grid. Your inverter has capacity for another 3770kWp, and it's a relatively cheap upgrade, so if you have the space and the budget, do it asap.

I have just over 6kWp on my 5K Sunsynk and there are many days that I wish for more, especially when cloudy. Then again, I run everything on essential loads.
 
Well, you already have the system, you're already running the loads, so just look at the logged data, it will show you whether your system is big enough or not.
 
1am7h30n3 said:
Well, you already have the system, you're already running the loads, so just look at the logged data, it will show you whether your system is big enough or not.
Click to expand...
This then decide if more is necessary. I can add more to mine but it will cost say R30k but will never make this back as this would literally cover an odd 20-40kw a month
 
I had a single array of 3800w. It was just enough in summer, not in winter. House has 2x geysers, which use like 2kWh each in summer, in winter both chow 4kWh each a day.

So this week installed another array of 3200w. Yesterday was first full day on it, and first day in winter here in cape town I was able to run whole house on solar AND fully recharge battery by the end of the day.

Should be able to run aircons off solar in the summer now I suspect. Was just over R30k but will be well worth it.
 
Tinuva said:
I had a single array of 3800w. It was just enough in summer, not in winter. House has 2x geysers, which use like 2kWh each in summer, in winter both chow 4kWh each a day.

So this week installed another array of 3200w. Yesterday was first full day on it, and first day in winter here in cape town I was able to run whole house on solar AND fully recharge battery by the end of the day.

Should be able to run aircons off solar in the summer now I suspect. Was just over R30k but will be well worth it.
Click to expand...
What is the size of your inverter and batteries? 8kW?
 
I need to point out my current setup serves me well.

All my routers are up and running 24/7 for network purpose.
I run my batteries down to between 65% and 67% SOC during night use. Don't have too use Esdom at all during the night.

I use during the day from my battery storage. PV panels top up when excessive load is being used.
Globe heater during morning shower.
Kettle during the day usage.
Washing machine and tumble dryer twice or three times a week.
Watching TV streaming during the day and at early night.

Then at 11:30 batteries are fully charged. Then power is wasted on PV panels. PV panels only supply what power is currently required.

I will have look as we go on when summer time is near.
Next project is in the begging stages. Bought 8kW inverter. Next will be panels 2*6. Facing east and west no north facing roof.
Then the batteries will be last.
Then I will require installer to come and setup all items.
 
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