One year later

[Mzezman]

So yesterday was day 365 of my initial install. Some stats and thoughts on the last year below:



All in all i should have done this sooner as the benefits have been immense. Our area periodically gets plagued by an unwell substation - system keeps performing. Also managed to drastically reduce the Eskom bill (even on prepaid) and we have been able to continue working (from home) without a hitch... well - almost

If i had to do it again / advice for other installs:

1. I would go for an 8kw unit - more regularly we have been having AC overloads on the 5kw
2. I would go for higher wattage panels - we got the 335s as these were in stock at the time but i should have gone for 455s or higher
3. I would have installed it in the garage and paid extra to run cables from the DB
4. I would have cut all the trees in the line of sight - we lost approx 25% production in the winter months due to tree shading - once we cut those we were cruising

 

[RedViking]

Thanks for the update. Could give link to panels?

 

[Mzezman]

Thanks for the update. Could give link to panels?

This is the type we got (not from that supplier though)

PT ONLINE - Make Life Easy!

The Best place to get all your solar equipment needs (li-ion Batteries, inverters, panels and accessories). Loadshedding solutions. Most affordable and best quality powered and cordless li-ion tools available. DIY Solar and tools.

www.ptonline.co.za

 

[RonSwanson]

A great update, thank you.

Despite many of the things that you mention, you will never regret going solar at the time that you did. The best time is always yesterday, the second best time is today (because tomorrow there won't be any stock)!

Looking at your list, a lot can still be "fixed" to suit your specific lifestyle. You can quite easily upgrade the inverter and panels, in today's times of need and stock shortages, there is always a strong second-hand market, allowing you to recoup some of your investment, and to give someone else the chance to experience your joy. Choosing reputable brands upfront always helps with this.

 

[milan188]

Great update and learnings

 

[HowTo]

Well done for you one year later.

So far about the 8kW Sunsynk inverter fans are too loud. This is my opinion.

I have a 5kW and 8kW install

 

[Snyper564]

Well done for you one year later.

So far about the 8kW Sunsynk inverter fans are too loud. This is my opinion.

I have a 5kW and 8kW install

Dont put the 8kw in a general use area. Ours lives in the garage and it never causes any trouble.

 

[zerocool2009]

Still debating if its worth it for 150kw a month...

 

[HowTo]

Still debating if its worth it for 150kw a month...

Take plunge. I did it when being on pension. Do have two installs flat and house.
Property does have 3-Phase supply.
Start of small, you need to adjust and family too.
It is a life changer.
Electricity in the long run is not getting cheaper.

My next project will be to add another string of solar panels.
To supplement the one string on the flat. To overcome cloud cover.

 

[Snyper564]

Take plunge.
Start of small, you need to adjust and family too.
It is a life changer.
Electricity in the long run is not getting cheaper.

Adjust?

Start off small will also cost you more if you were going to go all out anyway.

Depends on system size. We have made zero adjustments. Just carry on as usual

 

[HowTo]

Adjust?

Start off small will also cost you more if you were going to go all out anyway.

Depends on system size. We have made zero adjustments. Just carry on as usual

Adjust? Wanted to say you need to do some sort adjustment. All grownups here.
No toddlers to look after.