Plug and play solar- safe? Worth it?

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DentistGuy

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Hi,

I see that in there are these plug and play solar systems available. Its DIY. Are these systems worth it? Are they safe to use in SA?
 
there are local systems available its a townhouse solution not really a fixed unit .it will fall outside of the code probably as its an appliance .but not sure .basically it blends youre home ac power with the solar and you plug into it .so no sun use muni full sun 650 watts plus muni .
 
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mmmm yearly saving at a max of R3k more or less. add a gauteng winter and maybe R1500 per year.if you permanently install it it will take a few years to recover costs .maybe great for a bungalow type of setup or low cost person living somewhere isolated .
 
Here is a link:
nintendo-confirms-there-is-no-female-link-1465930072036.jpg
 
DentistGuy said:
Hi,

I see that in there are these plug and play solar systems available. Its DIY. Are these systems worth it? Are they safe to use in SA?
Click to expand...
Won't work during load shedding.
I'd skip.


Essentially its a DC -> AC panel inverter.

Problem with these is that the panel size is limited, and it really only allows you to supplement existing power. Its definitely illegal to connect using a plug, would need to be wired in. Feeding back to the grid is illegal unless you are signed up for SSEG in most muni's also.
 
actually a very nice little unit ,i could power my workshops lights free 365 days s year as long as its sunny .something to certainly look at .the odd days of cloud it would just use muni as a backup ,nice.would also be enough to run the extractor fans. 650 watts isnt too shabby .
 
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itareanlnotani said:
Won't work during load shedding.
I'd skip.


Essentially its a DC -> AC panel inverter.

Problem with these is that the panel size is limited, and it really only allows you to supplement existing power. Its definitely illegal to connect using a plug, would need to be wired in. Feeding back to the grid is illegal unless you are signed up for SSEG in most muni's also.
Click to expand...

Of course it will work during load-shedding!
Otherwise what is the point?
Not a word said about feeding back to the grid
In any case, the solar panels are limited and optional
Most of the charging is via the mains
Certainly better than nothing at all
But the trick is to only use it with a maximum load of 200 watts
 
chrisc said:
Of course it will work during load-shedding!
Otherwise what is the point?
Not a word said about feeding back to the grid
In any case, the solar panels are limited and optional
Most of the charging is via the mains
Certainly better than nothing at all
But the trick is to only use it with a maximum load of 200 watts
Click to expand...
some are rated at 650 watts which is ideal .they be just under 10k
 
chrisc said:
Of course it will work during load-shedding!
Otherwise what is the point?
Not a word said about feeding back to the grid
In any case, the solar panels are limited and optional
Most of the charging is via the mains
Certainly better than nothing at all
But the trick is to only use it with a maximum load of 200 watts
Click to expand...
What part of grid tied didnt you get?

Load shedding means no grid. No grid no power.

Its a Micro inverter + a panel (or two). They definitely need grid to work.

Feeding into grid without SSEG is again, illegal without SSEG signup, and equipment rated for that.
This isnt.

Feeding into the grid from a panel even if less than your current load is still feeding the grid, as it is possible to feed back more power than you're using, and trip your current meter. Muni's get frowny faces.
 
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itareanlnotani said:
What part of grid tied didnt you get?

Load shedding means no grid. No grid no power.

Its a Micro inverter + a panel (or two). They definitely need grid to work.

Feeding into grid without SSEG is again, illegal without SSEG signup, and equipment rated for that.
This isnt.

Feeding into the grid from a panel even if less than your current load is still feeding the grid, as it is possible to feed back more power than you're using, and trip your current meter. Muni's get frowny faces.
Click to expand...
Funny thing is that OP never provided a link on what he is talking about, so what are you two arguing about?
 
TheChamp said:
Funny thing is that OP never provided a link on what he is talking about, do what are you two arguing about?
Click to expand...
I'll concede I was looking at a reply above mine which listed a grid tied microinverter; i followed the link and read the specs, then wrote my correct for the link provided, answer.
------
EDIT OP came back with a link, and yes i'm still correct in my assumptions.
 
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This company does it:

plugandplay.co.za

Energy - Plug & Play

Plug and Play Energy has developed a solar mounting structure which complies with all the leading best practices and standards. The 100% aluminium rail is
plugandplay.co.za plugandplay.co.za
 
itareanlnotani said:
Won't work during load shedding.
I'd skip.


Essentially its a DC -> AC panel inverter.

Problem with these is that the panel size is limited, and it really only allows you to supplement existing power. Its definitely illegal to connect using a plug, would need to be wired in. Feeding back to the grid is illegal unless you are signed up for SSEG in most muni's also.
Click to expand...
Basically a microinverter.
 
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