Setting up a 12V +-1kW system

[Analog Revenant]

Ok, so my current setup is a SPS-600 (600w inverter/charger) with 2 x Hubble batteries connected.

The SPS-600 is connected to 4 x 100w panels (parallel config), getting a good 20-24amp charge on sunny days. Then it's connected to 2 x 13V 100ah Hubble batteries also connected in parallel. So it remains a 12v system altogether.

In terms of power usage, it suits my needs 100%. I have a separate UPS cable network and plug setup running form the inverter.

The problem: The inverter is not smart enough to prioritise solar over grid power. I have to switch manually.

So I am on the hunt for a new inverter/charger setup that will prioritise the 400w solar PV I have and only use grid power when batteries get to a certain % level.

The only reason I want to go for a 1000w inverter, is for the fridge. It spikes to +750w for a few seconds at times.

I'm thinking to go Victron Multiplus (the 1kW one - https://www.sustainable.co.za/colle...iplus-1-2kva-1kw-12v-24v-48v-inverter-charger) with an additional solar charger connected to the Hubbles.. but not sure if it will work. I do not need more than 1000w at this stage, and happy with the 12v system.

Would be interested to get some ideas?

 

[Lupus]

Ok, so my current setup is a SPS-600 (600w inverter/charger) with 2 x Hubble batteries connected.

The SPS-600 is connected to 4 x 100w panels (parallel config), getting a good 20-24amp charge on sunny days. Then it's connected to 2 x 13V 100ah Hubble batteries also connected in parallel. So it remains a 12v system altogether.

In terms of power usage, it suits my needs 100%. I have a separate UPS cable network and plug setup running form the inverter.

The problem: The inverter is not smart enough to prioritise solar over grid power. I have to switch manually.

So I am on the hunt for a new inverter/charger setup that will prioritise the 400w solar PV I have and only use grid power when batteries get to a certain % level.

The only reason I want to go for a 1000w inverter, is for the fridge. It spikes to +750w for a few seconds at times.

I'm thinking to go Victron Multiplus (the 1kW one - https://www.sustainable.co.za/colle...iplus-1-2kva-1kw-12v-24v-48v-inverter-charger) with an additional solar charger connected to the Hubbles.. but not sure if it will work. I do not need more than 1000w at this stage, and happy with the 12v system.

Would be interested to get some ideas?

Why that inverter? At 12k it's really expensive for an 12v 1kw

GeeWiz Axpert Type 1000VA (1000W) 1KW PURE Sine Wave Inverter - 60A MPPT (720W) (Hybrid)

Geewiz Axpert Type 1000VA (1000W) Inverter Pure Sine Wave Note: 1) Fan comes on during charging, load shedding and periodically during normal operation 2) If installing in a DB board, please make sure to add a separate Earth & Neutral to the inverter output circuit to mitigate chances of surges

www.geewiz.co.za

For this one just hook the batteries in series

Mecer Axpert 3000VA/3000W 24V Pure Sine Wave Solar Inverter/Charger (1200W PWM)

Pure sine wave inverterBuilt-in PWM solar charge controllerConfigurable input voltage range for home appliances and personal computers via LCD setting1200W PWM Solar Controller24V Battery Input 24 Month carry in warranty To download the Inverter Manual Click Here

www.geewiz.co.za

 

[Analog Revenant]

Why that inverter? At 12k it's really expensive for an 12v 1kw

GeeWiz Axpert Type 1000VA (1000W) 1KW PURE Sine Wave Inverter - 60A MPPT (720W) (Hybrid)

Geewiz Axpert Type 1000VA (1000W) Inverter Pure Sine Wave Note: 1) Fan comes on during charging, load shedding and periodically during normal operation 2) If installing in a DB board, please make sure to add a separate Earth & Neutral to the inverter output circuit to mitigate chances of surges

www.geewiz.co.za

For this one just hook the batteries in series

Mecer Axpert 3000VA/3000W 24V Pure Sine Wave Solar Inverter/Charger (1200W PWM)

Pure sine wave inverterBuilt-in PWM solar charge controllerConfigurable input voltage range for home appliances and personal computers via LCD setting1200W PWM Solar Controller24V Battery Input 24 Month carry in warranty To download the Inverter Manual Click Here

www.geewiz.co.za

Thanks for the reply..

So the reason for keeping the batteries in parallel is for the long standby time I have currently and utilising the PV as much as possible. So 24v is not preferable at this stage.

I'm not sure if the Axpert inverters are ideal in terms of PV vs grid power management? I've read mixed reviews online - and I did consider it, hence this thread..

 

[Analog Revenant]

oh - and I'm happy to spend the $ for Victron, it's about finding the ideal equipment for the specific need

 

[Lupus]

Thanks for the reply..

So the reason for keeping the batteries in parallel is for the long standby time I have currently and utilising the PV as much as possible. So 24v is not preferable at this stage.

I'm not sure if the Axpert inverters are ideal in terms of PV vs grid power management? I've read mixed reviews online - and I did consider it, hence this thread..

The standby time will be the same in series.
24*100=2400wh, 12x200=2400wh. Plus I've been using the 5kw mecer for 2 years and it's set to use pv most of the time.
You can configure the Mecer, that victron doesn't look like it's easily configure.

 

[Analog Revenant]

The standby time will be the same in series.
24*100=2400wh, 12x200=2400wh. Plus I've been using the 5kw mecer for 2 years and it's set to use pv most of the time.
You can configure the Mecer, that victron doesn't look like it's easily configure.

Ah, I did not know that.. thanks! But is the PV 12v an issue then when looking at a 24v inverter?

 

[Lupus]

Ah, I did not know that.. thanks! But is the PV 12v an issue then when looking at a 24v inverter?

You'll have to adjust that as well, might be 2 strings of 24v. As it is 4x100w panels but the panels I'm not sure you'd have to google that.
But with the 3kw you'd be able to cover your fridge and more, could even plug it into the db and power lights.

 

[Analog Revenant]

You'll have to adjust that as well, might be 2 strings of 24v. As it is 4x100w panels but the panels I'm not sure you'd have to google that.
But with the 3kw you'd be able to cover your fridge and more, could even plug it into the db and power lights.

Got it, makes sense - thanks again

 

[leon.davibe]

Normally the smaller systems tends to be off-grid

As long as your array exceeds your load it isn't a problem

The problem comes in on bad weatther days , often the cheaper axperts can't blend eskom and solar, ie it means work to manage the batteries to have shedding reserve

The victron will mean extra money for a cerbo GX shunt etc to be able to manage the battery

As long as you are fine to manage the cheaper option manually it isn't a big deal (if you are at the premises anyway)

You get cheapish solutions that has the extra benefit of remote management for the axperts

If you want less of that drama

The 3.6kw sunsynk may be a a better buy, as it is a hybrid amd software allows easier management of battery reserves for shedding

You can also add a smart switch /timer to your existent setup

ie the timer can switch off eskom supply at a time you know the solar notmally covers the load

And if the weather changes or you know load shedding is coming you can power it on via timerbor the app remotely (cbi astute range) to have eskom cover the load so the battery charging can take priority

 

[Analog Revenant]

Normally the smaller systems tends to be off-grid

As long as your array exceeds your load it isn't a problem

The problem comes in on bad weatther days , often the cheaper axperts can't blend eskom and solar, ie it means work to manage the batteries to have shedding reserve

The victron will mean extra money for a cerbo GX shunt etc to be able to manage the battery

As long as you are fine to manage the cheaper option manually it isn't a big deal (if you are at the premises anyway)

You get cheapish solutions that has the extra benefit of remote management for the axperts

If you want less of that drama

The 3.6kw sunsynk may be a a better buy, as it is a hybrid amd software allows easier management of battery reserves for shedding

You can also add a smart switch /timer to your existent setup

ie the timer can switch off eskom supply at a time you know the solar notmally covers the load

And if the weather changes or you know load shedding is coming you can power it on via timerbor the app remotely (cbi astute range) to have eskom cover the load so the battery charging can take priority

thanks for the detailed reply!

I did have one of those timer plugs set to turn off AC charge in the morning and turn on late afternoon. BUT - the problem with this plug, is that the timer stops working when there is load shedding.. lol - so the time gets all screwed up

Perhaps a smart plug will work

 

[leon.davibe]

thanks for the detailed reply!

I did have one of those timer plugs set to turn off AC charge in the morning and turn on late afternoon. BUT - the problem with this plug, is that the timer stops working when there is load shedding.. lol - so the time gets all screwed up

Perhaps a smart plug will work

Some analog ones lose time as they don't turn When shedding (some have battery to keep turning , but also lose time when battery goes bad)

The digital ones don't (also has battery and lose time/settings if battery is bad ) though they have a catch they don't remember last state

the smart ones also don't lose time , and you can set the state on power loss , last state or off

 

[Analog Revenant]

Some analog ones lose time as they don't turn When shedding (some have battery to keep turning , but also lose time when battery goes bad)

The digital ones don't (also has battery and lose time/settings if battery is bad ) though they have a catch they don't remember last state

the smart ones also don't lose time , and you can set the state on power loss , last state or off

Thanks again for the reply!

Do you have a suggestion for a specific smart plug I can look at? There are so many, not sure if I need to look at the amp charge (most seems 10A?)

I'm maybe going to keep the current setup and see how it goes. Fridge can wait

 

[leon.davibe]

Thanks again for the reply!

Do you have a suggestion for a specific smart plug I can look at? There are so many, not sure if I need to look at the amp charge (most seems 10A?)

I'm maybe going to keep the current setup and see how it goes. Fridge can wait

don't have lots of experience with them
i have had mixed luck with these cheap 10A smart switches the one constantly loses wifi connection
and the other works perfect bought on takealot

so next time i think i will just stick with cbi astute
have installed a few as pool timers they work great once paired but for some reason pairing is always a gripe
so lately what i do is put a wire with a plug on so i can sit in the same room as the router do the pairing then fit it in its final home

and even then the pairing takes multiple tries, at least if you are right next to the router you know it isn't a wifi reception problem

just make sure to check permissions of the android app for nearby devices whichever you use
somehow the permission for nearby doesn't show a prompt and without it success won't come

this one worked ok for me for light load

Takealot.com: Online Shopping | SA's leading online store

South Africa's leading online store. Fast, reliable delivery to your door. Many ways to pay. Shop anything you can imagine: TVs, laptops, cellphones, kitchen appliances, toys, books, beauty & more. Shop the mobile app anytime, anywhere.

www.takealot.com

But for plug i would do this one next time i buy

CBI Astute Smart Plug (ASP)

The Astute Smart Plug is an energy monitoring, scheduling and control switch with load management and automation capability. The CBI Home App enables the user to configure the ASI to react to current, voltage, time, power and many other variables or a combination thereof. The ASI can be used to...

www.robofactory.co.za

 

[Analog Revenant]

don't have lots of experience with them
i have had mixed luck with these cheap 10A smart switches the one constantly loses wifi connection
and the other works perfect bought on takealot

so next time i think i will just stick with cbi astute
have installed a few as pool timers they work great once paired but for some reason pairing is always a gripe
so lately what i do is put a wire with a plug on so i can sit in the same room as the router do the pairing then fit it in its final home

and even then the pairing takes multiple tries, at least if you are right next to the router you know it isn't a wifi reception problem

just make sure to check permissions of the android app for nearby devices whichever you use
somehow the permission for nearby doesn't show a prompt and without it success won't come

this one worked ok for me for light load

Takealot.com: Online Shopping | SA's leading online store

South Africa's leading online store. Fast, reliable delivery to your door. Many ways to pay. Shop anything you can imagine: TVs, laptops, cellphones, kitchen appliances, toys, books, beauty & more. Shop the mobile app anytime, anywhere.

www.takealot.com

But for plug i would do this one next time i buy

CBI Astute Smart Plug (ASP)

The Astute Smart Plug is an energy monitoring, scheduling and control switch with load management and automation capability. The CBI Home App enables the user to configure the ASI to react to current, voltage, time, power and many other variables or a combination thereof. The ASI can be used to...

www.robofactory.co.za

thanks, ja that last plug looks cool

 

[TheChamp]

I have never had any trouble with Sonoff devices.