Snyper's Solar Farm

Thor said:
That's a very archaic way.

Isn't there any push In SA to modernize the grid like in the states.
Click to expand...
Agreed, my system is set up to be ready to dump into the grid one day but till then Gov needs to come to the party.
 
Thor said:
What solar panel technology is the best?

I've looked around and see there's a big variety of tech, different cells etc and brands.
Click to expand...
I believe mono perc half cells are amongst the best you can get but someone better versed in this area should be able to assist.
 
Is that N Type IBC ?
I read somewhere either this forum or power forum that one must get the N Type IBC panels?
 
Thor said:
That's a very archaic way.

Isn't there any push In SA to modernize the grid like in the states.
Click to expand...
Ask this guy:
images
1636358314666.jpeg
 
Snyper564 said:
Meh was hoping to stay off grid for as long as possible but the combination of a very overcast day and our domestic being round today means thats a no go.

But thats ok I knocked the SOC up as we hitting loadshedding at 10ish and I want her to be able to carry on with the work she needs to no issues.

For the record today would not be an issue if it was a "non-domestic" day. Today is the very reason I did not go totally off the grid

Considering its almost dark ill add pics im very pleased with current pv generation

View attachment 1183620
View attachment 1183636
Click to expand...

Now if you add Home Assistant you can automate that SOC/DOD setting. That is what I do.

Here is a snap of my dashboard for solar now:
Screenshot 2021-11-08 at 09.58.41.png

I don't have nearly the generation power you have, so my SoC/DoD gets managed a lot more than yours would.
 
W
Tinuva said:
Now if you add Home Assistant you can automate that SOC/DOD setting. That is what I do.

Here is a snap of my dashboard for solar now:
View attachment 1183704

I don't have nearly the generation power you have, so my SoC/DoD gets managed a lot more than yours would.
Click to expand...
Will have a look thanks!

Question what are you managing exactly? The levels or the appliances?
 
Snyper564 said:
W

Will have a look thanks!

Question what are you managing exactly? The levels or the appliances?
Click to expand...
Both.

At 8pm it sets the SoC/DoD based on the expected kWh generation for the next day. So if next day very bad batteries wont go too low, in case there in loadshedding or power outage before sun start producing.

On the day, the pool pump only run if the prediction for the day is above 20kWh.
 
Tinuva said:
Both.

At 8pm it sets the SoC/DoD based on the expected kWh generation for the next day. So if next day very bad batteries wont go too low, in case there in loadshedding or power outage before sun start producing.

On the day, the pool pump only run if the prediction for the day is above 20kWh.
Click to expand...
oooh now this is interesting, can home assistant do that with sunsynk?
 
Snyper564 said:
oooh now this is interesting, can home assistant do that with sunsynk?
Click to expand...
I know there are guys on powerforum that reads that from their sunsynk inverters. Managing the SoC/DoD setting is just a matter of know the modbus commands. I honestly dont know because I dont have one but I am sure it is possible, just a matter of finding the commands and adding the devices you need to connect.
 
Tinuva said:
I know there are guys on powerforum that reads that from their sunsynk inverters. Managing the SoC/DoD setting is just a matter of know the modbus commands. I honestly dont know because I dont have one but I am sure it is possible, just a matter of finding the commands and adding the devices you need to connect.
Click to expand...
Noted, will start researching. Thanks!
 
Snyper564 said:
Hi all,

I am finally getting round to making this thread.

After loads of research and another bout of load shedding I finally decided to pull the trigger and load shed Eskom.

Prior to going solar I already had all the lights on LEDs, house is kitted with energy efficient appliances and geysers are on evac tubes.

Oven and induction stove will not be changed at present - current system doesnt need this and I dont plan on going totally off the grid an odd kw here or there is ok for me.

Before deciding what system I needed I first started with my daily kW usage and peak kW.

I found that summer had a typical 12kWh a day consumption and winter 18-20kWh and peak kW was around 5ish kW.

With this knowledge in hand I decided to opt for the 8kW Sunsynk Inverter specifically because I want to switch on as I please and not worry about it. Also I didnt plan on telling my wife or domestic not to switch on certain things at a specific time etc. I also decided to go with 3 X 5.5kW Hubble AM2 batteries, was happy with their 1C discharge and really liked their form factor.

Next was solar panels which I decided to go with the 12X535W JA Solar mono perc half cells.

The system is over specd to be future proof and also deal with winter sun and overcast days. The goal was not meant to be off the grid but have Eskom as a backup if needed. My wife and I decided to be a little greener as well and saving at the same time didnt hurt.

I took photos of the sun movement over the two roof areas over the space of a few days tracking exactly where the shadows were to ensure the best placement. Also downloaded a sun tracker app to see the movement of the sun throughout the year. After this two palm trees were removed to ensure the roof got light as early as possible in the morning.

Stefan/Steve (0742189845) from the https://powerforum-store.co.za helped immensely over the space of a few weeks helping me decide on the system and also guiding the ultimate placement of the panels etc. Cannot recommend dealing with Stefan/Steve enough, he is incredible friendly, knowledgeable and most of all very patient which I found very important trying to figure out my exact needs were. Just for the record I reached out to 5 or so other installers/suppliers and he beat them hands down on the initial quote I received not a second quote trying to beat someone else.

Next was finding a reputable installer cannot thank @RonSwanson enough for the recommendation of Werner Heydenrych (0834178157) from Elect Delite (Gauteng), he also came highly recommended by Stefan/Steve. The quality of workmanship and attention to detail of Werner and his team can put other contractors I have dealt with in the past to shame. Werner and hist team worked meticulously on the project and made sure everything was to our satisfaction before leaving.

The overall experience was nothing short of a perfect 10/10.

Panels up

View attachment 1180832

System installation

View attachment 1180834

Ill pop in more data on the production etc but today represented a sunny day and also a day with the domestic using as needed, kettle, vacuum, tumble dryer, toaster etc.

Base load of house is about 500-600Wh made up of 1 chest freezer, 4 fridges (1 in kitchen 3 for beer production) and 1080 mining away at 2.5 USD a day and lights as needed

Batteries typically charged by 11:30 -12:00 and then pv production matches load requirements.

View attachment 1180836

View attachment 1180838

Everything is set up to upgrade whether it be more batteries or another inverter or more panels all done with that in mind too.

Have another roof where I can place about 14/16 panels just need to see winter sun first
Click to expand...
I wanna come live with you!
 
Thor said:
Is that N Type IBC ?
I read somewhere either this forum or power forum that one must get the N Type IBC panels?
Click to expand...

I don't fully understand what I am Google-ing but it does seem IBC panels are different than mono panels
 
Thor said:
I don't fully understand what I am Google-ing but it does seem IBC panels are different than mono panels
Click to expand...
IBC are the most expensive. Mono PERC are slightly less efficient, but quite a bit cheaper.

EDIT: I did a quick look at the local suppliers and I can't find any that actually supply IBC panels
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X