solar journey - the geyser?

Returned the Shoto batteries, ordered Sunsynk batteries. Just had a change of heart and the price gap narrowed a lot.

Getting some quotes for installation, most installers insist on supplying panels, so waiting to see what transpires next week..

Should have this thing installed this month.. hopefully..
 
Got away with R150k for 8kw SS inverter, 2x 5.32kwh SS batteries, 8x 550W Canadian Solar panels. Think I got lucky with some price drops, kept to the budget and went for Sunsynk all round. Maybe some bits and bobs and additional work here and there will come in.
Most-North-facing roof only allows for 8 panels even this gna be a squeeze.
Installer should start Friday with the inverter+batteries, will provide more details as we go. Excited/nervous...
 
If you've seen one, you've seen them all. But nevertheless, pics or gtfo:
20230714_172842.jpg

Left space for the DC combiner box on the right, need to polyfil some old and new holes.
Very happy with the install, look and distances between things make me happy. Originally had batteries right next to each other but asked installer to move them apart, both for the look and the heat. He quickly obliged even though he felt next to each other looked better and doesn't materially impact heat.

Geyser timer in and I'm already in shock at how often the geyser kicks in. For my use case I can definitely see the timer saving usage over and above load shifting to PV hours. Have asked installer to install a manual changeover for geyser to be on essential or non-essential, hoping this is possible and will let me play around with some future options. That, and generator to inverter connection will be done when panels arrive.

Panels should be installed by Thursday latest, the earlier the better. But some logistics constraints. Will keep posted.

A great feeling with just the backup to not experience LS this weekend.
 
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Panels have been installed!

Panels_Pic.jpg

Happy with how they managed to squeeze in all 8. But only now noticed around 15:30 some shading catching the far right panel at the bottom. This is from the chimney to the right of where the pic is taken from (not the one in the pic). So a bit bummed, but will see if i can move it up a bit or remove the dish.
4.4kwp, was producing around 3.6kw while testing earlier around midday, so happy with that.

So the full system is 8kw SS, 2x 5.32kwh SS, 8x 550w CS panels. I'm happy with the look, and happy with the overall performance so far and I think it should meet my expectations.

I bought the inverter from JCSolarPanels (price already dropped by R2900 since I purchased it, eesh!). Was very happy with their patience and answering of questions. They recommended an installer (Luke from Lights On Electrical) that I went with after comparing some quotes and having some discussions. He was also very patient and gave good vibes.

The batteries I bought from the PowerForum store.

Panels I bought from Solarway Suppliers and Luke collected them for me.

We initially had everything on essential side while running as a backup, and everything ran smoothly. Even a few geyser runs from battery. The CBI ASC was installed and working all fine. Sunsynk Connect app all good. Also registered for the Extended Warranty on their website and I have a COC from installer on the solar only.

On the down side, we were not able to get the generator connected. It is a petrol one and I see it is quite a mission but not impossible, so a bit disappointed here.
After installing the panels, we also installed a manual switch in the DB to move the geyser from essential to non-essential if need be and to play around with some options, and also for me to be sure the non-essentials are working correctly so that future aircons could run off excess. But unfortunately, we were not able to get the inverter to feed the non-essentials even while grid was present. I will play around with some settings later.

So for now, geyser is on essential, and I can manually switch it to run purely off Eskom, inverter does not pick it up at all.
I was able to feedback into the grid while testing earlier in the day, and meter did not trip (fairly new prepaid meter). But no point in doing this anyway.

Any suggestions on settings to test/troubleshoot the CT/non-essential feedback?

Overall, happy with the setup and installer. Apart from non-essential fail, everything else was on point and a great professional service.

Some bad weather expected this week, so will only really push the settings next week. New hobby unlocked...
 
Things have been going well so far. Apart from a short in the db and the inverter logged an F18 fault. Installer came out to resolve the issue. The log is there for life now, lols, guessing it shouldn't impact warranty as it felt like the inverter did what it needed to protect itself?

On most days I can exit 5pm with a full battery. And I haven't yet fully tweaked my usage (primarily geyser) to maximize savings. I've also accepted that running the geyser off battery is probably OK. One full cycle up and down is fine for a 24hr period?

Still in shock at how much a geyser actually uses:
Screenshot_20230726_013036_Sheets.jpg

Ignoring the 21st, that's where I would like grid usage to be going forward. I have not yet managed an off-grid day as the geyser top ups in non-PV times deplete batteries (or were set to run on grid).

Looking to move settings to this:
Screenshot_20230726_013014_Sheets.jpg

Idea is to only really change one field. The 5-7 SOC based on weather forecast and LS schedule. Currently (from today) using the first column of %s. When better weather arrives I'll move to the 2nd (start day with 35%). Not a fan of grid charging but it's there for the worst case.

My other thoughts are adding another geyser (in series, or for the other bathroom). Only have the one 3kw 150l geyser at the moment, and we're 3 in the house, but some PV wasting in the day (most days). I think if this was 200l would've been ideal. But price to install another 150l might be better. We have also run out of hot water in the past before solar, esp with guests around. So there is a slight need for more hot water. But primary reason is to use less power before/after 7AM/5PM. The "geyser is a battery" view. Any thoughts or options here?

I do have slight shading from around 15:30, but PV still covers usage until 17:30 or so. 11AM to 2PM I'm generally producing around 3.7kw with my 4.4kwp array. On one of the days it hit 4.8kw around midday (cloud edge?):
Screenshot_20230726_014908_Sunsynk Connect.jpg

No regrets here. If you're thinking of going solar, do it.
if you're stuck between 5kw and 8kw, go 8kw.
Put your geyser on essential with a timer, have mild discipline to account for LS.
 
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Don't put too much thought into the one panel that hits a bit of shade at 15h30.
It is currently mid winter. Soon the days are going to be longer and the sun is moving to a more southern position. As you will be moving towards summer, this situation will dramatically improve
 
Anyone have 2 geysers in series and running house off solar? Think I read somewhere here of someone doing this.
How has your experience been?

I need to double check what temp my geyser is set to, might need to turn it up a notch and that could solve my dilemma.
 
Tradezzz said:
Anyone have 2 geysers in series and running house off solar? Think I read somewhere here of someone doing this.
How has your experience been?

I need to double check what temp my geyser is set to, might need to turn it up a notch and that could solve my dilemma.
Click to expand...
I had two in series at my previous home - but that was with evacuated tubes.
 
Tradezzz said:
Hi all

So as noted in another thread, its time to make a thread and get this solar party started.
Still some early decisions to make but most decided.

During the past 2 months I've used about 17kwh per day. This is during stage 2-6 LS so thinking actual could be closer to 20kwh per day.
Small household of 3 people.
1x 150l geyser, gas stove, then the usuals - dishwasher, washing machine, fridge+freezer, chest freezer, kettle, microwave, toaster, 55" TV (upgrading to 65" shortly), Playstation, etc.

I've decided on an installer/supplier, and decided on Deye as the inverter.
Have decided on the 8kw for future-proof (existing geyser - see below, and potential future aircons) and wife-proof. Could still be persuaded on a 5kw (save R15k, less noise), but lets assume 8kw for now.
10kwh of batteries back-up - any 2x 16cell 5kwh will do, depending on stock, as long as can discharge enough to warrant the 8kw inverter else might as well do the 5kw.
Same for panels, whatever supplier has, at the moment this will be 10x 460w panels.
I have a backup 5.5kva generator that needs to be installed properly - i would prefer before the inverter rather than into it so the AUX port still available.

My installer's view is to chuck everything on essential and use a geyser timer (simple Sonoff).
My current view is to keep the geyser on non-essential or AUX.
I really want to avoid depleting the battery with the geyser. Reason being, the essentials could then run almost full-time on PV and battery, unless crappy weather+LS, then i can manually intervene to charge batteries from grid. But it will mostly be care-free 'free' usage.
Otherwise with a higher load, i've got to leave some room for LS almost always and this will increase my reliance on grid.
My guesstimates have the geyser using about 5-6kwh per day (3 showers per day plus all house work).
Only a long outage would have me without hot water, and the generator can be used in those rare instances.
Once i actually see how the battery fairs during stage 4-6 LS and varying weather, then I can later decide to move the geyser to Essential if required.

So my remaining questions..
Does the above points w.r.t the geyser make sense? I can't see how a timer would help (ensure hot water at all times plus save battery).
Has anyone got the AUX load to work properly? I see a few threads with mixed info. This feels like it could be the best option if it uses PV when available (or battery above x%), but grid thereafter. And with no grid, then option for battery.
I do think non-essential will also work, but I see a lot of issues on CT connections far from the DB with this. Waiting on installer feedback. Again not fussed about long outages, they are rare here, and the generator is there.
Installing everything in garage, I really don't want to hear fans, this almost makes me prefer the 5kw inverter.
Anyone used the Ellies trolley inverter? Are these inverters louder than that?
If everything is on essential, why use a Deye instead of a cheaper LuxPower/Growatt? Are there other benefits?

Should have some other questions answered by installer this week...
Click to expand...
8kw inverter: yes
10 x 460w panels: yes
5.5kw generator: yes
2 X batteries: yes

My man is my solar duplicate.

I put my geyser on non-essential, for the same reasons you more or less listed, I wish I did not, with a wifi timer, and if essential, you can control the heating of your water independently of eskom load shedding. Now I can control but limited to non load shedding slots.

Scenario 1: geyser non-essential: batteries fully charge, Eskom currently load shedding, you cannot heat your water, even though your system can generate the power to do so.

Scenario 2: geyser essential: batteries fully charge, eskom load shedding, you can heat up your water. You in control.
 
rh1 said:
8kw inverter: yes
10 x 460w panels: yes
5.5kw generator: yes
2 X batteries: yes

My man is my solar duplicate.

I put my geyser on non-essential, for the same reasons you more or less listed, I wish I did not, with a wifi timer, and if essential, you can control the heating of your water independently of eskom load shedding. Now I can control but limited to non load shedding slots.

Scenario 1: geyser non-essential: batteries fully charge, Eskom currently load shedding, you cannot heat your water, even though your system can generate the power to do so.

Scenario 2: geyser essential: batteries fully charge, eskom load shedding, you can heat up your water. You in control.
Click to expand...
I prefer all essential - ill control what I need to control :)
 
rh1 said:
8kw inverter: yes
10 x 460w panels: yes
5.5kw generator: yes
2 X batteries: yes

My man is my solar duplicate.

I put my geyser on non-essential, for the same reasons you more or less listed, I wish I did not, with a wifi timer, and if essential, you can control the heating of your water independently of eskom load shedding. Now I can control but limited to non load shedding slots.

Scenario 1: geyser non-essential: batteries fully charge, Eskom currently load shedding, you cannot heat your water, even though your system can generate the power to do so.

Scenario 2: geyser essential: batteries fully charge, eskom load shedding, you can heat up your water. You in control.
Click to expand...
Haha! Well, ended up 8x550w now and couldn't get the generator connected to inverter but still close enough. :D
Definitely have come to realize geyser on essential is the right thing to do. Managing the timer is really easy.
I reach for the phone every morning anyway, so it has become standard protocol now to see the weather (solcast), the loadshedding times, then adjust geyser timer, and if needed also the SOC on Sunsynk app.
 
Snyper564 said:
I prefer all essential - ill control what I need to control :)
Click to expand...
I’ve noticed that many installers prefer that customers put more on non-essential because most users don’t want to actively manage their consumption and end up triggering an overload on the inverter which they then blame on a sub-par installation. But for those that are willing to manage consumption, it’s much more beneficial to simply put everything on essential.
 
Tradezzz said:
Haha! Well, ended up 8x550w now and couldn't get the generator connected to inverter but still close enough. :D
Definitely have come to realize geyser on essential is the right thing to do. Managing the timer is really easy.
I reach for the phone every morning anyway, so it has become standard protocol now to see the weather (solcast), the loadshedding times, then adjust geyser timer, and if needed also the SOC on Sunsynk app.
Click to expand...
Next step, use HA to build some automatons to do this for you. So much more fun, even though I end up monitoring it anyway to see if I need to tweak the situation so not really saving much time.
 
My solution and 22 new customers

Geyserwise ECO kit with PTC dual voltage element
2 x 550 w panels

Program Geyserwise to come on at 18h00 with 55 deg, Most of the time the low voltage element has heated the water above this

Easy to install. No plumbing needed (except to drain the geyer)
 
GMAN03 said:
I’ve noticed that many installers prefer that customers put more on non-essential because most users don’t want to actively manage their consumption and end up triggering an overload on the inverter which they then blame on a sub-par installation. But for those that are willing to manage consumption, it’s much more beneficial to simply put everything on essential.
Click to expand...

Snyper's Solar Farm

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...
mybroadband.co.za mybroadband.co.za

I over specd my system so I pretty much carry on without even thinking or looking unless its 2-3 days overcast

Whole house from oven to geysers to induction hob all on there
 
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Reactions: rh1
Tradezzz said:
Haha! Well, ended up 8x550w now and couldn't get the generator connected to inverter but still close enough. :D
Definitely have come to realize geyser on essential is the right thing to do. Managing the timer is really easy.
I reach for the phone every morning anyway, so it has become standard protocol now to see the weather (solcast), the loadshedding times, then adjust geyser timer, and if needed also the SOC on Sunsynk app.
Click to expand...
Not sure why you could not connect to the inverter?

Post in thread 'Advice needed - Solar System' https://mybroadband.co.za/forum/threads/advice-needed-solar-system.1181190/post-29785351

My genny can be connected to this, which is connected directly to the inverter.
 
GMAN03 said:
Next step, use HA to build some automatons to do this for you. So much more fun, even though I end up monitoring it anyway to see if I need to tweak the situation so not really saving much time.
Click to expand...
I do want to give this a shot, still have a lot to read. If it's something that can run off a Windows laptop, I will give it a try.
Yeah it's become more of a for-fun thing now..
 
chrisc said:
My solution and 22 new customers

Geyserwise ECO kit with PTC dual voltage element
2 x 550 w panels

Program Geyserwise to come on at 18h00 with 55 deg, Most of the time the low voltage element has heated the water above this

Easy to install. No plumbing needed (except to drain the geyer)
Click to expand...
Will look into this. But first thought is that it might not work for me, as I'm fine to get the temp up to max during PV hours. Trying to reduce the power used when the sun goes down. Maybe the temp controller could help. Thanks!
 
Tradezzz said:
Ah yes, can connect on grid side, still need to do this.
What we couldn't get right was connecting directly to the aux port on inverter. But grid side with peak shaving should be fine.
Click to expand...
You can do shaving on the Aux as well.
 
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