Solar off the Grid solution.

[SYNERGY]

Hi

Can someone please recommend a setup for me?

Please note that I am more or less a complete noob when it comes to electrical stuff. My knowledge extends to wiring a battery to a light globe/motor to a penlight battery when I was a child.

I'm looking at running the following:

5 x 20watt fluorescent globes.
2 x 80watt LED tubes
1 x 200 watts 60" LED TV - assuming
1 x 50 watt Laptop

Would prefer to run completely off the grid for the above.

So I would be looking at:

? x Solar Panels
1 x Bank of batteries
1 x Charger/Controller
1 x Inverter

Someone please enlighten me.

Based in Durban. Or is someone willing to sell me a package including installation? I do have access to my electrician.

Thanks!

Something like this: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=189511&d=1423217026

 

[SYNERGY]

Ok, after some Google, reading up on mybroadband and http://goingsolar.co.za/ (Thanks lsheed_cn!), I gather that I will need the following:

2 x 255Watt Solar Panel - R2 471 x 2: R4942
http://www.solarsolved.co.za/index....ko/jinko-solar-a-grade-module-255w-36v-detail

2 x Excis 102A, 12V Deep Cycle Battery - R1402 x 2: R2804
http://www.solarsolved.co.za/index....-battery/excis-102a-deep-cycle-battery-detail

1 x40A/H 12/24V PWM Charge Controller - R1330
http://www.solarsolved.co.za/index....roller/40a-h-12v-24v-charge-controller-detail

Nexa Solar Off Grid Inverter PSW 2000Watt, 12/24 Volt -R4063
http://www.solarsolved.co.za/index....rters/nexa-solar-off-grid-inverter-psw-detail

This excludes wiring, mounts etc

I need 550 Watts available... Should I add another Solar Panel-more batteries? I chose a 2000 Watt inverter incase I want to expand later.

@lsheed_cn: Why don't you create some kits and sell? I got an electrician to install.

I also want my batteries to last as long as possible - shouldn't deplete further than 50%.
System will be used for around 5 hours in the evenings...

Someone please enlighten me
Thanks

 

[biometrics]

550 W
5 hours
12 V batteries

Hope this is right:

550 W = 550 VA
550 VA / 12 V = 45.8 A
45.8 A x 5 hours = 229 Ah

That will deplete your batteries by more than 100% (you have 204 Ah). So you need to double that up.

As to how fast you can recharge then I'm not sure. But I'd triple the batteries as you will have overcast days.

 

[The_Traveller]

Those batteries are not the correct type for Solar or even a backup system for that matter. Clearly states on the label you're not allowed to discharge it more than 50% . Why throw away R1400 on crap when you can rather buy one top quality to start off with and save up for the second one. Ask Isheed_cn if he can source you LiFePO4 ( but don't count on it as I am waiting some time now for him to even answer me ). Alternatively your second best option is Lead Acid , but also the proper ones please. They cost R2.2k and up for a 12v100ah Deep Cycle GEL.

 

[The_Traveller]

550 W
5 hours
12 V batteries

Hope this is right:

550 W = 550 VA
550 VA / 12 V = 45.8 A
45.8 A x 5 hours = 229 Ah

That will deplete your batteries by more than 100% (you have 204 Ah). So you need to double that up.

As to how fast you can recharge then I'm not sure. But I'd triple the batteries as you will have overcast days.

You don't divide his 550w x 12v batteries, but by his Inverter system VDC. So if he is choosing a 12v Inverter, than your 550/12 is correct. but if he choses a 24v system than its 550w / 24v = 22.92A . Then he must see how efficient his inverter is to actually decide how many batteries he will need.

 

[richjdavies]

Those batteries are not the correct type for Solar or even a backup system for that matter

Agreed those batteries are *** and are NO GOOD for daily solar cycling. They will last you less than 6 months I reckon.

In time I fear makro are going to end up with a class action for calling those 'deep cycle' batteries, when they are clearly not warranted for DEEP discharge OR frequent cycling!

 

[SYNERGY]

Thanks! Just the type of advice I need.

Can you recommend a brand that can be sourced locally?

Any advice on a inverter? Please feel free to post your recommendations.

Any advice is deeply appreciated.