So the experience has been overall positive.
- Kit : 5KVA Deye , 2 x Hubble AM2 and 10 x 460W panels
- Wiring and dbs all neat and professionally done.
- Large team came to do the bulk of the install
- Some minor issues at start but there is a followup team that came through to ensure everything was correct. I had a very old main DB and the previous electricians had some surprised in there. I did not want an additional db next to the main ( there are already two for the installation itself ( AC cutover and DC ) ) so they reaplaced the old breakers with modern ones that made more space. It does look a bit roughish there but my only other option is to replace the entire DB housing and have it refitted in the wall ( no surface mount as its directly above the stove so pretty sure it won't like the heat ).
- The system is split with a load and non essential. For me, non essential is stove/geyser/pool pump and a old aircon. Those are all guzzling appliances. Load has all my plugs and lights including fridges, washing machine, alarm , gate motors etc.
- Load really depends on what you have but for me it runs standard
- 55" + soundbar
- Microsever with 6 hdd
- Gaming machine 700W PSU, 27" monitor, speakers
- Full size fridge
- Chest Deep freezer
Those all are around 500W constant. My lights are all LED, so say another 150 for the entire house. If I run my 18kBTU inverter aircon, that adds 800W alone. Kettles , microwave etc all add to that if running.
- For loadsheding, on the dual batteries I am currently using 7 - 9 % a session ( 2 hours ). Thats all the above sans aircon constant. Yes , using kettle and microwave now and then but thats small bursts. Saying that , I reckon I have enough battery backup with a SOC @ 95% for around 7-9 hours depending what I turn on. Comfortably with just lights and electronics, I reckon 10 hours.
During the day, the system also feeds the non-essentials. Like today, my wife baked midday and is running the aircon while watching TV.
Its tapping a bit from battery at the time
View attachment 1511081
But still not touching Grid and she finished her baking before the battery hit the 95% default so we haven't used any grid power and the battery is topping up again.
View attachment 1511083
View attachment 1511085
If you want a timeline ( this is for Durban )
1. Submitted initial request 4th March.
2. Contacted next day, paid deposit.
3. Install date received for 20 March. I did try contact the about doing a pre-site inspection and they were able to even offer me a date of 10th March which I had to decline due to other commitments.
4. 20th was delayed due to the whole strike EFF thing but they came round on the 21st ( which was a holiday ) to drop off kit so they could start on the 22nd.
5. 22nd - 25th hardware installed and partially configured.
6. 29th final check was done and tweaks , installation complete by 29th March.
Bill, exactly the amount, no hidden surprises of Vat or this or that, amount was quoted and amount done. We have not "felt" loadshedding since the 1st of April.
So far, am quite happy. Just working with them and tweaking the system to settings I want to get more "power benefit" out of it. For example, my batteries etc are normally charged latest by 11 and the balance of the solar is just use, which avgs 800 in the day so nowhere else for the generation to go.
www.gosolr.co.za
sinetech.co.za
). So if there was any form of issue locally around private bank or finance, it will now carry with you overseas. I don't need that, my bond is mature enough that its ok even with the rate hikes and I don't want anything near harming or triggering that, got a effective timeline inline with my kids leaving, university and us going on pension.
