gen2ty:
House,
Kindly assist in appreciating team Zeestone for the successful completion of my 6000kW capacity solar system project. The level of professionalism and trust exhibited was unprecedented from the purchase of all the material, transportation and installation. Thanks for the good commendations from the guys here especially GeorgeD and Niyi who gave me a high level of comfort to stake with them. Gracias!

@gen2ty

Welcome to the club!! But appreciation is incomplete until you give us a peek into your setup. It is the unwritten tradition of this forum so that others can benefit from it. So, kindly share pictures of your setup with us asap. Zeestone over to you. Send pictures am sure you took some.

bigrovar:

How does the pi connect to the internet. My plan is to have it rigged up to a data modem with internet connection. About 500mb of data should last 2 months for uploading real time to the net. It might even allow for sending remote commands from the internet if the cc supports it. With internet of things being the new IT craze. More and more devices would come with internet cloud connectivity built in.

Well, for the Raspberry Pi 3, it comes with inbuilt wireless and bluetooth connection. So just add it to your wifi at home and thats all.

Data usage is actually very small because it is in text/csv format say like couple of kb.

I will advice against opening your device too much to the internet less your CC becomes part of a botnet. Hackers are using all freely/non-secured IOTs to DDOS all around the world.

dapsyra:

I can actually capture the data directly from the Midnite Classic CC via Modbus using Raspberry Pi without recourse to the Midnite website. I have not just gotten around to doing it.

OK.

If you want to use the raw data, you may need a python program to automatically upload directly to pvoutput. But the easiest way is to pick from the midnight website if those values are available in api format.

abunafiu:
That moment when Bigrovar steps in with his IT lectures.
We can't help but to take back sit and learn how it goes.
Abeg make una explain Wetin be raspberry and co to laymen oooo.

The Raspberry Pi is a tiny and affordable computer that you can use to learn programming through fun, practical projects. it is just $35. Bought mine (2 pieces) on Aliexpress. One permanently connected to my Fangpusun CC to get the solar data which is automatically uploaded to emoncms. The second one I use as my desktop computer at home. It uses less power and wonderful for a solar setup.

https://www.raspberrypi.org/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberry_Pi

pranil:


the cheap Ipower does it directely with ICC on USB using a pi both PVout and emoncms local and remote ( .org)

Fantastic

bigrovar:


Get a $30 raspberry pi if you have knowledge of Linux you can attach it to a USB dongle and have it upload the csv or relay the data real time. There are lots of python scripts online that can do this using pvoutput.org API. Nothing too hard if you set your mind to it.

dapsyra:

I intend to go this way when I am less busy. Thanks for the suggestion.

@dapsyra

If you can extract the api´s from the midnight classic website, then it is a piece of cake cause thats exactly how i upload to pvoutput.org. I pick the api´s from emoncms and upload to pvoutput.org

You´ll need a raspberry pi, install php on it, internet connection, schedule it on crontab and voila, you are up an running with your live data.

Macgreat:
Hello All,
What are the benefit of ITIL certification in Nigeria.

To start with, a friend of mine lost a job in an oil firm because he couldn't answer correctly what ITIL is.

So coming back to the question, ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is a set of detail practices for managing IT Services. Your service delivery to your customer is improved translating into customer satisfaction. I hope you understand what I mean. That is what a lot of these customer care people lack in Nigeria. With it, you know how to handle your customers and treat them politely which increase loyalty. When you promise your customer to solve a problem, you raise a ticket and follow up to ensure that that issue is resolved. Also, with ITIL, you can align IT to organization's business as IT is an enabler. You also create value with ITIL.

It is more than that anyway but you may need to google it or attend a training and be ITIL certified.

bodeface:
There is currently a very thin gap between the Poly and Mono PV panels nowadays, gone are the days when the mono used to be the king, with more research and improvement in production process of the Poly Panels, the gap between the two - efficiency of conversion which boils down to the area required to generate the same energy (e.g. 300W) has been closed up and very soon, Poly will become the king when the gap is fully closed and the wining advantage for the Poly will be the cheaper production cost compared to Mono.
For an example, lets me use the SUNTECH PV Panels to show you what I am talking about, Mono-crystalline 325W and Poly-crystalline 345W, these two panels has same dimension, the same wattage, their difference currently is just that the efficiency of conversion of Mono-crystalline is 17.7% while the poly-crystalline is 16.7% and if you do the calculation just 1% efficient than the Poly-crystalline, apart from the efficiency everything is same. Please see the links (copy it as a whole into your browser)
Currently, I use SUNTECH Poly-crystalline PV Panel and the performance has been extremely satisfactory, my advice though is know what you are buying, in Nigeria most vendor over rate the panel they are selling for you, 250W are re-branded as 300W and so on, so be careful, but there is little or no difference in Mono and Poly PV Panels performance.

Wow !! Just confirmed it. And the dimensions, completely the same Ahhggghhh! That nailed it. The price will soon be the determining factor in choosing a PV and Poly panels will surely carry the day. But am sure the Mono Panels researchers will not just fold their arms. Well, whatever the case, it is the consumers (us) that will benefit at the end of the day. Renewable Energy is the way to go...

Dam5reey:


With the current technology used in panel production, There is no difference.. poly tend to perform better nowadays.. The only advantage mono has is the wattage per surface area.. But it's an advantage on poly more surface area seems to be more wattage..

Great to know that Poly Panels are equally good now.

So what about the size of poly panels as compared to mono panels?

if it is still slightly bigger, what matters is where you intend to install it. If you have more space, no issue but with limited space comes the "challenge".

But am sure the technology will surely merge one day, improve on current production and get smaller..

GeorgeD1:
all, as promised last night, i will attempt to do a review of my new midnite solar classic 150 cc. but first things first. here are the installation pictures.

@GeorgeD1

Thanks for this wonderful review of the Midnight Classic 150. Quite insightful. From the pictures to the analysis, everything was just fantastic.

From the comparison, I was so sure the Midnight Classic will carry the day and you just confirmed it.

One thing you fail to mention though which I saw from the picture, the Midnight Classic can also work with Hydro & Wind power aside Solar. I think this is a plus too. I doubt if the Morning star have that capability. That triple feature is missing in most charge controllers. Most ship with the Solar capability ONLY.

What about the Android/ios/windows apps suggested by dapsyra,, the Internet ready features. The Midnight Classic is really wonderful because in other Charge Controllers, you will have to pay more to access those features.

GeorgeD1:
now, for my vote of thanks:
juo is the man of the moment!

JUO is really the man! Any day, any time. His Customer / After sales support is simply super. Don't know if the guy did ITIL self .

Once Again, GeorgeD1, Thanks a million.

GeorgeD1:
all,
i spent the past two weeks testing out my new midnite solar classic 150 cc and now i'm ready to give the lowdown. while i was at it, i also put the midnite head to head with the morningstar. a few surprises and not a few mehs as you would expect. watch out for my review.

Been waiting for this....oya post it.

pranil:

I considered the wind here in Abuja for my House few years back - Even got an Anemometer ( wind speed measure). I could hardly get 1-3 m/s best times of the day.
if you look at wind speed versus power ratio for most of the turbines you will realize that best speeds are above 6 ms normally 10 -14 m/s
At low wind speeds, the cost per KWh was working out to be outrageous . Wind speeds throughout Nigeria on average are 4-8 m/s unless very near to coast or on top of hill Below is a very good site for Nigeria wind in case you are considering wind energy http://www.neenigeria.com/html/wind_energy.html

I sighted a small Wind Turbine near the Ship House (opp US embassy area) in Abuja few days ago. Don't really know how efficient it is and was unable to take pictures in a place like that..


The rain has not been friendly to renewable energy enthusiast lately. My generation has not exceeded. 4kwh in the past few days but today seems better as I was able to hit 9kWh which surprised me sef.

We need a solution that will compensate for these sunless days.

GeorgeD1:

babaegun,
thanks for asking. that question couldn't have come at a better time as i just received my long awaited
midnite classic. installation was done yesterday and monitoring in progress.
pictures, observations and vote of thanks coming soon...

Waiting anxiously......

kiekie1:

Midnite classic 150 available in stock .. My contact is available in my profile / signature !

Noted.

GeorgeD1:

babaegun,
you're right.i knew the array size was greater than the capacity of the cc right from time but I wanted to get a practical field test and the monitoring reports have confirmed this. i'll most likely be getting a midnite classic 150.
cheers!

@GeorgeD1

How about your upgrade from Tristar to Midnight Classic 150?

dapsyra:
July 2017 PV Generation from my 4.5KW array.
For lifetime records, see https://pvoutput.org/list.jsp?userid=46221

Chuckdee:


If you say 10-15% when its not raining and with good sunshine, i think its poor. A visual inspection of your setup is a good place to start off trouble-shooting from. I have been pleasantly surprised getting some very handsome harvest all this season. I think the cool weather and dust-free panels are helping. I have seen 4,491W out of my 4,500W total capacity at peak sun intensity (11-1pm ish)

@dapsyra & Chuckdee

Your graphs are lovely. very comprehensive. Midnight solar is great with data display. these statistics are simply amazing. I love data.

efuro:


I have 300w AC Areo dry Iron I have been using since 2009 when I have not dreamt of inverter or solar. it so efficient that it melted the lower plastic casing and it's thermostat ......

Wow! That's a good one. Hope it is still in the market.

@Pranil
hmnn, the rate at which you are going, Am sure your house will be full of gadgets and complicated designs . Did you study electronics? Abi you just an enthusiast. From your solar, down to your water pump. In fact, the water pump setup scare me self. Hope your wife dey enjoy all this your fun too.

I have my raspberry pi 3. It is amazing. I think you need to share the MTQQ and NODESCRIPT concept, design and etc etc with me.

SolnergyPower:
Those wattages are still very high. We should be looking for something in the neighbourhood of 100W.
Thanks for sharing though.

@SolnergyPower

I've not see any within that 100W range. Maybe some guys in-house will still share better ones with us soon.

IRON for your Solar Setup
==================

Am sure there will be some guys in here who are still looking for a low power and efficient iron for cloth. Let me share with you those that I have used before. Please note that It is NOT a solar iron because it uses electricity.

1. Kenwood discovery Duo. The power rating is between 600 - 700 Watts. Been using this for close to 6 years. It is nice and do the ironing job well.

2. Philips Diva. Bought this recently in GAME (shoprite). The power rating is 1200 Watts. But my amp meter reported 978 Watts. it is good, cute with a surface larger than the Kenwood Duo. Very efficient and the thermostat is super.

So if you need an iron to use on your solar setup, you can check online and pick one. Please note that I don't sell iron ooo. Just sharing information.

pranil:

I have finally settled on a better solution in case somebody is interested
http://us.grundfos.com/products/find-product/SCALA2.html
The solution to be implemented with tank has several problems in the long run
Personally after 8 years and 3 booster pumps , 2 tanks and 3 pressure controllers replacement I found the scala a pleasure to use. My wife does not allow me to switch it off !

@Pranil

How much is this product? Need something similar. Been using some other setup - pumping machine & Pressure pump for long and it still not great the way i want.

The raining season is here in Abuja. Though not flooded like Lagos anyway.

Not so good for Solar. My setup has been struggling to suck energy from the sun.

Think this is the time to further cut down on my daily consumption.

Didn't know raining season can be this bad but its still manageable.

I learn everyday but am grateful to be on RE. I have saved a lot of money.

it was the best decision.

pranil:

Wow 4KWH/KW in this weather - installation doing great . keep it up.

@pranil

Thanks. The weather is really bad. The next thing i want to explore is the Raspberry Pi. Am sure setting it up is packed full of knowledge, excitement and challenges. right?

pranil:
Very nice .Also look at pVOUT.org since you have the data already . It keeps much better records and allows you to compare with another systems ( although nobody except me from Nigeria )
https://pvoutput.org Have you looked into MQTT and NODE red where it will also allow you to control loads using a Raspberry Pi - say when Battery is full allow AC to run.

@Pranil,

I finally got on pvout.org with my Fangpusun setup using the live csv data upload.

GeorgeD1:
the current limit challenge...
solar array output clearly exceeds the tristar mppt 60 capacity...

GeorgeD1:
the current limit challenge...
solar array output clearly exceeds the tristar mppt 60 capacity...

@GeorgeD1 - Now you have enough "evidence" to upgrade your CC.

So what are you thinking of in terms of charge controller - MorningStar, Victron, Fangpusun/Outback......?

GeorgeD1:
all,
one day harvest, saturday...

Chai!! Quite Impressive. Warri Genco! I wan buy fower

pranil:


Very nice .Also look at pVOUT.org since you have the data already . It keeps much better records and allows you to compare with another systems ( although nobody except me from Nigeria )
https://pvoutput.org
Have you looked into MQTT and NODE red where it will also allow you to control loads using a Raspberry Pi - say when Battery is full allow AC to run. C

Hi Pranil,

Can you do a small tutorial on those items? It will be handy for most of us here.

thanks.

Barezzi:

Kindly share how you achieved this bro. I'm interested.

@Barezzi
1. You need a Mate. (I have mate 2) - connect your mate to your laptop/desktop through the serial cable.
2. Take note of the COM port. e.g COM1, COM2, COM3
3. Download and Install Python version 2.7.13 on your laptop
4. Download and install emoncms using the guides here --> hxxps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS3K_FRs2xQ hxxps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZXFrh2jlzI (take note to change the hxxps to https)
5. Edit the python scripts -- attachment 1 changing the COM port, apikey, ip address and as applicable to your setup then rename the python scipts to matecom.py
6. Create a folder C:\mate and drop the script in 5 above.
7. Make a batch file of the attached - attachment 2 and drop in the C:\mate folder.
8. Double click the batch file - it will run at 20 sec intervals. (You can use a scheduler to open this going forward)
9. Login to emoncms and click the input . You should see your data.
10. Create your graphs. That's all

So guys, I finally did it.

Remember my Fangpusun solar CC. I have been able to extract data from it using emoncms. Thanks to bigbrovar & pranil for mentioning it. I was able to sort it out with the help of some guys online. I now have beautiful data which I now access in my house using a simple url in real time.. Find below the wonderful graphs.

@GeorgeD1 Hmmm... You wan power the whole of warri? This is simply amazing. You are indeed a pacesetter.

Actually, you don turn GenCo be dat

Well done.

bigrovar:


This is where victron energy products (and by extension their clones) completely got me sold. In an industry where the norm is for companies to be closed and resort to proprietary protocols. Victron energy is an exception. Every single one of their devices communicate via open standard protocols. The bluesolar MPPT charger, Inverter and battery monitor (BMV) all spew out plain text every second. The can be captured via any ttl/serial com port tool like Putty that can read data stream. There also send and can receive hex commands which can also be handled by Putty.

As if this is not enough this guys went further to create a detailed white paper with FAQ outlining in depth the technical specifications and information on the Victron VE. Direct Data communication protocols. They also have a github where they have committed and open sourced some of their projects. An example is their own version of Outback Mate 3 which they call color control GX. These device is like a hub / status display / remote control and monitoring / connection and integration hub of victron devices like Inverters, MPPT controllers, Battery monitors on steroids. The device cost about $400 a pop. But victron did something unprecedented in the solar industry and completely opened sourced it. They created a Linux Distribution based on debian called Venus and can be installed on the raspberry Pi. Venus allows your 30 dollars raspberry pi to do every thing that can be done from the $400 CCGX. The Venus software is completely free and well maintained and come with detailed guide on how to configure and install. With the Venus and Rbp I can have a system which can be connected to Victron Remote Monitoring Portal (VRM) and allow me to monitor and control my system from any where in the world all for $30.

Add this to their excellent and truly cross platform victronconnect and they is no solar company come close to integrating the best of ICT to energy generation.

@Bigbrovar
Can you Imagine all those features by Victron? Maybe Outback was rolled out when the internet was still unavailable. I bet you, they will find it difficult now that we have Internet of Things except for people who are not keen about it. They need to change else they will be left behind. They need to learn from Blackberry, Xerox, Blockbuster, Polaroid who lost the battle to Android/IOS, HP, Netflix, Digital Camera's etc.

I don't even want to think about it again self. They need to give more value to their customers in this digital age.

pranil:

EMONCMS actually uses MYSQL database with PhP engine and apache webserver . The the api calls are all json . and you can qury the the Data using MQTT

@Pranil
Can I get your phone? Will like to call you tomorrow. You can send it to me...

Thanks.