₦airaland Forum

@ilovethesun
Pls ignore last post.

I see you're recommending a preferred arrangement for still the same 4 batteries to reduce cabling.

Sorry.

iLoveTheSun:
How about this battery setup?

Original picture by kiekie1

If I understand this, this is a series parallel connection right? So we have 2 sets of 4 batteries connected in series.

4 batteries in series gives 48V, 200Ah.

2 sets of the above connected in parallel then gives 48V, 200Ah.

Is that correct?

If yes, I would like to raise the point made by @bigrovar on parallel connections. Will I have the same concerns with this? I.e difficulty in getting equal charge, inability to notice when one battery has issues this dragging others down etc.

This is ajo money! Want to be sure I put all the learnings here to play.

Thanks.

Guys.... Solar wish list

1. 12 units of 255W Canadian Solar Panels
2. Solar Charge Controller: Advice please?

3. Prag 5kVA, 48V
Option 1: http://www.buyright.biz/index.php?module=product&event=viewdetail&pid=128
Option 2: http://www.buyright.biz/index.php?module=product&event=viewdetail&pid=124&cid=
OR
Prag 4kVA, 24V
http://www.buyright.biz/index.php?module=product&event=viewdetail&pid=143

4. If going with the 48V inverter, then 8 units of 12V, 200Ah batteries
If going with 24V inverter, then 6 units of 12V, 200Ah batteries
Looking at the Quanta make ....(But its ridiculously expensive! Any suggestions??)

Others
Solar Mount Rails and accessories
Combiner Box?
AC Breaker
DC Breakers

What do you think? In the absence of the big names, do these come in a close 2nd?

Thanks!

P.S.: Please any vendor viewing this who has these in supply can kindly mention me. I can get Prag direct from Buyright though.

bigrovar:
Concerning the batteries. It all depends on use case, level of expertise of the user, and lots of other consideration. It all depends on the user.

Flooded batteries are generally more rugged, the last longer and are tougher. A good flooded battery like Trojan or USB can last over 5 years if well maintained.. the down side.. it requires periodic maintenance which has to be adhered to otherwise they would go bad before their time.
They require constant monitoring, ( u would need a hydrometer) to check the state of the cells, and electrolyte level. When the electrolyte drops beyond a certain level. They need be replaced and topped with distilled water.

You are also to perform periodic equalisation charge or they loss their ability to keep charge.

FLA are also sensitive how you charge them. Generally they are not suppose to be charged more than 13% of their capacity. So a 100AH battery should be charged at no more than 13A otherwise it will die before it's time. Add the fact that fla emits dangerous gases which can cause explosion so ventilation is important.

AGM is also good. They are capable of fast charging.. can take up to 20-30% of battery capacity.. and are capable of high discharge. They are sealed and generally maintenance free. The down side is they have shorter life compared to FLA. Although now they are AGM batteries with cycles that rivals a FLA especially the type with tubular plates. Generally most AGM will give you 800 cycles at 50 depth of discharge (fla can easily do 1200 at 50 DOD) one other down side if AGM is it requires cool environment.. at least 25C so you also have to factor that into consideration.

GEL imho should be avoided unless they are to be used very light discharge usage. Gel are very sensitive to charges.. they can't be fast charged and don't like high discharge. For SMF batteries I generally would recommend AGM. Gel have better tolerance to relatively higher ambiance temperature than AGM.

Chai!

Na wa o!

Which battery will somebody now go and use?? All of them have one k-leg or the other.

Was looking at AGM or gel earlier but seems AGM should be knocked off if you can't keep in a cool area. I'm really getting overwhelmed.

Thanks.

iLoveTheSun:
@battleaxe:

Where are you located, please?

Personally, I prefer programmable inverters where you can configure the type of battery, i.e. voltage settings, etc.
(This should be done by a professional electrician.) Advantage: since batteries deteriorate over time, you can adapt the charging process to the State of Health (SoH) of your batteries.
And I'd recommend a battery monitoring which is temperature sensitive, if it is not integrated in a hybrid solution and if your budget does allow it. It will add lifetime to your batteries. Temperature sensitive means you have a temp. sensor that is attached in the middle of your battery bank, it does take the temp. of the batteries into account.

Regarding solar charger, go for an MPPT controller. It has to match the specs of your solar modules, of course.
3 kWp = 12 x 250 Watt(peak). Regarding string design, I'd go for high voltage, e.g. 150 Volts (open circuit) or higher.

Hybrid (all-in-one box solution) versus modular components:
If you know what you need, Hybrid is good. (Even though I do not have long-term experience with Chinese Hybrids, to be honest! So I am not able to give any feedback here.)
If you want to stay flexible and to grow later, I would choose modular components, i.e. solar MPPT charger, inverter, battery monitoring system.
According to your future needs, you can upgrade the components. Make sure the right breakers, fuses, surge protectors are installed to protect the components from each other in case of failure.
...

Lagos based.

I unfortunately can't do flooded. So will be looking for the next best option.

So you mean a battery life saver? Or what do you mean by a battery monitoring system?

I've seen a lot of hybrid inverters like the Axperts on offer. With this, I won't be going for a separate solar charger. Unless I hear bad reviews on the like of these.

iLoveTheSun:
@battleaxe:

No. 1:
Just for clarification:
What do you mean with "6 nos. 12V..."? You will need four (4 x 12V) or eight batteries (two banks with four each).
Brands: SMA Sunny Island (German), Outback(US)/Schneider Electric (French), Victron (Danish).

No. 2:
I'd recommend flooded, if you have a well vented place where you can store the batteries.
Brands: Hoppecke (German, but some components are made in China and then assembled in Germany), Trojan (US), Rolls, Fiamm VRLA (Italian, but made in China).

@ilovedsun
Thanks.

So I assume I can only use 6 batteries let's say I was on a 24v system? But for a 48v system, I'm constrained to multiples of four 12v batteries?

Can you suggest a single point shop where I can get these brands? The problem is that most vendors have what the market wants, and not necessarily the best brands.

A one point shop with a connection diagram and list of items would be ideal but we're not totally there yet. Any advice is welcomed.

Thanks.

I came to the right place!

A very big thank you to you all. I have some more questions based on your above responses. I'll send separately so you gurus can help answer.

Thanks again.

Pretty common but still expensive!

Imagine an "harvester" laying his hands on 4 panels!

Obe!

@ Gurus in the house.

Well done! Every time I think I've got this figured out, then I hear some new insights from you learned folks.

I have a couple of questions, which hopefully the house is able to help with:

1. What is the best connection for a 3kWp solar panel installation, with 6 nos. 12V, 200Ah gel batteries and a 4/5kVA, 48V Hybrid inverter? What brands would you suggest?

2. Is there a preference for flooded lead acid over say gel or AGM batteries, in a solar, partial off-grid system?

3. Re Dunka's comment on the Axpert inverters and their undercharging of flooded batteries. Is this problem just for flooded cell batteries or also for AGM and gel batteries?

4. From searches, is a de-sulphator really required for small battery setups such as the above?

Thanks for your kind responses.

@ All
Is there any concern with theft of solar panels when placed on the fence or ground?

While this may be impossible during peak sunlight, is it possible for the panels to be harvested since its easily assessable on ground/fence level?

Thanks.

3276reliance:
I don't like dragging issues, but I have to say 1000 watts panels to 2* 12v 200Ah is a waste

With 4 to 5 hours of sunlight daily, you can get 4,000 to 5,000Wh of energy from 4nos X 250W solar panels.

With 2 nos, 12V 200Ah batteries, you can store 4800Wh of energy.

That's on the assumption that he drains down his batteries and needs them fully recharged daily. If he has a 50% draw, then yes the batteries would get charged faster and would be happier on days with lower sunlight.

I think its a perfect match. I'll leave the experts to talk.

What is the purpose of the customer interface unit?

Hi @Next,
With all the many flaws that people speak of, I want to believe you're truly a good person at heart. Things probably just caught up with you or you used the wrong middlemen and things happened. Not a basis to do the wrong thing but stuff happens.

I've seen mention that you attend RCCG and also seen you quote from Open heavens.

I will like to beg you in the name of whatever it is that you hold dear, what gives you that drive and makes you work hard, please refund whatever it is you made a promise to. There is no price too big to pay to retain your honor and integrity.

Forget whatever associated mud has been slung and if indeed you made a promise, then fulfill it.

Prove people wrong. Let their bets go wrong. Pls do the honorable thing.

Thanks in advance.

feelamong:
Dont mistake Coupon with the Yield...

The coupon remains the same at 15.54%

Its the yield that changes based on the prevailing Liquidity, Interest rates and Inflation Rates.

The Yields at Reopening would be based on the prevailing Investment climate...the Coupon remins the same..

This is why Bond traders make a lot of money trading on Bonds as you could buy at a premium or at a discount (They also loose money trading on Bonds) if they do not hold to maturity

The July 2021 5-year bond closed at 14.5% when it opened last month. I.e. It is a 14.5% JUL 2021 bond.

There is another 15.54% FEB 2020 bond. That is not listed to be reopened at the next bond auctions.

@ adwani
I think your school context is totally different. What's wrong in her playing a devil's advocate?? It actually takes a lot of courage to speak up against the general flow of your colleagues.

You should admire her, not "change am for her" because she's taking some shine off you.

@rotech77
Do you have water booster pumps in stock?

If yes, how much and what is the capacity? Can your team install?

So you also have shower heads meant for low water pressure use?

Kindly respond.

Zoe,
I think you need to provide more information as to what each of your packages include.

How many solar panels, batteries, inverter capacity etc

Any financing options??

Thanks.

@Barcholder,
Pls, what's the timeline for expecting a response to mails sent to Solynta?

No response to emails for a while now.

If the Solar@.... Account isn't active anymore, pls advice an alternate email address.

Thanks.

nextstep:
Saw this picture of a solar installation in Nnewi (courtesy of Solynta https://www.facebook.com/SolyntaEnergy/photos/a.479031498866287.1073741829.325033507599421/715867765182658/?type=3&theater).

I like the roof design, and might copy it for our next building... hopefully we can get some good ideas of how to make it rain-proof.

Has anyone experienced theft of these solar panels when placed at such lower heights on flat concreted roofs? I'm concerned their proximity to the roads/pathways and the fact that they're easier to access without too much notice might make them enticing items to be stolen.

That's like 2M on that roof!

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good electrician, preferably on the Mainland - Lagos?

Just small corrections/additions - not a big job.

Preferably someone you've worked with and doesn't make a mountain out of a molehill.

Thanks!

allCopacetic:
Outdoor wall lamps; recessed & surface Panel Lights

What is the price range of these your LED outdoor lamps?

unite4real:
This is strange. Which bank is it? What efforts have you made? You need to be on top of your account officer or better still, escalate it to their headquarters. Something is wrong somewhere.

I don't want to point fingers..... before people will start avoiding them. I'm assuming at this point that its a mix-up.

I'm equally concerned though that I have to "remind" them to pay.

Seems its not such a rare occurrence though, or is it? What could be wrong?

unite4real:
Have you been able to get your coupon payment?

No

@feelamong
What does your bank give you as evidence of purchasing bonds? I know for TB you get a certificate or something. Is it same for bonds??

When did you receive credit for yours if I may ask?

No, the 12.5% 22-JAN 2026

Is anyone facing delays in receiving their Bond coupons that fell due last week??

Does anyone here have any personal experience with using Dulux Weathershield? Are they worth the additional spend?

Also, is there a significant difference between the Dulux Trade Weathershield and the regular Dulux Smooth/Ultra Textured Weathershield (apart from the texturing that is).

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

efreaky:
Based on what you wrote here, you admitted to a crime you didn't commit, yet Lagos State government is at fault? Interesting!

If he had pleaded "not guilty", their case would have been adjourned indefinitely, with the driver in custody during that time. This is the basis on which they're able to get most people to plead guilty when they're not.

When you resource and pay supposed professionals on your job, the expectation is that they know what they're doing.... I always do a triple, quadruple check on their calculations and drawings but sometimes you have to just trust their judgement.

I would love to be able to report some professionals after their supposed designs fail after handing over the house, but alas!

I for one am just hearing about the inherent lapses in using PVC pipes. I would have thought if used properly, for small pressure applications as may be seen in residential houses, that it shouldn't be an issue.

Pls lets keep up this discussion. It will certainly help me and others either now or for future builds.

Thanks all.

@All

Many thanks for your valuable contributions- well digested. And I think there are others who are benefitting from this.

I need some more help though- as guessed by eriko, steel pillar carrying tank is cast into a tall foundation. It would be absolutely impossible to drop it, modify and re-stand. Anyone with ideas to modify this, pls share.

I know it isn't a distance issue because there are other bungalows fed from a 2nd lower tank on same stand, and supply is excellent.

My assumption is that because the supply is going up, against gravity, for the duplex, hence the sluggishness.

I will work on the option of increasing the supply line, while retaining the distribution piping.

Does anyone have an experience with power showers? As they have an inbuilt pump, do they help with pressure at individual showers?

Thanks again all.

FastShipping:
They have solar powered pressure pumps now.

Any suggestion as to where I can get this in country?

Where does this get installed? Right after the supply line from the tank?