viperVIP:
Sorry I'll have to mention this, I once dealt with Keye, they are very fast and prompt with repairs FOC, but ensure you don't connect their inverters to grid or else it will go bad in few days. I repaired more than 4 inverters before I found out, no matter the SPD you use, it won't make a difference. Their solar lights, error!

For Felicity, I bought 2 units of their 175w solar panels yesterday for a small back up project, I also bought the Elejoy 800W solar panel multimeter to measure the maximum power output of the panels, I was able to get 101w from 175w at the peak of the sun. That's horrible if I'm asked, huge waste of space. Do anyone else has this experience?

Bros before you confirm you're disappointment with the panel. Can you ensure

1) it's not "backing" the sun and is on an axis that harness sunrise and sunset in your location.

2) if you already have no 1 sorted. Please consider optimising the tilt angle of your panels. This often overlooked factor can mean the difference between generating 100WH and 130WH in the same position.

Try this first before concluding (this is assuming you've not tried it).

All the best my oga.

zeestone99:


Tomzn AVR/Current limiter - 10k

Ok Sir.

earthrealm:


You need to...
So the inverter inbuilt overload protector serves as plan b.
Buy the resettable type, so you can set the passtru current to jive with 70% capacity.

Thanks boss. Any resettable brand you can recommend?

Another thing is how will be resettable w regulator deal with surge demands. I guess technical spec will be able to tell avr response time .

FEGEITOK:

Respect includes teaching your family and your staff to respect your inverter.

I learned that the day one of my workers connected a 1,000-watt iron to a 1.5KVA inverter.

I had to warn him not to cause problems for me!

I concur with all you've said oga mi.

E reach to warn am oo (@ bolded). My system is not up yet but I'm seriously considering adding a IV (W) regulator downstream the inverter. (ie. device won't allow you draw more than set KW at any one time). Do you think this works? (The only issue I see here is perhaps, surge power requirements being blocked)

Alternatively will be to wire an inverter exclusive socket round the house and I don't want that.

earthrealm:


hahahahhaha, i have been on both sides of the table at different times, so i have an unbiased perspective.

errrm, but lemme ask you....since we all know that these chinese products are substandard, why do we still buy them?...why not go for premium products that cost an arm an a leg like victron or morning star?. the morning star 60amps charge controller is 650 dollars...wch is about 500k plus, then seller factors in profit..its heading towards 600k for a bloody charge controller -- but it comes with a robust 5yr few questions asked waranty, they sent out a replacement unit, sharp. but we all prefer the elcheapo 100k charge controller and still expect a world class performance. .

for these chinese products, most sellers are middle men and dont have the willpower & muscle to push for waranty from where ever they bought it from, only felicity, growatt , aedunamis to some extent, have i heard honor waranties. i would advice if you must buy these chinese products ..buy direct from the big distributor in nigeria, 2nd best option buy from the manufacturer/or big seller in china. they usually have a 1yr waranty, felicity i learnt does 2yrs waranty...Deye offers 5yrs waranty..but costs over 2x that of the average china inverter....so the avg nigerian runs from it. victron offers 5yr waranty, but costs about 4x the cost of avg china inverter .- na so people dey pick race, .....

Baba before nko Why person no go pick race. Me sef run 🏃‍♀️ like say them dey pursue me.

Me think that the "secret" is we shouldn't go for the absolute lowest priced inverter as much as possible. However whatever you end up with, respect it and its design flaws.

Because that product that you swear didn't serve you has served another person for 2 or more years of no problem.

tizteezy:


Thank you chief


I once saw Daikin at Panaserv though

I don't know if they're original Daikin or another country of origin.

Daikin Authorized distributors in Nigeria are:

1) EMC
Address 1: Lagos office: No.5 Sanusi Fafunwa Street, VI, Lagos
Address 2: No 4, Kandi Close, Wuse II, Abuja
Tel: +234 8096666641
Email: sales@emc-nig.com
Website: www.emc-nig.com


2) Panaserv Nigeria Ltd, Victoria Island
247B, Muri Okunola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: +234 8108371888
Email: vi.sc@panaservgroup.com
Website: https://panaservgroup.com/

contease:
For those who have been following and supportive through this journey, "The prof"@GeorgeD1, one of the "Techiest"@Niyi, and everyone, thank you so much guys. Even though it's been slow but determined, Finally am up and running with my 4 x 600w Pv (paired as 2S2P), though with 80amp cc and a 2.4kva, 2x230Ah battery...

All planning, accessories purchase, design, fabrication, mounting, installation, connection etc, all proudly done by me with the supports and ideas gotten here!

Can't appreciate you guys enough for the heads ups!

Baba congrats!
We dey your back. Carry go.

FEGEITOK:


Thanks for sharing your trick to get the perfect shape for the earth rod.

I will copy your style.

No worries Baba. Thanks for all you share too. I appreciate.

zeestone99:


Yes you need protective devices.
Dm me for prices

Call/chat - 08117398294

Ok boss.

vta2008:


You do well. Thanks a lot. 👏😊

No worries bros. We are all learning and contributing by rubbing minds and thoughts.

mangolpupa:



Lol....... na farming things sure pass . I will upload some literature as soon as disposed so that you'll be better informed when discussing with your solar installer. Being a knowledgeable client is always useful.

My Oga @vta2008, see attachment. I hope you find it useful

NiyiOmoIyunade:
GEM is a generic name for Ground Enhancement Material. There are so many types and varieties and offers from various manufacturers.

The ones I have access to, Enrico or Buntex .... cost under 25k for a 25kg bag. Make I nor spoil market for sellers.

The trick to saving on material and achieving superior but low cost earthing is to bore/auger a narrow hole in the ground for each rod and space your rods properly instead of the massive gullies and trenches people like to dig

Please see reference pictures below

Niyi baba. GEM is really the way to go.

I went to nVent Enrico and searched for thier distributors in Nigeria. When I called, one didn't have, the one that had told me it was 45k for 11kg. It was mentioned it comes in a bucket or bag with a handle. Me like this market you wan spoil . because the difference is not here.

Aware of that but the person I contracted told me he doesn't have the tools to auger a hole. So it was done the "hard way". 1m x 1m hole. Now since I don't have the perfect hole. I will be precasting the GEM with a plumbing pipe not more than 16cm diameter. Intended length pipe length is 1m. Attain Enrico GEM Slurry mix density 63.5lb/ft3. Allow 3 days to set and 28 days curing.

Upon curing, remove pipe and gently lower precast GEM into position. Backfill the square hole, then add inspection unit.

Of course, augering a hole will be better but as I no see how I go auger am, na this method I go use.

Niyi, I go reach out to you about this nvent Enrico abeg. Thanks for your input.

What type of protection (and why?) should be added to an Hybrid Inverter AC OUT line. I recall zeestone once mentioned that safety devices should also be added downstream (AC OUT) an inverter.

vta2008:


😂😂😂 e don enter farming things. Thanks a lot. I'll discuss the GEM option with the installation guy when my money complete.

Lol....... na farming things sure pass . I will upload some literature as soon as disposed so that you'll be better informed when discussing with your solar installer. Being a knowledgeable client is always useful.

vta2008:


Thanks for the list of solutions. All I need to know now is if the setup can be easily moved when switching apartments. Spending N180K everytime person move na die.

Of all three solutions, Theoretically (as I haven't done it personally) the one that can be moved from one house to another will be GEM based earthing. This is because upon application it sets like cement with the earth rod inside it and you can lower it to the design depth and forget about it. So conversely, if you want to transfer to another location, you carefully dig around it and gently pry it out like you are digging out a long tuber of yam 🍠.

I asked around and a bag of GEM of 11kg is about 45k. You would need at least 2 bags to get a mixture with correct density for the lowest application volume as per manufacturers recommendations.

AnnieTiz:
Good afternoon guys

Please kindly help me out here

I am about purchasing an AC and I'm confused about which to go for out of the two below:

1. Kenstar 1HP inverter

2. LG Gencool dual inverter 1HP (more expensive)

Please kindly respond ASAP, thank you

LG dual cool inverter. Much quiet operation and cools. Secondly if buying from authorised dealer you get product warranty. Should it go bad, parts and knowledge to correct it will be easier cause its an established brand in Nigeria.

vta2008:
Thanks to NiyiOmoIyunade, FEGEITOK and others that have been speaking about lightning wahala, I never knew it was a problem till this evening.

Just got off the phone with my installer and he said he didn't add it to the initial setup cost as he saw I was a bit worried about extra costs. SMH.

If he had explained the need for it, I would have sourced the money by fire by force as replacing all my damaged electronics would be more expensive.

Anyway, the rains have not started here in Sokoto till maybe May, so he'll setup the lightning protection etc. by the end of this month or early next month after pay day...will cost me N180K.

Thanks again guys ❤️❤️

You're on the right path. Just for your information, as has been mentioned here before, lightning strike doesn't need rain before it lashes out.

For your earthing solution, in order of "superiority"

1) GEM based earthing (maintenance free, @ least 30yrs)
2) Bentonite based earthing (low maintenance)
3) charcoal, industrial salt, manure based earthing (high maintenance)

Compliant:


Dont mind jumia.

As I was about to checked out the amount 22,000 turn to 27,000

Ok thanks. Jumia no do well oo.

Compliant:
I am getting this from jumia now, just 10w

Please what is your feedback on this fan. Is it stable and blows well ? Have you been able to verify that it's 10W?

Thanks in anticipation

gadgetplanetng:


At the installation where I had to replace the inverter and panels just last month, installer claimed it was sufficiently protected (there's no way I know of to test till it's too late)

There's a big quality/standards issue in our country.

Sorry for your loss. Couldn't agree more! This country is suffering from a dearth of knowledgeable tradesmen or professionals. it seems no sector is spared: building, plumbers, tilers, electricians, engineers. This problem makes it more appealing for people that are DIY inclined to do a lot of the thinking and gathering of information. In an ideal situation, it shouldn't be. The installer as a solar engineer should have advised of possible scenario (as a Nigerian that understands his environment) and provided solutions. If he tells you, Oga, you need to put SPD here and you say not yet then if something goes wrong, you know you were informed.

With the relative high cost of solar installation, such avoidable mishaps can be saddening. Thanks for sharing this experience so that some of us on the journey to solar energy freedom will be encouraged to strengthen our resolve for adequate material/human safety.

GAZZUZZ:


The problem is not indomie

Please what could it be?

@gazzuzz corolla is guzzling fuel. The culprit is no indomie which was stolen during a previous car works.

Biko how much is original or first grade tokunbo "indomie" for a corolla?

mank1234:


It's not a good practice to mix AC and DC in same board except you're going to take the extra precaution of labeling each line apriopriately. Else, there is potential for catastrophe should an external person is invited to do servicing at the panel.

Personally, I used one DB for mains AC, generator AC, solar DC. As a precaution, the wires are well labeled, and I keep a circuit diagram of the wiring inside the DB as reference for whoever is to work on it tomorrow.

Mank1234, thanks for response. I am assuming that you still have a 3 way changeover upstream the main DB. So that you can control what AC out (Gen or Grid or Solar) is distributed throughout the house using existing wiring?

kalu61:
I can provide you with one.

Sorry for late response boss. Not needed anymore.

Trippledots:


Still need one?

Sorry for late response boss. Not needed anymore.

zeestone99:


Why don't u want to create a separate db

As I have conceptualized it, I want to keep the electrical connections simple. The original DB is been designed to have safety devices (SPD/RCCB/MCB) installed which will feed the unique areas in the home.

So creating a separate DB would mean additionally running cables from the new DB (which is linked to the inverter AC out) to the areas of interest in the home? Which means additional cables and connection.

Morning All.

Current setup is that generator and grid power(changeover switch) uses the same distribution board for electric distribution. With solar installation in view, I still want to use same DB without having to create an alternative DB and wiring for solar power.

Is this proposed solution tenable because someone I spoke to had a different thought process?

Any electrical the house, available for work? Location will be East. If interested and available, please drop your details and I will reach out.

Any electrical in the house, available for work? Location will be East. If interested and available, please drop your details and I will reach out.

FEGEITOK:


I also spoke to Palette/Techland and I am delaying my purchase because I prefer 550W to 380W.

Because of work I haven't really researched who else has but if I do, I will share with you.

Jinko is also my first choice.

But I might have to change plans if they are not available by April latest which is when I intend to set up the system at the latest.

Ok. Many Thanks.

FEGEITOK:


I never took offense. From our chat here, I had to go back and install earth wire in my home AC unit and office AC unit.

That validates your point.

The second issue that validates your point is that with so many technicians the client maybe more educated on the stuff that he is contracting the vendor/tech on. That to me is very bad. Its your field. Why can't you keep up with the technology? Why can't you hold a conversation on it with your client? Isn't that a chance to demonstrate your mastery and make the client relax that you know your onions?

So I never took offense.

You raised a very valid point on earthing and I am determined to confirm that all is well on that front since I have no other way of confirming that they did the proper thing.

Third issue that validates your point is that lights were blowing left right and center until the client decided to replace the DB the vendor/tech installed with a another DB.

It is events like these that make me take a very active interest in whatever installations are done for me.

I don't want my money to work for me. I want to understand exactly how the money is doing that work for me so I can interrogate the process.

If I didn't have that knowledge when I found out that the ELCB was bad at 11pm (as I just stepped into a dark house meanwhile everyone had light around me and the indicators were showing that I had light at the meter).I would have remained in darkness till the next day. Which tech was I going to call to come and sort me out at that time?

But because I have such knowledge I rigged up temporary lighting until I was able to replace the ELCB with a RCCB

Good morning & thanks brother. You're right, it always helps when we know how things around us works.

For me, I will be starting my electrical system integrity (connections & earthing installation) checks and upgrade within the next few weeks. So that I can be reasonably satisfied with what follows next.

NEPA has shown household shege, so I need to look for an alternative like many of us here. I have settled my mind for either Jinko or Yingli panels. 1st choice is Jinko. Do you know any authorized Jinko seller? I contacted techland and Paletteng but they only have 380W.

FEGEITOK:

My point was that if I bought an RCCB of doubtful provenance, then not only is there a risk of shock, but to my mind, my equipment is at risk.

Now, I am not under the impression that I need to save some cash to make extra profit, that is what some artisans would do. Neither am I willing to engage some heavy height electrical engineer for this to my mind very small project - the engineer will most likely use the proper RCCB but i will have to pay heavily for engaging him.

That said, since I have benefited immensely from this forum, let me also share so others can benefit as well.

If you need guidance on RCCB and ELCB and why the former is better, then please find time to watch these videos:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVJeh-PQGHM


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J4LhGMd1Hw

I feel that my earthing is in order, but to test it. I will most likely need to engage a fit and proper electrical engineer for that task

My Oga I greet you. Be assured that my comments are generic and well intentioned with nothing personal in it in case misunderstood.

That said, thank you for uploading this Sir. I and others are sure to learn from it.