₦airaland Forum

Thanks Guys,
So I must maintain one battery type with same AH? that means buying the 4 x 100AH was a waste of money since the old ones are still game....

Hi all,
I've finally got my MPPT controller, and 3 x 24v x 250W panels (sharp). I also got opportuned to get 4 x 100AH 12v batteries sold by a firm. I've contracted a welder to fabricate the base for laying the panels on d roof.
Over the weekend, in preparation, I added the 4 battery to the existing 4. So I have 2 battery banks now. One is 4 x 100AH 12v and the other is 4 x 200AH 12v (Hope the difference in AH isnt a problem?)

Each of the battery bank is connceted in series to get 48v and both banks are joined in parralel via 2 cutout fuses. One cutout is for the positive of both battery banks and the other is the negatives. The inverter DC/battery leg was connected to these cutouts (+ve & -ve respectively).

The inverter receives AC supply via a PRAG 10kva stabilizer. All connection are made with 10mm multi-core power cable.

So the outstanding thing now is to place the solar panels on d roof and run the wire down to the MPPT controller and battery (via the fuses).

The 2 battery banks read 50.4v after connection. I was able to also charge them with my Gen and used the inverter overnight.

I will later upload the pics. For the Gurus in the house, please can you help confirm if my setup is OK especially as it concerns the 2 battery banks with different Amp hour ratings, before i proceed further?

Cheers

Guys,
If you are able to buy / Install and inverter with battery bank, I recommend you secure that investment with a Servo type stabilizer like 10kva PRAG. Its not the relay type. I've got my inverter and whole 4 batteries damaged because of PHCN fluctuations. It cost me 45k to buy but its worth it compared to replacing 4 batteries and cost of inverter repairs...

Cheers

@George,
Many thanks for the clarifications. Well understood

@ George.
I thought I was following well as a good student, but i got somehow confused again. I've tried going back to the posts were you may have answered similar question but still unsure;
1. Theoretically, the output from solar goes into the MPPT charger whose output connects to the battery terminals. Why do you have a fuse (or breaker) between the solar & MPPT charger.

2. It also seems you have a fuse between the MPPT charger and the batteries. is that right? If yes why so?

3. What exactly is the MC4? What do I loose not having it?

4. The fuse you used are similar ones we use for AC (NEPA cut out) right?

5. You posted that one needs a minimum of 4 solar panels. My plan is to get 2x 250W x 24v for a start. Wouldnt that work (in conjuction with the NEPA & GEN sources)?

Apologies is my questions are silly

Woh!!! Speechless!! Welldone

Widows might sent. may God handle the rest. You shall testify of his wonders

Why not setup a solar aray for them? With the generator they will surely have light with it but in days to come, they will spend money fuelling it and moreso, the gen must be maintained. Once you start having technicians touch it, you start planning to replace it.

But with natural energy (Solar) all you need is SUN.
Checkout this thread for more details - https://www.nairaland.com/390522/solar-energy-complement-fta/28

@George: Thanks for the info. I already placed the order for the MPPT and the meter. Many thanks to Akanniade. Sent him mail for clarifications and he did call me and explained.
I already spoke to Titus. Hopefully by the time the orders arrive, i should have enough fund to buy 2 of the 250W 24 panels for a start. Then I should be part of the Hybrid league.

Oh! I have also ordered Battery Life Saver BLS-48A 48v Battery System Desulfator Rejuvenator. Hopefully it will help desulphate the batteries and give them long life.

Oga George,
is this the controller you use?
http://www.amazon.com/MorningStar-TriStar-TS-60-Battery-Controller/dp/B004N3U74Y/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1357419699&sr=8-8&keywords=mppt+solar+charge+controller

@BodeJohn,
Please can you share how you sourced your charger? I understand you got it cheaper compared to local costs?
Also if you dont mind, can you post the pictures of your panels now (where they are located). Are they on the roof?

Two Bedroom Bungalow at Isheri-Osun after Jakande Estate Isolo for rent at N150,000 a year x 1 year
Call 08032001534 / 08023244307 for inspection.
Or email patdozie@yahoo.com

geniusbami: My brother, I got scared when I see some people advising U to throw ur hard-earned money into the icean of forex... O yes! Ocean! Let me tell U, I spent good money to attend seminars, workshops and all what not, to learn the strategies to make a kill in Forex trading. I invested in Laptop, Monthly Data and even Inverter to guarantee that even NEPA don't affect my controls on my open positions at any time. This was since 2009. What I found out is that THERE'S NOTHING AS WORKING STRATEGY TO KEEP GAINING. Gamble is Forex and Forex is Gamble. Earn today and be ready to lose it along ur capital tomorrow. It's even worse than Baba Ijebu. I had Alpari-UK and Fx-Pro as my brokers, so don't even think I was dealing with those without reputation.

Well, I shouldn't leave telling U without what has been working for me. It will beat ur imagination. Check the l¡nk under this post. I will as well give U more details via the email address U provided.

When U've signed up and seen the great potentials, kindly share ur experience with others on this platform.

Good luck.

You captured my Forex experience 100%. Bottom line, what you gained in 1 month you can loose in 2 minutes. Big Gamble!!!

Guys,
Has there been a kick-off meeting already? Can we have a date to the next meeting and venue? And please send me the registration from - patdozie@yahoo.com

@bodejohn,
Nice one. Congrats. We'll definitely liaise with you once we are ready to join the league

deeplo: @ George D, what can i do without you huh? my prayer is that MAY YOUR COAST NEVER RUN DRY... AMEN.
@ pdozie, can you give me any information more to who i can contact since you have once walked the road? Thanks all @ pdozie kindly get in touch i have questions to ask. 08067617402 thank you

Hi Deeplo,
Sorry i havent been on this thread for a while. I've tried reaching you on the number but somehow I don't get to hear you (guess network issues?).
Anyways, if you still need my input on anything, you can shoot me mail -> patdozie@yahoo.com

Cheers

werepeLeri: I honestly dont know what people want from this government. At the rate we are going, Nairaland will soon be taken over by people who cant make any intelligent contribution to any topic, I mean, what kind of contribution do people make when all they can say is to call the President names because he makes an effort to improve on things! These are the same people who will soon start crying about how bad the roads are and urging GEJ to resign because of that. If you want to criticise, why not wait till after the holidays to see if roads were better or not? It is not a must that you must comment or criticise, but if you must, it should be logical and makes sense, or what do you think my people?

The man orders roads to be rehabilitated, una go shout, if he didnt say anything, una go still condemn am. Haba! One day, one of you will be there and it is just natural that these same things will be done to you. No be so?

The man is a joker - which part of his pronouncement is funny? I cant find it. The man is a fool, just because he orders roads to be rehabilitated. Shuo.

I expect you to begin to call me names because of my comment, but that one no bother me, if you can call your parents names, why wont you call anyone else names. Na wa.

Maybe the man should have said - destroy all roads before Christmas - and you will for once see something good in his statements.

Best comment so far...

@George: The relay type I was using was 5KVA whilst this one is 10KVA. The PRAG Servo has a digital LED that shows you the Input voltage and the output. The relay type had analog reading. The interesting thing with the PRAg servo LED display is that you see the fluctuations in voltage. For about 3 minutes, I stood watching it, voltage fluctuated between 209V to 218V and for all those times the output was steady at 220v. Very impressive.
Also the PRAG servo is better in looks (good looking

@earthrealm: Here are numbers you can try Mr Henry on - 08033289101, 08025810677, 08191473697; 08061259694

Cheers

Thanks George.
@Akanniade, LOL. You are quite right. Everybody that saw it thought it was another electronics evolution. Nice and cute. Gives a rest of mind too.

Team,
I just bought 1 10Kva PRAG servo stabilizer today - 45,000 at Buyright. Will install it morrow. I've also started replacing the batteries. Got one 200AH 12v Zenith battery from mr Henry.

http://www.buyright.biz/index.php?module=product&event=viewdetail&pid=64

We always want to catch on something that potrays the Government in bad light. the poster was right in his report but he careful refused to state that Okupe did apologize and withdrew the statement.

Everyone one is pouring venom on Okupe & GEJ on the basis of the posters report - doesnt it make all of us silly? Isn't okupe right then?

Sometime i am amazed at how we Nigerians react. All along many people were clamouring for a conference - whether sovereign or whatever name it is - it matters less now. GEJ is now buying into it still many are not happy. haba!!! What should he do? Call soldiers to take over??

Splendid!!! Welldone George. Very encouraging.

Meanwhile I've got my Inverter repaired by SIMBA industries. Verdict is that it was damaged by PHCN voltage fluctuation. First thing now is to buy a Servo motor stabilizer. I got a company that sells a 10kva one at - N55,000.

Akanniade suggested it is sold for N45,000 but this is the cheapest I've seen so far: Prostar stabilizer (120 bode thomas 08023527507;08033309158; 01-8146429)

Cheers guys

@ Akanniade,
Good insight. I had bought two different 5KVA relay stabilizers - both didnt last. The PRAG servo motor stab may worth trying. But that will be after replacing the basic systems

Many thanks

@George,
My question was based on the suggestions that i should remove the weak battery. I know of course that the inverter was designed for 4 x 12V batteries.
I may end up changing both the inverter and the batteries. The inverter itself, though working before the batteries damaged, was giving other uncomfortable signs. E.g.
1. Most often than not, the LED displays either shows blank or displays jargons (like codes)
2. Almost everyday if you switch on the inverter, it goes off and on - sometimes upto 6 times before it stabilizes. I've expereinced occasions also when it power cycled after many hours in operation, which would have killed my fridge compressor had no one been around.

I had asked my cousin to take the inverter to Sukam service center in Surulere but he was not attended to due to crowd. There were so many people. I have been looking for inverter technicians but no success yet (seems like a good area for some people to invest in -> talk of self employment opportunity)

I share your thoughts on "Inverter Charge conterollers". If I have to change my inverter, I will definitely go for same capacity - 3.5. But it also means I must buy 4 x 200aH batteries. If there was "Inverter Charge conterollers", I could start with few batteries and regulate the controller till I have the required 4.

idsolar: Kai this is a direct hit. sorry. d lowest in volt will drag d others to quick grave. discard. check inverter charging system. all d best

Please how do I check the charging system? Can I use a meter to check it? The technician that promised to come check the inverter didnt turn up as agreed, so I might as well check it myslef (if I can)

Cheers

Thanks guys. I havent got a replacement battery for now. If I remove the dead battery will it not affect the setup since I have 4 batteries in series? Can I still remove it and leave the other 3 in series? Not sure if that works.

Please advice

Hi George,
You are very right on the 'bitter truth'. I couldnt think of another way. It is well.

Good day George,
No - I havent incoporated solar solution to my setup. I charge the batteries with public power (PHCN) and generator. The day it happened, gen was not used at all as we had PHCN power for over 8 hours.

A school of thought reasoned that it was possible the inverter charging unit was not regulating properly but it was not visible because of poor power supply in the past, meaning that the batteries were never fully charged to their max. There was a substantial improvement in PHCN in the last few weeks. May be, the batteries now only got to the maximum charged point at which point the inverter charge controller should begin its work but failed.
It sounds logical. The highest reading I've got from the batteries is 52-53V. But then, its hard to believe that over 3 years the batteries never got fully charged. may be the cutoff point for voltage regulation on the inverter is low. (Just guessing)

Current status: Yesternight there was no PHCN power. The Inverter actually supplied power from the batteries. Three batteries swell up (each of them still read between 12.2 - 13.1V). The remaining battery that wasnt swollen read 6.1V. Total output 47V. The inverter didnt go off till I left this morning.
I've got someone that will only be chanced by weekend to have a look at the inverter. The plan now is to use the batteries as is now
- Leave them to charge with PHCN or gen power with close monitoring.
- Switch inverter to Bypass if the batteries seems to start bubbling (fully charged may be)
- Never leave inverter to charge battery overnight (put to bypass)

Thanks George. I use Sukam 3.5
Anyone in this forum know a good technician for Su-kam inverter in Lagos?

Hi George,
Pls what could have happened to my batteries:
I came back from work yesterday and noticed acidic smells coming from my inverter room. I asked my wife but she wasn't sure and being so weak and went to bed. later at night when I woke up the smell was so strong so went to look further and discovered that all the 4 batteries are swollen up and bubbling out gases!!! This is about my 3-4yr of using the inverter and havent experienced such. The room where the inverter is has enough ventilation so I am at a loss what went wrong.
I can only sense that the inverter was charging the batteries without regulation anymore. Could it be true? What could have caused that all of a sudden? 4 x 200aH battery gone overnight!!!!!!! That is a serious setback to my solar dreams.

I just want to be sure what the cause of this problem is so I dont have to buy new batteries and have them damaged again.

@everyone, your input/advice is required

Cheers

I setup an iceblock making business. Bought some machines that turns about 60 pieces of 3.5kg tied water (in nylon) to ice blocks - in 14 hours. good business but very poor sales in rainy seasons.

Machines were locally fabricated