₦airaland Forum

bassdow:
Budget like 60,000 naira to buy USEd DC fans; don't bother about their battery because you get to reUse your solar system's batteries. That way, your solar system would rarely know something is sharing battery with it even if you leave the FAN ON overNight.

Often I tell people, we waste money trying to run Solar systems; and that ends up making it too costly

Please any idea where I can get used and quality ones around Lagos? And you can pls post the kind of DC fans you recommend incase I see it around my environs. Thanks

genius43:
https://fouanistore.com/

Thanks

hoover420:
My maximum budget is 600k, minus solar panel( I intend using CDcare to buy the panels to save cost)
I already have a sunking system that powers my bulbs and a fan. I just need a system that can carry my 55 inch tv, PS4 pro, small freezer(105w) and 2 fans.

you can get a sachet inverter for less than 80,000 naira or a USEd (hybrid) inverter of less than 3kva for <= 150,000 naira

Would suggest you first BUY your batteries first. For your budget, na 12v system you would go for due to cost of batteries. Contact the likes of @Valto and @mrReed for battery or buy a used battery.

The moment you have a battery, the rest is easier.

Hopefully cdCare sells quality solar panels; becareful while trying to save cost

hoover420:
Please any idea where I can get used and quality ones around Lagos? And you can pls post the kind of DC fans you recommend incase I see it around my environs. Thanks

Go to Oshodi, Ask of where they call Arena at Oshodi. Inside that market, approach anybody and ask where you can buy a USEd rechargeable fan. Before you've asked like 3 people, they would direct you. Go for the ones that doesn't have batteries BUT don't tell them that. Just price it at starting price of 20,000 naira. Ensure you insist nicely while telling him it's what you got.

Continue being surprised at cost of things, feel free to blame Tinubu and co while lamenting at how cheap the fans used to be some years back.

Along the line, He would suggest you go for ones that doesn't have batteries; use a couple of seconds to think before agreeing. He might ask youbring 45,000 naira or 50,000 naira (na trick wey dey work on those wey no sabi the price), just tell him what you can do last last is 22,000 naira. Ensure you go as early as 11am so you have some minutes to waste. At end of the day, drag it BUT ensure you don't pay more than 25,000 naira.

In fact if you intends buying 2pcs or more, ensure you don't even pay more than 23,000 naira each.

Ensure you test everything BOTH the battery connection, and NEPA port to ensure it's working. They always have battery for testing BUT if they don't, not your business; insist they test it, and never be in a hurry.

Let them connect the batteries, and test it and you allow it blow you small, then ask they also test the NEPA part, only after then you can make payment.

Also, for your own good, ignore the fancy ones, go for something solid else na you go spend money on repairs. Last I bought 3pcs for a neigbour paying 23,500 naira each, I rejected 2 that had LCD display. I went for raw ones so should anything happen, wouldn't sweat me fixing it.


Before going to the market, use a tape and measure distance between where your inverter / battery is located to where you intends using the battery, add extra 3 feet to it and that is the length of wire you should buy. Ensure it's thick enough . A used thick wire is okay. The wire should be flexible 2-core (black & red) wire. Ensure it's thick Ooo BUT not too thick so you don't waste money. Shouldn't cost you more than 5,000 naira or even less

6 months? Why

fuckboys:
Just imagine my guy rejoicing in his WhatsApp status that he has done solar and Nepa can go to hell.

With this kind of setup in 2026?, well i give him 6 months.

Thanks. 120ah charge controller. Was advised to buy Felicity but d price no b here. Budget is 100 /150k

bassdow:
Have people looking to sell their used ones mostly due to upGrades and are mostly MPPT

As for whether there's difference between NEW or USEd, of course there always would be difference between a USEd car and Brand new car. When buying USEd, what matters is how USEd it is, and if it's ever been repaired before ELSE most times, no major difference EXCEPT of course, no warantee from the company since you didn't buy from them.

Also Asking for one to recommend affordable something without stating your max budget makes no sense because "CHicken cost, is based on who dey PRICE am" . That word "affordable" is always relative - what's affordable to Dangote could be very very very costly to You.

Good day boss. Pls cSn u recommend a good charge controller 120ahm.

bassdow:
to me, I suggest @cyif2003 first get the solar panels and charge controller. His only complain is they (mostly the wife + baby) now spend more time at home than before hence issue of NEPA is not morenow obvious.

No need getting another inverter or upgrading if their current system still serves them HENCE me suggestion to get the solar panels and charge contorller which costs between 50,000 naira to 100,000 naira depending on if it's used or new. That way, He doesn't spend unnecessarily.

The Solar panels + charge controller takes over the role of NEPA in life of the inverter. He saves the rest.

Should he spend all that budget now, he would end up repeating the system He already has which is small to begin with. He currently owns a 12v solar system; following the suggestions I see above means He would be repeating same thing again.

But by just getting the solar panels + charge controller, He's on his way to building a better upgraded system of either 24v or 36v or 48v .

Mind you, if not for the baby, madam wouldn't be on maternity leave hence the entire home leaves early in the morning and returns late at night/evening hence what they mostly need is Fan, lights, and a couple of others like phone charging, etc. Maternity leave no be forever; it's just for a while.

Once again, @cyif2003; you should buy:
2pcs of 400w / 450w / 500w solar panels (total of 200,000 naira or less),
a good MPPT charge controller (50,000 to 100,000 naira max)
1 bundle of NEPA wire (20,000 naira max) as PV cable

You continue using your current inverter and battery. Only think of changing the battery if after a while, you have valid reason(s) to. With the solar panels, the battery would mostly be used at NIGHT or during prolonged heavy rain else the Solar panels are the ones doing the heavy lifting.

Again, if you must buy a battery, look into going 24v or 48v which means you would have to also upgrade your inverter. A used 24v or 48v inverter would be much cheaper. Don't go and do 12v system twice abeg.

NB: There are lots of rubbish out there in the market. you're are less likely to buy them if you open your eyes + your're informed enough + spend better. For instance, a lot of inverters out there don't have quality copper coil. na mostly aluminium coil coated with copper and guess what; they're rarely as efficient as those with full copper.
Same with Lithium batteries sef. They just flood the market with those things while influencing buyers decision.

bassdow:
Go to Oshodi, Ask of where they call Arena at Oshodi. Inside that market, approach anybody and ask where you can buy a USEd rechargeable fan. Before you've asked like 3 people, they would direct you. Go for the ones that doesn't have batteries BUT don't tell them that. Just price it at starting price of 20,000 naira. Ensure you insist nicely while telling him it's what you got.

Continue being surprised at cost of things, feel free to blame Tinubu and co while lamenting at how cheap the fans used to be some years back.

Along the line, He would suggest you go for ones that doesn't have batteries; use a couple of seconds to think before agreeing. He might ask youbring 45,000 naira or 50,000 naira (na trick wey dey work on those wey no sabi the price), just tell him what you can do last last is 22,000 naira. Ensure you go as early as 11am so you have some minutes to waste. At end of the day, drag it BUT ensure you don't pay more than 25,000 naira.

In fact if you intends buying 2pcs or more, ensure you don't even pay more than 23,000 naira each.

Ensure you test everything BOTH the battery connection, and NEPA port to ensure it's working. They always have battery for testing BUT if they don't, not your business; insist they test it, and never be in a hurry.

Let them connect the batteries, and test it and you allow it blow you small, then ask they also test the NEPA part, only after then you can make payment.

Also, for your own good, ignore the fancy ones, go for something solid else na you go spend money on repairs. Last I bought 3pcs for a neigbour paying 23,500 naira each, I rejected 2 that had LCD display. I went for raw ones so should anything happen, wouldn't sweat me fixing it.


Before going to the market, use a tape and measure distance between where your inverter / battery is located to where you intends using the battery, add extra 3 feet to it and that is the length of wire you should buy. Ensure it's thick enough . A used thick wire is okay. The wire should be flexible 2-core (black & red) wire. Ensure it's thick Ooo BUT not too thick so you don't waste money. Shouldn't cost you more than 5,000 naira or even less

Thank you very much. This is very insightful

it rained yesterday and the thunder was.
Before I left my house, I thought I switched off my inverter because I'm confused up till now.

When I got back home and tried to switch on my 1kva inverter, it didn't power again.
But I noticed the inverter was warm as if it was working all these while.

Please what's the solution

I am here to learn

bassdow:
what's model of this inverter. Reason I asked is that error 8 mostly mans the Voltage from DC source is very high.
8pcs of 620w solar panels, hopefully were all not connected in series BUT we need know the model of this haisic inverter or you share picture of the sticker on the inverter's body especially the MAX PV input.

Most times, people only do simple maths on solar panels not considering other variables.

Also rushing to change a blown fuse or breaker, without trying to figure out the primary cause is wrong.

We need first be sure issue isn't from solar panels, before considering other variables. Also help confirm if you completely off NEPA / Gen.

I am also sure that inverter isn't grounded.

yes that inverter is not grounded. Could this be the reason?

adibo:
Dats not too bad. How many litres is it? Which brand?

I've been using it for so long I can't even remember how or how much I got it.

TheOldGods:
Guys I need help. I have haisic 8kwh and the 5kva inverter. 8 pieces of 620 watts. Yesterday I was working and my light tripped off by 2pm. It was strange. I went to check what happened. Only to see error 8 on my inverter. I noticed the dc circuit breaker was fried. Called my solar guy. He said that my breaker was too small since I was using higher voltage panels. He got a new breaker and connected last night. This morning I noticed. It was not working. Turned the breaker on and there was no sign on the inverter that it is seeing the panels. I am only running on battery. When I try to switch the breaker on to pass the solar to the inverter. I hear sparks in the dc breaker. Even on this new one

Breakers are over current protection devices. That installer needs more training.

bassdow:
Budget like 60,000 naira to buy USEd DC fans; don't bother about their battery because you get to reUse your solar system's batteries. That way, your solar system would rarely know something is sharing battery with it even if you leave the FAN ON overNight.

Often I tell people, we waste money trying to run Solar systems; and that ends up making it too costly

@bolded, can be a trick to save some thousands or waste it. You have to be able to do some basic repairs or troubleshooting to be able to use these rejected "solar fans" or rechargeable fans.

I recently checked a local fan repairer and picked up a neat Iwin fan for 20k. (Online it was between 85k to 100k+)The AC port doesn't work but the DC does so I use it with a DC adapter.

The fan will work and stop repeatedly.

So one day I devoted time to open it up and found out the wire to the fan motor was hand twisted making it to have partial contact.

I soldered the wire back, took time to oil the main fan motor and the swing motor. I Coupled everything back and it's been blowing like crazy without any issues.

Trippledots:
Breakers are over current protection devices. That installer needs more training.

intresting. So what do I need to protect the inverter from higher voltages next time. Cause it was error 8 and the inverter was not grounded. But grid still works on it and it still work normally just no pv

Good afternoon esteemed bosses. If I have 5 lithium batteries in parallel, do you advise that I get a combiner for it or leave it together?
I currently have 3 and I'm planning to expand with 2 more. The installer said I should just connect it together but I'm looking for an external opinion.

Thank you for taking your time to read and respond

UniversalDove:
it rained yesterday and the thunder was.
Before I left my house, I thought I switched off my inverter because I'm confused up till now.

When I got back home and tried to switch on my 1kva inverter, it didn't power again.
But I noticed the inverter was warm as if it was working all these while.

Please what's the solution

RTFM!!!!!

TheOldGods:
intresting. So what do I need to protect the inverter from higher voltages next time. Cause it was error 8 and the inverter was not grounded. But grid still works on it and it still work normally just no pv

A voltage regulator. You set the acceptable voltage range you want, and it will not allow anything outside that range go through.

TheOldGods:
intresting. So what do I need to protect the inverter from higher voltages next time. Cause it was error 8 and the inverter was not grounded. But grid still works on it and it still work normally just no pv

Your installer needs to reduce or re arrange your panels so they don't exceed the maximum allowable voltage for the inverter.

dannyCodes:
Good afternoon esteemed bosses. If I have 5 lithium batteries in parallel, do you advise that I get a combiner for it or leave it together?
I currently have 3 and I'm planning to expand with 2 more. The installer said I should just connect it together but I'm looking for an external opinion.

Thank you for taking your time to read and respond

Depending on their capacities, you may need to introduce a busbar system.

HeavenlyBang:
A voltage regulator. You set the acceptable voltage range you want, and it will not allow anything outside that range go through.

For PV over voltage?? 😳

Trippledots:
Depending on their capacities, you may need to introduce a busbar system.

5.5KWh each.

Trippledots:
For PV over voltage?? 😳

Ah, thought it was grid.

HeavenlyBang:
A voltage regulator. You set the acceptable voltage range you want, and it will not allow anything outside that range go through.

Can this be used on PV side?

dannyCodes:
5.5KWh each.

Busbar

cyif2003:
Thanks. 120ah charge controller. Was advised to buy Felicity but d price no b here. Budget is 100 /150k

Quality item costs money Oga. reason I most times suggest buying USEd ones of high quality.

A used Quality item is much better than a brand new low quality item.

And Felicity got lots of FAKEs in the market. If you must buy Felicity, go their office.

Also, you want to buy a 120AH charge controller with budget of 150,000 naira and below. You sure say you get idea wetin you dey find so ?

Also how did you conclude you need a 120AH charge controller ?

CuteMaro:
Can this be used on PV side?

NO.
You use it on the AC input side of the inverter to protect it from NEPA or Generator fluctuations

Trippledots:
@bolded, can be a trick to save some thousands or waste it. You have to be able to do some basic repairs or troubleshooting to be able to use these rejected "solar fans" or rechargeable fans.

I recently checked a local fan repairer and picked up a neat Iwin fan for 20k. (Online it was between 85k to 100k+)The AC port doesn't work but the DC does so I use it with a DC adapter.

The fan will work and stop repeatedly.

So one day I devoted time to open it up and found out the wire to the fan motor was hand twisted making it to have partial contact.

I soldered the wire back, took time to oil the main fan motor and the swing motor. I Coupled everything back and it's been blowing like crazy without any issues.

See eh, when I buy FANs, I go there myself and check it out. Also most times, the FANs being sold are Good. Your case is more of an issolated case.

The more reason I suggested He tests everything before leaving. I am telling you what I have done several times. why spend close to 90,000 naira for a single FAN when 20,000 naira or slightly lower could achieve same though without battery WHICH you don't need as the battery go still spoil SOONer than LATEr.

In fact me sef dey sometimes open the FAN there before paying to avoid surprises. The more reason I prefer buying from those who rePair to sell either at Arena @ Oshodi, or Alaba market

bassdow:
NO.
You use it on the AC input side of the inverter to protect it from NEPA or Generator fluctuations

Yeah, thanks. Just asking coz I got confused with the initial response.

TheOldGods:
yes that inverter is not grounded. Could this be the reason?

see how long it took you to get back to us. Me sef wey respond don forget wetin you write then.

Well from the sticker, 8pcs of 620w solar panels can only be in series as if you try doing 4S2P, you risk exceeding the max input current.

What we don't know if the issue is from NEPA / Generator (You still didn't inform us if you completely offGrid or not) or from the Solar panels BUT either way, that inverter needs servicing / repair even if it still works.

mayBe you could also share with us specs of the first and second breakers that were installed so we sure issue wasn't improper sizing of the breakers