₦airaland Forum

IsaKielEnergy:
Since retightening the battery connection fixed it last time, I'd ask your installer to properly check the battery cables and lugs tomorrow, not just tighten them again. Look for heat marks, a cable that's loose inside its crimp, or a lug that's the wrong size for the cable. A poor connection makes the voltage drop when the load comes on, so the inverter can shut off early even with 25% showing, and it can stop charging too.

Also ask them to check whether the battery's BMS has locked out (some need a reset), and what low-battery cutoff is set on the inverter.

Until they come, I'd avoid switching it on and off repeatedly.

Thanks, I’ll make sure the installer does the aforementioned. Meanwhile how do I check whether the battery’s BMS has locked out? Because I can see the battery percentage on the app but it hasn’t changed since morning. Just stuck in 25 percent

hoover420:
Thanks, I’ll make sure the installer does the aforementioned. Meanwhile how do I check whether the battery’s BMS has locked out? Because I can see the battery percentage on the app but it hasn’t changed since morning. Just stuck in 25 percent

Post your battery app screenshot

oloet:
Post your battery app screenshot

It is currently in 20 percent, it was in 25 percent about 12 hours ago. Though I didn’t connect it to the house, I just left it in neutral

Check the cable between your inverter to battery

hoover420:
Guys, I think I’ll need a technician to come check out my inverter.
The inverter shut down even though the battery still had 25% left. After that, it stopped charging from both the grid and PV, and it only comes on when I switch on the PV.
I eventually switched off the inverter and the battery. When I tried powering it back on, the inverter wouldn’t come on by itself. it only comes on when I switch on the PV, but it still won’t charge. It keeps blinking red, which looks like a fault.
A similar issue happened a few weeks ago. When I called the installer, he just dusted off the inverter, re-screwed the battery connections, and it worked fine again.
Now the same problem has started. I also noticed that the fan no longer makes any noise, which usually means it’s not charging.
@bassdow @valto

Check the cables, if there is a breaker between your battery and inverter check that too

hoover420:
It is currently in 20 percent, it was in 25 percent about 12 hours ago. Though I didn’t connect it to the house, I just left it in neutral

hoover420:
Thanks, I’ll make sure the installer does the aforementioned. Meanwhile how do I check whether the battery’s BMS has locked out? Because I can see the battery percentage on the app but it hasn’t changed since morning. Just stuck in 25 percent

Your update actually helps answer that. The fact that the percentage is still changing (25% yesterday, 20% now) suggests the battery is awake and reporting, so it probably hasn't locked out completely. A locked-out battery usually stops reporting altogether, or its own display or light shows a fault or goes dark. Your battery's manual will say what its lights mean.

A battery that slowly drops with nothing connected, and won't take charge from either grid or panels, points back to the connection between the battery and the inverter, or to the inverter itself. So Gshems is right: the cables, lugs and any breaker between them are the first things for your installer to check, along with the error code on the inverter.

Until they come, I wouldn't let it keep draining. If your battery has its own power switch or breaker, check the manual on whether it's safe to switch it off so it stops losing charge.

iraybuju:
Mind you the so called popular batteries where once a “no name” if you do your research most of the so called popular names don’t produce cells they just assemble like many others.

ofcourse but the problem is many of them flood Alaba and Ikeja.they don’t even have service centers or offices in Nigeria…I will rather buy itel and taico at their offices than buy Jinseng in Alaba ….

AyarmBoye:
ofcourse but the problem is many of them flood Alaba and Ikeja.they don’t even have service centers or offices in Nigeria…I will rather buy itel and taico at their offices than buy Jinseng in Alaba ….

Buying where there's a real service centre is a good rule, because a warranty is only worth something if someone in Nigeria will honour it. For a less known brand, a few checks help:

1. Ask for the cell type and grade in writing (for example LiFePO4, Grade A), plus the BMS current rating.
2. Do the maths on the label. 12.8V x 200Ah is about 2.5kWh, so a "2.5kWh 12V" battery should be 200Ah. If the price looks too good, the cells may be smaller than the label says.
3. Test it at home in the first week. Charge it full, run a steady load you can see on the inverter display (most show the watts), and time how long it lasts. A genuine 2.5kWh battery should run a steady 100W for close to 20 hours. If it dies after 10, the capacity isn't what the label says, so take it back while you still can.
4. Get the warranty terms and the seller's address on the receipt.

None of this guarantees a battery, but it catches the worst fakes early.

smallsmall:
I understand your point, Bro.

Just because a Product is New in the Market, or the Name is Chinese or does not 'ring a Bell' or even because it is NOT Expensive, does not mean it is of Bad or of low quality!

In Nigeria, we usually associate "quality" with "High Price" but experience has shown that Sellers are capitalizing on our assumptions and just upping the Price for us.

Some Sellers are New therefore, their Products are relatively Unknown.
But they want to "break" into the Market and make a name for themselves so, they (initially) reduce their Prices, to attract Customers since they know that we are all Price-sensitive!

It is after they have established The Quality of their Product in the Market, made a Name for themselves, that they then revert to Normal or even higher Prices.

My suggestion:
- Read Reviews, from those who have actually bought and used the Product.
-Rread such Reviews from Reputable and Independent Sites like TrustPilot.
- Check the Sales level of the Product: the more the Buyers, the more trustworthy their Reviews
- Pay attention to their "Warranty & Returns Policy": Manufacturers who have confidence in their Products, are not afraid to offer long Warranties and will make 'Returns' very easy for their Buyers, should they have any issue with their Product. They are just confident that only a very tiny Fraction of Buyers will have the need to Return their Product


BTW: I was having this same discussion an hour ago, with my youngest Child, a University Freshman, who wants to buy a Soldering Iron for one of his Engineering Courses and we saw a "Cheap One" that has Temperature Control, On/Off Switch, Extra Solder Tips, etc.
His immediate response was: Dad, l dont want that One, if it is that cheap, it cant be that good!
Young Man did not even bother to read the reviews or any of the other things l mentioned above.
Ofcourse, l am the one Paying, shey you get.

Your youngest child dey uni? That means you are probably in your 50s. Wow.

Thank you sir, I greatly appreciate.

bassdow:
rePeatedly, we've shared and discussed, and even argued the PROS and CONs of such systems hence wouldn't wanna go back to it.

BUT

If I were in ya shoes, and don't wanna spend much, I would do the below:

Ensure Fan is DC. Have shared how to buy them at dirt CHEAP prices and wouldn't be rePEATing ma self again

Buy 1pcs Brand New 625w halfCut mono solar panel or 2pcs of USEd 350w Mono solar panel for not more than 100k

1pcs quality 12v 200Ah battery (New or USEd). If Lithium, feel free to do 100A but if leadAcid, must be at least 200AH

A quality USEd 60A MPPT charge controller for <= 100k

1pcs of DC 400W 15A step up boost converter or similar for approximately 10k

With the above, you can power your loads and even add 2 more laptops and could even add TV if it's the type that uses external power adapter.

NB: The above gives 100% room for fuuture upGrades with almost no reason to reSale anything which is often one major way to loose.

Gshems:
Check the cables, if there is a breaker between your battery and inverter check that too

It was checked and everything looks fine, he even checked the wire that connected the battery to the inverter and it also looks good. Though I wasn’t home when the installer came, but I can see that the inverter is back to normal and charging with grid and PV. Now the issue is, it is becoming a recurrent thing, can it be due to the panel I installed 2 months ago? I mean I added 585 watt to the existing 535 watt to the inverter (1.5kva). Could it be the reason why the battery keeps disconnecting from the inverter once in a while? I asked the installer but he wasn’t even sure

IsaKielEnergy:
Your update actually helps answer that. The fact that the percentage is still changing (25% yesterday, 20% now) suggests the battery is awake and reporting, so it probably hasn't locked out completely. A locked-out battery usually stops reporting altogether, or its own display or light shows a fault or goes dark. Your battery's manual will say what its lights mean.

A battery that slowly drops with nothing connected, and won't take charge from either grid or panels, points back to the connection between the battery and the inverter, or to the inverter itself. So Gshems is right: the cables, lugs and any breaker between them are the first things for your installer to check, along with the error code on the inverter.

Until they come, I wouldn't let it keep draining. If your battery has its own power switch or breaker, check the manual on whether it's safe to switch it off so it stops losing charge.

Thank you, the installer came and checked everything out and he was able to get the inverter to start charging the battery via grid and PV, though the charging from the grid has been relatively slow. It is currently at 37%. The issue now is that, it is becoming a recurring thing because this is the second time it is happening in 3weeks. I can’t say for sure if it had anything to do with the extra panel I added to the existing 535 watt I was using (585 watt). I have installed it about 2 months ago. Now could it be the reason for the low voltage or the reason why the battery loses connection to the inverter? This has only happened in the morning( I mean both times the inverter shut down)

Hello bosses please how is this battery…I know it’s an average battery but is it still solid like the likes of itel…I need to replace my mums tubular batteries this December a d I’m about to start a pay small small plan for it…..Please I need to your responses ASAP….

hoover420:
Thank you, the installer came and checked everything out and he was able to get the inverter to start charging the battery via grid and PV, though the charging from the grid has been relatively slow. It is currently at 37%. The issue now is that, it is becoming a recurring thing because this is the second time it is happening in 3weeks. I can’t say for sure if it had anything to do with the extra panel I added to the existing 535 watt I was using (585 watt). I have installed it about 2 months ago. Now could it be the reason for the low voltage or the reason why the battery loses connection to the inverter? This has only happened in the morning( I mean both times the inverter shut down)

From my experience, it could be your breaker misbehaving.
Or your inverter, if it's hybrid (sorry, I didn't read from your original post).

I worked with a Lux inverter before, it will stop to change at intervals.
It only stopped doing that when I factory reset and set everything again.


Maybe try this two...
Factory reset, and/or change your battery breaker.

IsaKielEnergy:
Some quick numbers that might help you decide:

A 12V 125Ah lithium pack stores about 1.6kWh (12.8V x 125Ah), so it holds roughly 60% more than the 1000Wh power tank.

Your daily use is probably around 0.8 to 1kWh: a laptop for 6 hours is about 360Wh, a router left on all day about 240Wh, a fan for 8 hours about 400Wh (much less if it's a DC fan), plus phones.

So the 1000Wh tank would just about cover a day with little room to spare, while the 1.6kWh pack gives you headroom.

The catch with building it yourself is everything around the cells: a proper BMS, a fuse, a charge controller, an inverter or DC converters, and correct wiring. If you're comfortable doing that safely, the self-built pack gives you more for your money. If not, the power tank is plug-and-play and comes with a warranty, which is worth something.

If He/She has to be told certain things, Then such person(s) ain't RIPE yet for building a battery pack.

Lithium battery packs are super easy to build / Assemble . Also equally easy to mess up or not get things right even if they appear to work.

HopeFully, He/She ain't trying to assemble the pack themselves to cut down costs because the reverse would always and often be the case except they know what they doing.

Bruh, you have the manual with you naw..... Check for the error codes on manual, that'll really help pinpoint what the problem is... I strongly believe the added panel isn't the problem.

hoover420:
Thank you, the installer came and checked everything out and he was able to get the inverter to start charging the battery via grid and PV, though the charging from the grid has been relatively slow. It is currently at 37%. The issue now is that, it is becoming a recurring thing because this is the second time it is happening in 3weeks. I can’t say for sure if it had anything to do with the extra panel I added to the existing 535 watt I was using (585 watt). I have installed it about 2 months ago. Now could it be the reason for the low voltage or the reason why the battery loses connection to the inverter? This has only happened in the morning( I mean both times the inverter shut down)

IsaKielEnergy:
Since retightening the battery connection fixed it last time, I'd ask your installer to properly check the battery cables and lugs tomorrow, not just tighten them again. Look for heat marks, a cable that's loose inside its crimp, or a lug that's the wrong size for the cable. A poor connection makes the voltage drop when the load comes on, so the inverter can shut off early even with 25% showing, and it can stop charging too.

Also ask them to check whether the battery's BMS has locked out (some need a reset), and what low-battery cutoff is set on the inverter.

Until they come, I'd avoid switching it on and off repeatedly.

Also the way some of these new inverters try to cut down costs eh, common to use cables beyond 4mm is becoming a huge task. You think HaiSic own worse till you see toys inverters from brands such as Katrina

iraybuju:
Mind you the so called popular batteries where once a “no name” if you do your research most of the so called popular names don’t produce cells they just assemble like many others.

unFortunately, when I started this talk, I was refering to those that were like Limited Edition.

e get difference between New product vs this situation

hoover420:
Thank you, the installer came and checked everything out and he was able to get the inverter to start charging the battery via grid and PV, though the charging from the grid has been relatively slow. It is currently at 37%. The issue now is that, it is becoming a recurring thing because this is the second time it is happening in 3weeks. I can’t say for sure if it had anything to do with the extra panel I added to the existing 535 watt I was using (585 watt). I have installed it about 2 months ago. Now could it be the reason for the low voltage or the reason why the battery loses connection to the inverter? This has only happened in the morning( I mean both times the inverter shut down)

The bolded ain't the issue here.

Also you need speak with your installer. I do understand some (if not most) try to be so mute so the client has no idea as the more experienced a client is, the less money you can make off them (at least that's what most thinks) BUT in a near recurring issue, If I were in ya shoes, I would demand a permanent solution.

Mind you, there are a few who really don't mind because those coming and Goings puts extra pennies in their pockets. I know it ain't easy BUT still would suggest you demand to know what's really happening and how to put a stop to it.

Good evening my ogas,
Please,is there a possibility of inverters communication with DIY lithium batteries via the comms port?

AyarmBoye:
Hello bosses please how is this battery…I know it’s an average battery but is it still solid like the likes of itel…I need to replace my mums tubular batteries this December a d I’m about to start a pay small small plan for it…..Please I need to your responses ASAP….

make una please answer me now abeg

Bankyshinani:
Good evening my ogas,
Please,is there a possibility of inverters communication with DIY lithium batteries via the comms port?

YES but mostly depends on the inverter and the kind of BMS used on the lithium battery.

That a battery is DIY especially Lithium doesn't make it any less of a good or bad battery because a mostly COUPLE dem couple am by purchasing the necessary parts.

bassdow:
The bolded ain't the issue here.

Also you need speak with your installer. I do understand some (if not most) try to be so mute so the client has no idea as the more experienced a client is, the less money you can make off them (at least that's what most thinks) BUT in a near recurring issue, If I were in ya shoes, I would demand a permanent solution.

Mind you, there are a few who really don't mind because those coming and Goings puts extra pennies in their pockets. I know it ain't easy BUT still would suggest you demand to know what's really happening and how to put a stop to it.

I have spoken to the installer about the recurring issue but at some point, it looks like I am doing oversabi. Infact I told him about the suggestions I got on this platform but baba just ignored it and did his thing. At the end of the day, It seems he isn’t a solar enthusiast, I believe he’s an electrician but knows how to do solar installations (even though he now base on solar installations). Meanwhile he knows paying him has never been an issue. I think I’ll look for a real technician to check it out for me. It’s better I spend money to properly check it than for it to end up faulty. We don enter heat season, I don’t think I can live with this heat at night.

AyarmBoye:
Hello bosses please how is this battery…I know it’s an average battery but is it still solid like the likes of itel…I need to replace my mums tubular batteries this December a d I’m about to start a pay small small plan for it…..Please I need to your responses ASAP….

First you ought to have asked to know those who have direct or indirect experience on said battery.

only after then would you continue with this question.

Secondly, all these pay @smallSmall plans are total rip off. If you can't afford soemthing, either wait till you could OR go for a cheaper option.

SomeOne posted some things for sale couple of days ago, did you consider checking those out ?

Na gbeSe dey keep person poor Ooo

Now to respond to ya question; I don't and rarely have experience on such anyhow things. Me dey take ma time before making the leap

hoover420:
I have spoken to the installer about the recurring issue but at some point, it looks like I am doing oversabi. Infact I told him about the suggestions I got on this platform but baba just ignored it and did his thing. At the end of the day, It seems he isn’t a solar enthusiast, I believe he’s an electrician but knows how to do solar installations (even though he now base on solar installations). Meanwhile he knows paying him has never been an issue. I think I’ll look for a real technician to check it out for me. It’s better I spend money to properly check it than for it to end up faulty. We don enter heat season, I don’t think I can live with this heat at night.

tlDr: Fire any hire you not comfortable conversing with.

You said "I believe he’s an electrician but knows how to do solar installations"
Being an electrician, no matter how good doesn't make one automatically good or even average enough in Solar field. I say this out of experience.

You said "(even though he now base on solar installations)." yea I'm quite aware of such trend BUT no blame them. they need pay their ever rising bills. Issue is, most rarely are willing to put in the require work to attain needed knowledge.

You said "Meanwhile he knows paying him has never been an issue." Well I would take such comment with a pinch of salt because Clients can be very funny; most especially the low paying ones. Dem be like some group of people wey fit spend 20 naira on woman, wan collect 120 naira. Na only you and your hire that knows better.

---

Wow!!! you got here, no wahala; Continue below

First of all, before we blame your hire, we need be sure you ain't at fault here.

You don't buy a tecNo phone but expect experience of flagship phones from brands such as sonyXperia, Huawei, Motorola, etc.

Secondly, when I outSource projects, no matter how small, I ensure you're passionate about what you do, not just working for the money. Even when I need hire assistants to assist me during solar installations, I ensure you not the sort who just wanna get out as soon as you could.

I also try as much as possible to ensure I got at the very least a basic idea BECAUSE you no fit supervise wetin you got no idea about.

Also, I quite understand a lot of professionals, even doctors and halfBaked Auxiliary nurses hate it when the person paying the bill tries making any suggestion even if you prefix your suggestion with the word "abeg no vex"

BUT Me rarely run into such people because I'm so stewPid I SeeYouBeforeYouSeeMe hence; one it's difficult pretending, secondly, I would have vetted you long before having the slightest idea I would ever need your service(s).

bassdow:
First you ought to have asked to know those who have direct or indirect experience on said battery.

only after then would you continue with this question.

Secondly, all these pay @smallSmall plans are total rip off. If you can't afford soemthing, either wait till you could OR go for a cheaper option.

SomeOne posted some things for sale couple of days ago, did you consider checking those out ?

Na gbeSe dey keep person poor Ooo

Now to respond to ya question; I don't and rarely have experience on such anyhow things. Me dey take ma time before making the leap

This your response get as e be…A platform make something easy for the buyers at regular prices,this price is even below the market price of same battery..you said gbese Dey make people poor..you also said if I can’t afford it I shouldn’t buy….This Mentality Ehn! You do realize that most things bought in the western countries are installments? Anyways thanks for your input…I’m sure I’m not the only one who uses cd care here….

AyarmBoye:
This your response get as e be…A platform make something easy for the buyers at regular prices,this price is even below the market price of same battery..you said gbese Dey make people poor..you also said if I can’t afford it I shouldn’t buy….This Mentality Ehn! You do realize that most things bought in the western countries are installments? Anyways thanks for your input…I’m sure I’m not the only one who uses cd care here….

If items sold on those platforms really are the same price as other vendors, then I am deeply sorry for jumping to conclusions. However,...

Litewriter:
Bruh, you have the manual with you naw..... Check for the error codes on manual, that'll really help pinpoint what the problem is... I strongly believe the added panel isn't the problem.

I already checked the manual for those errors it was bringing out and it still point to the fact that the battery voltage has dropped too low even though i still have charge left in the battery before the inverter just switched off. That’s exactly why I called the installer to know what’s wrong and to check the battery connection to the inverter to know if there is any burn in the wire but he says the wire is fine and the breakers are also good.

hoover420:
I have spoken to the installer about the recurring issue but at some point, it looks like I am doing oversabi. Infact I told him about the suggestions I got on this platform but baba just ignored it and did his thing. At the end of the day, It seems he isn’t a solar enthusiast, I believe he’s an electrician but knows how to do solar installations (even though he now base on solar installations). Meanwhile he knows paying him has never been an issue. I think I’ll look for a real technician to check it out for me. It’s better I spend money to properly check it than for it to end up faulty. We don enter heat season, I don’t think I can live with this heat at night.

Would suggest you give him room to rePent by first informing him that you dislike the fact He rarely listens to your inputs, YET issue remains.

If He ain't gonna listen to you; at least He should ensure you got no room for complains

hoover420:
I already checked the manual for those errors it was bringing out and it still point to the fact that the battery voltage has dropped too low even though i still have charge left in the battery before the inverter just switched off. That’s exactly why I called the installer to know what’s wrong and to check the battery connection to the inverter to know if there is any burn in the wire but he says the wire is fine and the breakers are also good.

Did you check the cable(s) as suggested by the other person. The manual wouldn't tell you most things. And a loosened cable can make an inverter or anything see lower voltage.

I signOut

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Somebody needs an electrician/solar technician within ketu and Ikeja for a gig, you can reach out to the ad above

bassdow:
tlDr: Fire any hire you not comfortable conversing with.

You said "I believe he’s an electrician but knows how to do solar installations"
Being an electrician, no matter how good doesn't make one automatically good or even average enough in Solar field. I say this out of experience.

You said "(even though he now base on solar installations)." yea I'm quite aware of such trend BUT no blame them. they need pay their ever rising bills. Issue is, most rarely are willing to put in the require work to attain needed knowledge.

You said "Meanwhile he knows paying him has never been an issue." Well I would take such comment with a pinch of salt because Clients can be very funny; most especially the low paying ones. Dem be like some group of people wey fit spend 20 naira on woman, wan collect 120 naira. Na only you and your hire that knows better.

---

Wow!!! you got here, no wahala; Continue below

First of all, before we blame your hire, we need be sure you ain't at fault here.

You don't buy a tecNo phone but expect experience of flagship phones from brands such as sonyXperia, Huawei, Motorola, etc.

Secondly, when I outSource projects, no matter how small, I ensure you're passionate about what you do, not just working for the money. Even when I need hire assistants to assist me during solar installations, I ensure you not the sort who just wanna get out as soon as you could.

I also try as much as possible to ensure I got at the very least a basic idea BECAUSE you no fit supervise wetin you got no idea about.

Also, I quite understand a lot of professionals, even doctors and halfBaked Auxiliary nurses hate it when the person paying the bill tries making any suggestion even if you prefix your suggestion with the word "abeg no vex"

BUT Me rarely run into such people because I'm so stewPid I SeeYouBeforeYouSeeMe hence; one it's difficult pretending, secondly, I would have vetted you long before having the slightest idea I would ever need your service(s).

Thanks for your suggestions, I’ll end up looking for a technician or an installer that understands the basics and has experience with inverters like this. The only reason I kept calling him back is because he was the one that initially installed the set up and from his conversation sef, I think he hasn’t installed this particular brand before.
Also I am not stressing the inverter, so it’s not like I am expecting it to work like top brands like you stated. My maximum load has always been 400watts, except weekends when I use the washing machine and it doesn’t except 800watt.
It’s the fact that it keeps bringing out recurring issue that is my concern.