Flips:

Please I will like to buy a solar inverter (3.5kvA) + 4 batteries. Do you know a reliable seller(s) in Lagos?
Where did you get yours if I may ask?

0703022

I would really be following this thread.

I am yet to upgrade my system to include solar panels yet but very soon.

I already have a Threshold 800va inverter ( I was told its same as sukam falcon series) . I have been using for over 2 years now. No single issues save for power fuse shorted a few time due to ultra low current from mains which I replaced and it biz as usual. I would recommend this for anyone with modest power requirements as they have served me well.



My twin 200ah 12v batteries I got from an auction of obsolete items from a bank I worked with before. Ritar is the brand name and though they were already not retaining power like before they still served my modest power needs for almost two years before they started not retaining a charge for long.[center][/center] for the price and state of use when I got it..them don try jare

Would have to get new batteries when I do upgrade to solar. I would lean towards getting same Ritar brand having used and experienced how robust they were. Infact my generator dey gather dust that time..it really was still is a fuel and life saver.

Infact one of them I revived when it stopped taking a charge by opening and filling the cells with "battery water" from my neighbourhood battery charger.. its charging now though retains power for only 30 to 45 mins with the tv on.and .up to two hours with just my low wattage fans working.

---

.

I now spend more on fuelling to charge..hence my resolve to go solar ASAP.

Ipower Inverters and Solar panels are the best around.. I know peeps who use them

@ SycophanticGoat
Please you didn't tell us the appliances your inverter successfully powers.
Thanks.

donxab:

This is huge!
We did a similar project in SHESTCO Abuja some years back!
93,000W is really huge! Did u use string inverters for this project?

Probably

We thought about the tenants in the forecourt shop and the load they might want to us.

We have a 150kva Cat generator as back up.
But national grid, hell no

[quote author=SycophanticGoat post=46288491]Dear Nairaland Solar System Users,

My aim of creating this thread is to make it easier for would be solar panel consumers to make informed decisions before getting their own solar system. It will also enable me to be able to convince people about going solar and the best brand of products to purchase. People have been marketing solar businesses here and there, but we don't know if their products will last long in service.

I'm presently using some Indian products I suppose, and I'm quit satisfied with some while other ones are quit disappointing. So I employ all solar system users to kindly come in and talk about their batteries, inverters, charge controllers and solar panels.

I'll talk about the brands I'm using and also, will talk about the brands I've heard about.

INVERTER

Firstly, I'm using Microtek (1.6KVa/24V) Pure Sinewave Inverter which is a very strong one and is almost getting to it's sixth month. Why I classify it as a strong inverter is that on several occasions, I've had it plugged into a socket that feeds off itself mistakenly but it hasn't developed any fault at all. From what I've heard, this can outrightly damage an inverter. I've been more careful these days but as you all know it, mistakes are bound to happen and I usually tend to repeat it once in a while. By the way, it's made in India.

I've heard about Indian brands like Su-Kam, Luminous and Synergy. These set seems to be the high end Indian products and from what I've heard, it seems they do their work well tho might be costlier than others. My bro used his Luminous Inverter for 18 months before it developed fault.. I've heard only very little about other brands like MPower, SoccerPower, etc. From what I heard about these other inverters, they are ok.

From the person I purchased my solar system, I got to hear of American brand called TriStar. Quit expensive but does it job outstandingly well.

BATTERIES

This one seems to be the major problem people are likely to encounter when going solar. There are so many brands of batteries out there but getting a cheap one that will last long is quit difficult. I'm using 2 of 12V/200Ah PowerTek Deep Cycle batteries, of which one of them is giving me issues just within 6 months of purchase. One of the batteries never gets beyond 10.7 volts after full charge (and during initial us sage) while the other reaches 12.9V after full charge and during initial discharge. The man I bought it from asked me to have a car battery charger to charge the faulty one separately but I've not had the chance for that yet.

I've heard about Luminous, Synergy and Su-Kam batteries and from what I heard, they are pretty ok, although expensive. A friend of mine that works for a Solar system coy told me that the top three Indian products in Nigeria are the strongest ones among the Indian ones. And that they hardly get complains from consumers in that regards. My brother has used Luminous battery for 18 months and it appears to still be working fine while his Luminous Inverter seems to be faulty after using it for 18 months.

TriStar is expensive but better than the Indian batteries though.

One of the top Chinese brands in Nigeria is Mercury. I've not used it before, but based on what my bro said, he was like people that he knows that use it don't complain. It's quit cheap and in same range as some lower end Indian products in terms of prices.[Where can I learn solar and inverter installation on Lagos.]

Very wise move and good choice.

Please do not let anyone try to put a meter on it. Once you purchase and have your on Solar panels you have all the Free Electricity that the panels and sun can offer.

If I may ask sir, how many solar Panels do you use with the charge controller?

SycophanticGoat:
CHARGE CONTROLLER

In this case, I use a Chinese product and it did get faulty whenever my batteries discharge below the Low Voltage Disconnection Protection (LDP). In this case, I've changed this product twice (within six months) due to the guarantee period given by the guy that sold it to me. From its pack, it is more of a nameless product.

In this case, TriStar is expensive but as usual will give you value for your money. I neither know nor have I heard much about Indian brands of Charge Controllers. Although I've used one in the past which worked pretty well and always tells me when I should switch off my inverter by a red signal light. Will get the name later and post on this thread.

SOLAR PANEL

For panels, I think any panel will do. All the consumer has to do is ensure that the ratings are accurate. Ask the seller to test the Short Circuit Current and Voltage for you and once done, multiply the current (I) by the Voltage (V) to see if it is close to or same as the panel power ratings in Watts. After confirming this, just take your panel home ensuring you prevent it from damage during transport and installation, and you should be good to go. Solar panels last for as much as 20 - 25 years or more. Though in dry seasons and dusty areas, they require cleaning once in a while. However, in rainy seasons, rainfalls can help you clean them up.

My products are 2 of 300W/24V panels. Quite heavy and large.

Someone asked me to help him acquire his own system and i therefore want to get inputs from Nairalander before making my decisions on brands to go for. So I ask that users of solar system come in and give their bitter or good experience using brands of batteries, inverters, charge controllers and solar panels. And also, mods please take us to front page for more contributions

davodyguy:
Its really interesting.

We just commissioned a mega gas station adjacent to Lagos Business School in Ajah and it is fully solar powered

No single electricity from the national grid.
All ACs, pumps, lightings and equipment all get fed from the solar panel.

It cost is millions of naira

We have 48 *3 batteries. Installed i.e 144 200Ah batteries and 93KVA total power available at the station

I'll appreciate if you can share the full details of this setup.

I'm planning to stay off the grid too.

SycophanticGoat:
CHARGE CONTROLLER

In this case, I use a Chinese product and it did get faulty whenever my batteries discharge below the Low Voltage Disconnection Protection (LDP). In this case, I've changed this product twice (within six months) due to the guarantee period given by the guy that sold it to me. From its pack, it is more of a nameless product.

In this case, TriStar is expensive but as usual will give you value for your money. I neither know nor have I heard much about Indian brands of Charge Controllers. Although I've used one in the past which worked pretty well and always tells me when I should switch off my inverter by a red signal light. Will get the name later and post on this thread.

SOLAR PANEL

For panels, I think any panel will do. All the consumer has to do is ensure that the ratings are accurate. Ask the seller to test the Short Circuit Current and Voltage for you and once done, multiply the current (I) by the Voltage (V) to see if it is close to or same as the panel power ratings in Watts. After confirming this, just take your panel home ensuring you prevent it from damage during transport and installation, and you should be good to go. Solar panels last for as much as 20 - 25 years or more. Though in dry seasons and dusty areas, they require cleaning once in a while. However, in rainy seasons, rainfalls can help you clean them up.

My products are 2 of 300W/24V panels. Quite heavy and large.

Someone asked me to help him acquire his own system and i therefore want to get inputs from Nairalander before making my decisions on brands to go for. So I ask that users of solar system come in and give their bitter or good experience using brands of batteries, inverters, charge controllers and solar panels. And also, mods please take us to front page for more contributions

How much did it cost

pragmatistm:
@op, all solar panels are not the same at all. The best ones are the noncrystalline type. They convert the solar energy better and last longer in use.

According to the article below, the best and most expensive is mono crystalline type.

http://energyinformative.org/best-solar-panel-monocrystalline-polycrystalline-thin-film/

Good talk. for solar system to make sense you must the technicality in it. 1. Solar type. There are
.two types. Mono and poly. one is better than the other. it cost a little more. We have fake in the market as well, like under voltage. Inverter. there are so many inverter types, make, and sizes. some are not durable. the inverter have to do with battery management. the rate of discharging your batteries. Battery. well, there are different types of inverter deep circle batteries. some are of very short life circle. you have to know that before hand. Don't look for low price when going for reliable durable inverter and solar system. durability is the key. pay for it once and you tune your back on it. Just .enjoy.

Yes it can sir, but it wont last too long coz I'm sure u'll also run yout tv and light bulbs. should give a few hours

Flips:

Please can a 2.4 kva with 2 batteries carry a fridge and fans at the same time?

My firm is deals with solar systems, we give generous warranty offers on every single system, feel free to e-mail me: Lanjonath@hotmail.com

Flips:

Please I will like to buy a solar inverter (3.5kvA) + 4 batteries. Do you know a reliable seller(s) in Lagos?
Where did you get yours if I may ask?

[quote author=petekayo post=46306445][/quote]
Please how can I reach you? I am looking to buy a sola4 inverter and need some guidance from experienced folks here. An email, bb pin or phone number will do

Cost varies based on the equipment's used and appliances powered but usually should start around N300K plus

Kelechi2020:
Following strictly....i would love to know the cost implications though...

EgunMogaji:


I'll appreciate if you can share the full details of this setup.

I'm planning to stay off the grid too.

Oga, na money ooo. We spent millions of naira. Will give you a contact to call

Lanjonath:
My firm is deals with solar systems, we give generous warranty offers on every single system, feel free to e-mail me: Lanjonath@hotmail.com

I will do that

Yh, you should add Solar to the mix, you won't regret it. It'll be a hybrid system that uses all three sources to run your home and if incorperated properly, you'd probably touch your gen. once every few months

amokemi:
I have the inverter system that feeds on either PHCN or generator. I'm considering adding solar panels and probably get off PHCN totally. Here to read and learn.

B

Funny enough, that's wrong. Mono and Poly are both excellent, they both have their advantages and disadvantages. Depends mainly on the climate

pragmatistm:
@op, all solar panels are not the same at all. The best ones are the noncrystalline type. They convert the solar energy better and last longer in use.

Can you send an e-mail to: Lanjonath@hotmail.com. I may be able to help out with this.

balogwink:

nice thread, pls how much is it going to cost me if I. want to have one that can power 2 led TV/one fridege/chest freezer home theatre/ bulds 10's. the kva that I might need/hours to run and the cost thank u

pragmatistm:
Do you want to do it yourself or you need professional service?

both depending on the cost.

Flips:

Please can a 2.4 kva with 2 batteries carry a fridge and fans at the same time?

The capacity isnt enough to power a fridge.

Lanjonath@hotmail.com

Flips:

Please how can I reach you? I am looking to buy a sola4 inverter and need some guidance from experienced folks here. An email, bb pin or phone number will do

Flips:

Please how can I reach you? I am looking to buy a sola4 inverter and need some guidance from experienced folks here. An email, bb pin or phone number will do

call/whatsapp 08137539988

petekayo:
Where can learn inverter and solar installation in Lagos . Advise needed urgently

My coy offers practical training
call/whatsapp 08137539988

femimat:
I have a 2.4 kva inverter, what will it cost me to incorporate a solar panel... Thanks

you require the following items
(4) 200w solar panels
(1) charge controller
6mm cable roll
Solar Panel mount
Nails & Clips
call/wgatsapp 08137539988

emvico:
after spending all this amount of money, some useless boys will just come and take it

The useless boys who didnt think of climbing your roof to take your antenna.

promisengr:


According to the article below, the best and most expensive is mono crystalline type.

http://energyinformative.org/best-solar-panel-monocrystalline-polycrystalline-thin-film/

yes you are right. It was the Google keyboard that changed it to noncrystalline. I meat momocrystalline.

promisengr:


According to the article below, the best and most expensive is mono crystalline type.

http://energyinformative.org/best-solar-panel-monocrystalline-polycrystalline-thin-film/

yes you are right. It was the Google keyboard that changed it to noncrystalline. I meat monocrystalline.

sychophanticgoat y ain't u replying anybody ?? I just wanna ask how many hours does the solar last after being charged fully and how many hours does it take for it to be fully charged for a 3 bedroom flat with 3 fridges 1 led tv 5 fans 13 bulbs 2 electric kettle and others sha. anybody pls answer