Barezzi:
Lovely setup Pranil.
Been tinkering with my proposed setup, and finally came up with the attached.
I have no plans to sell to the grid or go fully off grid.

Supply to the 2nd essential load panel will be controlled by my battery SOC.
Have a look and lemme know your thoughts.

The setup looks enviable. Few thoughts

1. The battery is too small for 4.6 KVA load unless that is your peak load for bedroom /lights - 400 AH is hardly 10 KWH at 50 % DOD at 3 KW it is not even 3 hours of runtime in the night . I have exat seame battery size and I can run 800 watts for one whole night ( which includes 300-500 Watt of bedroom AC)

2. You might want to consider running the inverter in hybrid solar mode during daytime to maximize that 6 KWp Solar panels solar production . In that case I suggest to use changeover along with DOD cut off to keep non essential loads connected to grid if available on days when solar production is not enough otheriwse one angr better half

3. You might consider reducing the solar panel size and investing that amount in energy efficiency ( long term effects will be similar) specially as NEPA bill also comes down. Solar prices will always drop for next few years and you can always add more 1.5 KW diakin or LG AC is around 200,000 NGN but can run on as low as 300-600 WATT. LED bulbs ( i found the Yellights and Philips both reliable )- The yeelights are specially good at less than 20 USD in addition allow dimming and color change from you rsmartphone - http://www.gearbest.com/smart-lighting/pp_361555.html

pranil:

The setup looks enviable. Few thoughts

1. The battery is too small for 4.6 KVA load unless that is your peak load for bedroom /lights - 400 AH is hardly 10 KWH at 50 % DOD at 3 KW it is not even 3 hours of runtime in the night . I have exat seame battery size and I can run 800 watts for one whole night ( which includes 300-500 Watt of bedroom AC)

To clarify, my house will be divided into 4:
Panel #1 will carry ALL the light points in the house and circuitry in the Master bedroom. (~400watts @ night with aircon , 100watts without)
Panel #2 will carry the kitchen, wholehouse fans, and Main lounge (~400watts @ night) This panel will drop off once the battery SOC gets to 70% due to grid failure or cloudy days.
Both panels above will not exceed 4.6kva.
Panel #3 will carry 13A sockets in the rest of the house and 15A sockets in the laundry room/water pump. This panel will get bi-directional feed from the inverter during the day.
Panel #4 will carry the remaining 15A loads in the house, and will be supplied directly from PHCN.

I plan to concatenate panels 1 to 3 in a single 3-phase panel, while panel 4 will be stand alone.
I also plan to upgrade me banks to at least 500Ah. My goal is to keep nighttime backup load demand to 500w.

I've got me sights on LG inverter aircon

pranil:

2. You might want to consider running the inverter in hybrid solar mode during daytime to maximize that 6 KWp Solar panels solar production . In that case I suggest to use changeover along with DOD cut off to keep non essential loads connected to grid if available on days when solar production is not enough otheriwse one angr better half

See comments above

pranil:

3. You might consider reducing the solar panel size and investing that amount in energy efficiency ( long term effects will be similar) specially as NEPA bill also comes down. Solar prices will always drop for next few years and you can always add more 1.5 KW diakin or LG AC is around 200,000 NGN but can run on as low as 300-600 WATT. LED bulbs ( i found the Yellights and Philips both reliable )- The yeelights are specially good at less than 20 USD in addition allow dimming and color change from you rsmartphone - http://www.gearbest.com/smart-lighting/pp_361555.html

I love automation and control, and i'm looking at integrating the above using zwave via homeseer hs3. Keep it coming bro...

interested in home automation too. any practical experience to learn from here?.

Its been a while since I discussed my personal home set up.
I recently hit 3kw pv strength. my 2 yrs old trojans still firing like new. I have switched charge controllers from morning star to FM80 and now midnite classic.
I now live off grid and hardly drain my bank below 49.5v(with load) by 6.30am when I wake up. I now switxh off my 4kw mustpower(1.5 years old) inverter off when leaving home for work. once I return home ,I go tru d logged data. my batts reaches absorption usually by 1pm.

abunafiu:

I now live off grid...

Going off grid sounds intriguing, but alas! it's not for the faint of heart

abunafiu:
interested in home automation too. any practical experience to learn from here?.

Its been a while since I discussed my personal home set up.
I recently hit 3kw pv strength. my 2 yrs old trojans still firing like new. I have switched charge controllers from morning star to FM80 and now midnite classic.
I now live off grid and hardly drain my bank below 49.5v(with load) by 6.30am when I wake up. I now switch off my 4kw mustpower(1.5 years old) inverter off when leaving home for work. once I return home ,I go tru d logged data. my batts reaches absorption usually by 1pm.

I Have personally tried following air conditioner controllers for automation and love the ambilight followed by broadlink followed by Tado - too lazy to put links but google it they are easily found.

On the lights I primary use philips hue with logitech harmony and amazon alexa works wonderfull. Personally I found zwave too much headache. My samsung smartthings is far from smart and constantly looses connectivity with my projector screen controller and it's own socket

too many variables in Zwave and not consistent echo system

I found the broadlink platform quite good specially their power socket which keeps a history of the power use and current use for any appliance. Very Good to monitor fridge and AC

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Broadlink-SP2-EU-Smart-Home-Wireless-Remote-Control-Electrical-Smart-Plugs-Sockets-By-app-control-switch/32655943437.html


I also use the battery monitor to check on battery from bedroom - found good to be 40-60 metrs in open adn 10-20 meters through one wall http://www.aliexpress.com/item/NEW-MHF-120S-Wireless-DC-Voltmeter-Ammeter-Power-Meter-0-120V-100A-Shunt-MHF120100S/32611336909.html

guys i need your advice. i want to attach an external smart charger to my bank 48v 200ah. what my supplier brought was a rectifer. he claims telcoms use it for their batteries. (48v50amps). is this a smart charger . i dont want something to damage my bank for nothing.

samnaija:
guys i need your advice. i want to attach an external smart charger to my bank 48v 200ah. what my supplier brought was a rectifier. he claims telcoms use it for their batteries. (48v50amps). is this a smart charger . i dont want something to damage my bank for nothing.

200 Ah requires max 20 to 25 Amps C10 rate batteries. Anything more and you will damage the battries unless the charger can adjust current and monitor temperature .

If you are willing to order from Aliexpress I can send you link for a very good charger . or altrenatively look on this website and find a way to order http://www.meanwell.com/product/inverter/inverter01.html

I found it very difficult to locate a good charger at that capacities as normally it is integrated in inverters

Please house, where can I get this toroidal transformer? anbody with information should contact me on 08138168936(whatsapp only) ASAP.

I would appreciate higher capacities too up to 10kva. thanks

pranil:


I found the broadlink platform quite good specially their power socket which keeps a history of the power use and current use for any appliance. Very Good to monitor fridge and AC

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Broadlink-SP2-EU-Smart-Home-Wireless-Remote-Control-Electrical-Smart-Plugs-Sockets-By-app-control-switch/32655943437.html

am interested in this product, can it be used to set timer.. like auto turn off a device after a set time or threshold (say after consuming 500wh)?

pranil:



If you are willing to order from Aliexpress I can send you link for a very good charger .

Interested in the aliexpress link. Thanks

pranil:


200 Ah requires max 20 to 25 Amps C10 rate batteries. Anything more and you will damage the battries unless the charger can adjust current and monitor temperature .

If you are willing to order from Aliexpress I can send you link for a very good charger . or altrenatively look on this website and find a way to order http://www.meanwell.com/product/inverter/inverter01.html

I found it very difficult to locate a good charger at that capacities as normally it is integrated in inverters

thnks will look it up. but i still dont know about the rectifer is it a smart charger.

Gennextech:
Good day house , do not forget we haveHigh quality Canadian solar Solar Panels 255W polycrystalline in large quantity

good day please what is the current price of these panels?

bigrovar:

am interested in this product, can it be used to set timer.. like auto turn off a device after a set time or threshold (say after consuming 500wh)?

for those interested in the device, it does have timer function but it can not be timed by watt threshold (unless one has access to the SDK and modify some parameters.)

Brand new Fiamm monolite AGM batteries for sale(12v, 160ah). These batteries are very strong and can stand the 200ah brand of Chinese and Indian batteries.
limited stock available. (20pcs)
Price is 85,000naira.
For enquiries call- 07032743485 or whatsapp 07032743485

Braaad:
Please house, where can I get this toroidal transformer? anbody with information should contact me on 08138168936(whatsapp only) ASAP.

I would appreciate higher capacities too up to 10kva. thanks

Check any electronics spares market ( Oshodi/alaba if you are in Lagos).
I also learnt that Binatone stabilizers use toroidal transformers.
Prag stabilizers also use toroidal transformers.

you can stack smaller torids to get 10KVA

(any particular project in mind?)

Hello Everyone, I am one of the silent majority that has been reading but not commenting for a long time. This thread has been very informative and helpful to me. I just acquired some quanta 12V 200Ah AGM batteries and I'm not sure of the correct bulk and float voltages. Quanta manuals and website strongly advice 13.8V bulk and 13.5V float (discouraging even a 1% increase) but all other online resources I have found recommend approx. 14.4V bulk and 13.8 -13.4V float. Personally I think the manufacturers recommendation is on the low side, probably more suited to float usage and would not lead to a fully charged battery under cyclic usage. I have the batteries set at 14.4V and 13.6V but I'm concerned about over charging the batteries. What do you guys think?

Trippledots:
I enjoy this thread alot....just reading n looking at pixs is exciting. anyway let me drop some quick hints about circuitry


1. d farther your battery is from ur panels and d higher d current in ur cables, the more losses you get from ur panels

2. mppt is best suited for cold/temperate regions n high capacity setups. pwm charge controllers are not so bad either n are better suited for warmer regions.(personally I have a very small, in fact micro setup iv been using for ab0ut 2years now n still running. I built my charge controller myself n as basic as it is in operation, my not-so fairly used batteries lasted a year plus before I replaced dem.)

3. d higher your panel volt difference from ur battery bank voltage, the less the amount of power harvested from your panels.

4. lastly, for really large capacity and longer usage you can look into gravity operated hydro systems. This system uses potential energy of water instead of battery to store energy, and is touted to last longer than batteries would.

weldone guys!

I think u're correct. Most of us in the middle belt area enjoy good sunshine everyday and my pwm 30amp charge controller is doing quite well. Pix of my set up may be posted later.

Trippledots:
I enjoy this thread alot....just reading n looking at pixs is exciting. anyway let me drop some quick hints about circuitry


1. d farther your battery is from ur panels and d higher d current in ur cables, the more losses you get from ur panels

2. mppt is best suited for cold/temperate regions n high capacity setups. pwm charge controllers are not so bad either n are better suited for warmer regions.(personally I have a very small, in fact micro setup iv been using for ab0ut 2years now n still running. I built my charge controller myself n as basic as it is in operation, my not-so fairly used batteries lasted a year plus before I replaced dem.)

3. d higher your panel volt difference from ur battery bank voltage, the less the amount of power harvested from your panels.

4. lastly, for really large capacity and longer usage you can look into gravity operated hydro systems. This system uses potential energy of water instead of battery to store energy, and is touted to last longer than batteries would.

weldone guys!

That you have enjoyed success does not make you right.
Revisit number 1 and 3

obimind:
Presently I have 4 pieces of 150 watts panel. It has been of so much help to me for the past three months I got it. Thanks to this thread which motivated me to toll this line. There is no regret going solar. In fact I ordered for 2 more panels rated at 150 watts each. It arrived yesterday. By the time it will be mounted I will be having 900 watts of panels above my roof which is very impressive I must say. Thanks to George D, Earthrealm, Abunafiu, Akannaide, Pheleix etc... U guys have been a source of inspiration to me. May God keep blessing u guys.

ure welcome sir. so how has it been.

Thanks to all contributors on this forum. The solar energy revolution is spreading fast. I'm also enjoying it's immense benefit.

You're being nice. The guy is a super learner

chris81964:


That you have enjoyed success does not make you right.
Revisit number 1 and 3

My people,I just received this panel I ordered through konga.
It looks really strange without the cell terminals in front of the cells.
I don't even want to test it yet.
Please can anyone tell me this is not a fake.
Nairalanders what do you guys think.

anidat77:
My people,I just received this panel I ordered through konga.
It looks really strange without the cell terminals in front of the cells.
I don't even want to test it yet.
Please can anyone tell me this is not a fake.
Nairalanders what do you guys think.

Guess,am seeing such for the first time!I can see the cell terminals on the edge of the panel running parallel to it,and it is even mono.I bliv you could have bought from our sellers here or visit the local market.Eventhough all my solar installation constituent were ordered by me overseas,atleast the panels were bought here in Naija.Incase of next time beware.Over to sellers for more.Enjoying my solar installation for 7months now.One love,green all the way.

Monlo:


Guess,am seeing such for the first time!I can see the cell terminals on the edge of the panel running parallel to it,and it is even mono.I bliv you could have bought from our sellers here or visit the local market.Eventhough all my solar installation constituent were ordered by me overseas,atleast the panels were bought here in Naija.Incase of next time beware.Over to sellers for more.Enjoying my solar installation for 7months now.One love,green all the way.

#word.. Cheers !

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5kva(4000w)-24/48=200,000
6kva(5000w)-24/48= 230,000
7.5kva(6000w)-24/48=

Hybrid inverters with inbuilt PWM controllers
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12KW-48v=870,000

Luminuos zelio 1.5kva with LCD display .....@65k

EP Solar 12/24/36/48v 60a mppt(i tracer) solar charge controller @ 140k

EP Solar 12/24v 40a MPPT(a series ep ever) solar charge controller @ 65k

Fangpuson MPPT 80a solar charge controller .....@ 180k

Trojan 12v 205a USA batteries @ 118k...(limited quantity in stock)

Quanta Amaron 12v 200a vrla battery @ 110k

MY HOME poly crystalline solar panels ;
150w poly panels........@40k
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With 35k , I can offer you the most important pro solar roof mounts including ;
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Same goes to angle positioning solar kits;
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- Grounding lug


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chris81964:

That you have enjoyed success does not make you right. Revisit number 1 and 3

uhm....are numbers 1 & 3 tourist sites? if u have other view or opinion. say it.

Trippledots:



uhm....are numbers 1 & 3 tourist sites? if u have other view or opinion. say it.

Pointing to ur No 3, the difference in Voltage will be converted to current via an Mppt Controller. The more the difference, the greater the harvest, provided Mppt is in play. To No 1, I may be wrong and stand to be corrected, but I think distance matters between the charge controller and battery bank. it is advised to maintain the shortest distance possible from charge controller to your battery bank to improve efficiency.

anochuks08:
Pointing to ur No 3, the difference in Voltage will be converted to current via an Mppt Controller. The more the difference, the greater the harvest, provided Mppt is in play. To No 1, I may be wrong and stand to be corrected, but I think distance matters between the charge controller and battery bank. it is advised to maintain the shortest distance possible from charge controller to your battery bank to improve efficiency.

True talk,my 40A Epsolar MPPt Solar charge controller is a testimony to this fact.Ever since i started using it,no regrets,enjoyment all the way.I have since abandoned my 30A PMW Solar charge controller.The Modus Operandi of MPPT CC still baffles me till date,seems sometimes to defy the laws of energy conversion,with amazing energy output.Green all the way,One love.

Monlo:


True talk,my 40A Epsolar MPPt Solar charge controller is a testimony to this fact.Ever since i started using it,no regrets,enjoyment all the way.I have since abandoned my 30A PMW Solar charge controller.The Modus Operandi of MPPT CC still baffles me till date,seems sometimes to defy the laws of energy conversion,with amazing energy output.Green all the way,One love.

They are more efficient dear.. Under proper charging algorithm settings , your ep ever 40a works well on flooded battery's cos it has ability to equalize too.. You can also Contact me for optional MT50 remote (black color) @ just 16k for user defined settings .. Thanks

@anidat77
Can you please upload a picture of the name/type plate please?!

Your module is made of back contact cells, those are manufactured by Sunpower et al.
They have one of the highest efficiency in the market, because there are no frontside bars.
There are small holes that lead the front to the backside.

I have a solar installation with Sunpower modules as well. Each module (1,65 x 1,05m) is 310 Watts(peak)!

The open-current voltage is higher than other solar modules. So, you need to get the right solar charger.

sunny regards,

Oh, the solar boat and the solar plane Impulse 1 & 2 are made of those high-efficiency back contact cells from Sunpower. (>21%)
By the way, the preceding company (the original technology) of Sunpower was a solar cell manufacturer for satellites.
The founders started Sunpower and went public on NASDAQ. In the meanwhile the French Oil company TOTAL took a big share of Sunpower.
Because Sunpower/Total is active as Independent Energy Provider, building their own solar parks, it is hard to get their solar modules.
BenQ Taiwan has signed a contract to build solar modules with Sunpower cells. Those are the most expensive ones.
- like a Mercedes.