pranil:
Solar Water users? and gurus in the house

How did you connect the inlet of the tank ( cold water )?
Direct to Overhead tank, to the borehole, manually fill using a tap

The reason I am asking is I came across this https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Automatic-water-control-valve-solar-water-heater-feeder-assistant-tank/1935638063.html

there is a single and double pipeline model


In my solar heater user manual ( Simba make 120 L - looks like made in China) the manual recommends all filling methods which are manual and the tank has overfill discharge outlet which means if I connect to water source the water will flow out from discharge outlet.

I also believe the tank and tubes can take max 0.7 bar operating pressure. In addition, the water when heated expands 3 to 5 % which means it needs space to go


The system I came across only fills at 0.5 bar and the overfill outlet has to be connected to the 2-foot pipe above water level. I believe the water coulm works as counter pressure stopping inlet water.

I intend to drain the tank from top outlet using a small 300 watt booster to match my house pressure of 2.5 bar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1YFqBl6Cxs




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyGmFWMQHHs

Obimind1:

That has been my fears too after my batteries failed me under 8 months. Though my set up is a 24v system, I used to turn on my fridge by 8:00am and turn off by 4:30pm. After getting another new sets of batteries just one week ago, I decided not to run my fridge on batteries even though my PV strength is a 1,200 watts. The highest load I use on my batteries presently is my washing machine, and I do that when the sun is at its peak.

The most important aspect (and one which is often ignored / sidelined) is getting a hand on how much electricity you consume and how much you generate. Its not about how many panels/batteries you have. Its simple maths. If you consume more than you generate, your battery would be the one to take the hit and make up for the deficit causing bad things to happen to it.

A fridge or freezer is just a load at the end of the day it uses watts.. this watts are of no difference from that used by your TV or any other appliance in the house. Yes Refrigerator uses relatively high watt appliances and in most cases represent the defining load of most offgrid systems. You can easily run a freezer or fridge on an offgrid setup once you have a proper plan in alignment with how much electricity you can generate while keeping your battery at a minimum 65% state of charge / 35% depth of discharge.

When I started my offgrid journey, I had just 480w panels, Yet I was able to power the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours a day while ensuring that my battery always get to float, and never discharges low 60% state of charge. This was possible because I did an electrical audit and rationed my loads using battery peukert effect to my advantage. My energy consumption gradually increased as my as my generation capacity increased, today I have a panel capacity of 1840w and I have included the fridge to the mix, both fridge and freezer run at a minimum of 8 hours a day - 08:00 - 16:00pm. An I have just 2 220AH batteries. My system runs 24/7 yet my battery voltage never goes below 24.5v in the morning.

The key is getting a hang on your load, spending time to make you loads more efficient (not just using so called energy safers, but actually checking the watts of your appliances. Watts counting matters alot)

designing your system to cycle at 70% battery state of charge hence they won't be any need to waste money/time/energy on unreliable low voltage disconnect systems. If your system is deigned around a low voltage disconnect, then they is something wrong with you design.

My Humble Opinion

bigrovar:


... designing your system to cycle at 70% battery state of charge hence they won't be any need to waste money/time/energy on unreliable low voltage disconnect systems. If your system is deigned around a low voltage disconnect, then they is something wrong with you design.

Nice submission, the part quoted jumped at me.

Part of my setup is designed to disconnect/reconnect at a certain voltage level. While the remaining part is permanently off grid designed to cycle at about 65% soc.

I believe there are merits to designing one's system around LVD, especially when you want to maximise self consumption.

Barezzi:

Nice submission, the part quoted jumped at me.

Part of my setup is designed to disconnect/reconnect at a certain voltage level. While the remaining part is permanently off grid designed to cycle at about 65% soc.

I believe there are merits to designing one's system around LVD, especially when you want to maximise self consumption.

assuming i don't discharge bellow 50v on 48v system in the morning, do i still need lvd disconnect?

JUO:
assuming i don't discharge bellow 50v on 48v system in the morning, do i still need lvd disconnect?

Yes, you do. You never know when one of your neighbours will plug in a "boiling ring" since you always have "light". lol!
I use mine for auxiliary load control.

I set it to disconnect at 52v and reconnect at 57v.

SOLAR ENERGY- GOING GREEN - RENEWABLE ENERGY IS REALLY AN INVESTMENT !

The spoilt system in Nigeria is still affecting so many parastatals .. To mention are few , take a look at this case study of what's happening in Oshodi area of Lagos state as published by my friend ;

"Can Ikeja Electric call the Oshodi office to order while APC and Governor Ambode too should call Oshodi /Isolo LG guy to order. The whole area in total blackout for a week because both parties failed to apply reasoning and wisdom. How I wish the Council boss resides in the hood to know what people are going through with the very bad states of the roads and now with NO electricity especially when the country is enjoying 7001 MW. For the sake of the residents both warring parties shouldn't please put and end to this stupidity show of stupid power. In all this is shame of a Nation and her Leaders. Incompetent electricity company and an imposed council Chief."

To be factual, we are still operating on a 3024mw..The action of Ikeja Electric is becoming unbearable, that was how they gave us total black out in Fadeyi area for 4 months ( March-July) because Military Hospital that we share the same feeder with(according to ikeja electric) is owing #5 million. What a reason !

I will always advise prospective alternative energy clients to start from somewhere . we all started from a point and gradually you smile at your investment.. I don't see inverters , solar panels , charge controllers as a major issue but BATTERIES . In most seminars , consultancy sessions I have experienced , the questions pertaining energy storage - batteries are the most tasking .. Flooded , AGM, GEL etc and principles of how to make your battery bank last longer . I always advice clients that its all about basic C10/20 principles - proper load audit , observing 30-50% DOD rules , recommended SOC / PSOC rules et al & you will always smile at how many years your batteries has served you on the long run .. Always feel free to dial up my number visible in my profile- signature as it's 24h/7days available for prospective clients and detailed enquiries ... Cheers !

Our company is hiring for our Lagos office. If you know any good people please send them to us. Thank you in advance.

http://atlanticwastepower.com/hiring-think-takes-work-nigerias-1/

kiekie1:
SOLAR ENERGY- GOING GREEN - RENEWABLE ENERGY IS REALLY AN INVESTMENT !

The spoilt system in Nigeria is still affecting so many parastatals .. To mention are few , take a look at this case study of what's happening in Oshodi area of Lagos state as published by my friend ;

"Can Ikeja Electric call the Oshodi office to order while APC and Governor Ambode too should call Oshodi /Isolo LG guy to order. The whole area in total blackout for a week because both parties failed to apply reasoning and wisdom. How I wish the Council boss resides in the hood to know what people are going through with the very bad states of the roads and now with NO electricity especially when the country is enjoying 7001 MW. For the sake of the residents both warring parties shouldn't please put and end to this stupidity show of stupid power. In all this is shame of a Nation and her Leaders. Incompetent electricity company and an imposed council Chief."

To be factual, we are still operating on a 3024mw..The action of Ikeja Electric is becoming unbearable, that was how they gave us total black out in Fadeyi area for 4 months ( March-July) because Military Hospital that we share the same feeder with(according to ikeja electric) is owing #5 million. What a reason !

I will always advise prospective alternative energy clients to start from somewhere . we all started from a point and gradually you smile at your investment.. I don't see inverters , solar panels , charge controllers as a major issue but BATTERIES . In most seminars , consultancy sessions I have experienced , the questions pertaining energy storage - batteries are the most tasking .. Flooded , AGM, GEL etc and principles of how to make your battery bank last longer . I always advice clients that its all about basic C10/20 principles - proper load audit , observing 30-50% DOD rules , recommended SOC / PSOC rules et al & you will always smile at how many years your batteries has served you on the long run .. Always feel free to dial up my number visible in my profile- signature as it's 24h/7days available for prospective clients and detailed enquiries ... Cheers !

That explains why our area has not seen the grid in weeks. It came back briefly yesterday. Thankfully the weather has been good so our batteries are getting fully charged every day.

chris81964:

That explains why our area has not seen the grid in weeks. It came back briefly yesterday. Thankfully the weather has been good so our batteries are getting fully charged every day.

My pleasure Bro. We have a confused government as seen in link below ,

Lagos State Governor-Ambode donates 120 generator sets to Lagos police.

Nigeria's minister of power is all over media deceiving us that he now generates 7001 megawatts of power while,Lagos State governor-Ambode is indirectly telling Nigerians don't listen to Fashola no hope of electricity soon.

What an Irony & political blunder


http://punchng.com/photos-ambode-donates-120-power-generating-sets-to-lagos-police-command/

efuro:




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1YFqBl6Cxs




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyGmFWMQHHs

Yes, I am doing that on top of Solar direct heating. I just ordered last week 360 W x 2 Canadian solar meant for heating - Using Victron Quattro and microgrid inverter. The cheap heating element of 300 watts will also be inserted in solar heater tank


But the biggest advnatge of direct solatr water heating is it is not so senstive to direction of teh tubes as the round tubes make efficient use of sunlight . The pV panels have to be orieneted right .

In my case the Northwest side was free and sees enough sunlight for water heating but not for PV production

pranil:



Yes, I am doing that on top of Solar direct heating. I just ordered last week 360 W x 2 Canadian solar meant for heating - Using Victron Quattro and microgrid inverter. The cheap heating element of 300 watts will also be inserted in solar heater tank


But the biggest advnatge of direct solatr water heating is it is not so senstive to direction of teh tubes as the round tubes make efficient use of sunlight . The pV panels have to be orieneted right .

In my case the Northwest side was free and sees enough sunlight for water heating but not for PV production

Am giving pv-dc-electric heating a thought. (CC load dump diverson) or Just 2 dedicated PVs, 12v DC heating element, but still wondering/planning how to work around heating tank. I may do hybrid to AC disabled ariston tank.

At the end, I may end up spending just a quarter of the price of tube solar heater.


Still weighing DIY options

efuro:


Still weighing options

Abeg weigh fast...
I am equally interested in a cost effective solution.
I'm not so keen on a central heating solution, as i already completed plumbing works.
The thought of breaking up the walls to run new hot water lines sounds expensive.

Barezzi:

Nice submission, the part quoted jumped at me.

Part of my setup is designed to disconnect/reconnect at a certain voltage level. While the remaining part is permanently off grid designed to cycle at about 65% soc.

I believe there are merits to designing one's system around LVD, especially when you want to maximise self consumption.

Hi. I am thinking of implementing a similar load shedding depending on LVD. Sent you a PM!

dsunmade:

Hi. I am thinking of implementing a similar load shedding depending on LVD. Sent you a PM!

Lemme check my mail...

efuro:


Am giving pv-dc-electric heating a thought. (CC load dump diverson) or Just 2 dedicated PVs, 12v DC heating element, but still wondering/planning how to work around heating tank. I may do hybrid to AC disabled ariston tank.

At the end, I may end up spending just a quarter of the price of tube solar heater.


Still weighing DIY options

Different readymade solutions on the market you can find more

https://www.geyserwise.com/products/pv-water-heating-systems/150l-pv-water-heating-system/

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3000W-Excess-plus-Solar-I-boost-Alternative-Energy-saving-for-water-boiler-infrared-heating-system/32613200769.html?

Barezzi:

Yes, you do. You never know when one of your neighbours will plug in a "boiling ring" since you always have "light". lol!
I use mine for auxiliary load control.

I set it to disconnect at 52v and reconnect at 57v.

barrezi,
high end inverters like magnum come with a battery monitor system (bms) as an add-on. this carries out the lvd function among others thereby protecting your system.
i can't count the number of times the bms has intervened to protect my batteries so far and in hind sight, maybe its another reason my batteries have gone nearly five years and still performing as new.

who can recommend a reliable hand held batt tester,,,the one i bought on aliexpress isnt reliable,i want a unit i can quickly use to check the held of batteries in an inverter or solar setup

pranil:


Different readymade solutions on the market you can find more

https://www.geyserwise.com/products/pv-water-heating-systems/150l-pv-water-heating-system/

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3000W-Excess-plus-Solar-I-boost-Alternative-Energy-saving-for-water-boiler-infrared-heating-system/32613200769.html?

Thank u.

Hello house. I still have these 2 new charge controllers for sale.

1. Wellsee Solar charge controller 12/24v 30a --- SOLD SOLD
2. Roysolar charge controller 12/24v 60a
3. Roysolar 12/24v 20a

Call/whasapp 08033735359

oneshowguy:
Kung Long Batteries Industrial Co., Ltd. is a publicly traded expert manufacturer of lead acid batteries. It owns and operates two manufacturing facilities in Taiwan and one in Viet Nam. It manufactures more than 200 different types of batteries, including batteries for electric vehicles, uninterrupted power supply systems, alternative energy systems, solar energy systems, mobile energy, motorcycle and automotive uses. More information concerning Kung Long Batteries is available on its website at http://www.kunglong.com/

Can I have your local contact details?

GSM: zero-eight-zero-39612147
WhatsApp: zero-eight-zero-23902305

Get high quality Gennex Gel batteries with 1000cycles at 50% DOD at 104,000 contact 08145463278
and Gennex 60a/12/24/48v MPPT charge controller at N80,000

House .. my 1.5kva inverter just got fried. where can i repair it in oshodi??
Please help needed badly

emmaniche:
House .. my 1.5kva inverter just got fried. where can i repair it in oshodi??
Please help needed badly

Go to Arena, Airforce base, Oshodi.

emmaniche:
House .. my 1.5kva inverter just got fried. where can i repair it in oshodi??
Please help needed badly

Go to Ecosco engr. 11 mathias ekong street off lambert road extension.new layout.

RipVanWink:


Go to Ecosco engr. 11 mathias ekong street off lambert road extension.new layout.

Plz how much will it cost to acquire or get an inverter that can carry a fridge & other basic hime appliances? 2. What is the size in terms of kva? Will it interfere wt electrical connection of the landlord's house?
I also want to know have answers to the above questions in the case of solar ?
Thank you

curvilicious:


Plz how much will it cost to acquire or get an inverter that can carry a fridge & other basic hime appliances? 2. What is the size in terms of kva? Will it interfere wt electrical connection of the landlord's house?
I also want to know have answers to the above questions in the case of solar ?
Thank you

if fridge is the only heavy appliance, you'll be looking at getting 3.5kva or 4kva, depending on the Inverter brand

unless you're staying with your landlord, it shouldn't affect his connections...

regards the Solar aspect, you need to determine how you'll run the loads in terms of hours. then you need to determine the number of batteries. Before you can now size your solar system

better yet, just get a bottle of wine, relax in your bedroom (not necessarily Ikoyi express way.. Lolz) and then read back through the thread.
Apart from getting to know how to properly size your system, you'll be totally amazed what you'll learn.

sizing your system is one thing... but knowing how to safely run the system is entirely different; and that's the key to enjoying the Solar system.

Read back if you can and you'll find answers for both your present and future questions

Thanks
Cheers

curvilicious:


Plz how much will it cost to acquire or get an inverter that can carry a fridge & other basic hime appliances? 2. What is the size in terms of kva? Will it interfere wt electrical connection of the landlord's house?
I also want to know have answers to the above questions in the case of solar ?
Thank you

Maam.u don waka reach here..
In addition to what the other fellow said.
U need to itemize all loads u intend to put on the system..determine how many hours they run.state the wattage also..so we can hv a clearer pic of ur setup....thats the proper way to do it...so u hv a well designed and balanced system.

The solar is also tied to the assignment above.
How many hrs of phcn do u get daily?

NairaBaba:
Go to Arena, Airforce base, Oshodi.

Please who has the contact of any body that repairs inverter in arena market

Hello house. I still have these 2 charge controllers for sale.

1.Roysolar charge controller 12/24v 60a

2. Roysolar 12/24v 20a

Interested? Call/sms/whasapp 08033735359

Nicely put. Interesting to know you are now offgrid, this i wanted badly but due to space consideration in my current location i am still stuck with 1000W.

Regarding premature battery failure, sometimes there are many factors other than load why battery fails. for instance under-utilizing a battery might cause memory effect so it may be necessary to discharge appreciably once in a while and also equalize including AGM except gel. also there are a lot of fake batteries out there. Many inverters in the market have poor charging systems that cuts of before the batteries are fully charged thereby loosing capacity progressively.

but a general challenge is the high susceptibility of lead acid to failure especially if not well managed and maintained and this know-how might be too much for the average user and as such i strongly recommend the rugged lithium iron phosphate with upto 80% DOD with negligible capacity loss as well as absence of memory effect and acceptable high current draw. Mine is delivering like kilode!

bigrovar:


The most important aspect (and one which is often ignored / sidelined) is getting a hand on how much electricity you consume and how much you generate. Its not about how many panels/batteries you have. Its simple maths. If you consume more than you generate, your battery would be the one to take the hit and make up for the deficit causing bad things to happen to it.

A fridge or freezer is just a load at the end of the day it uses watts.. this watts are of no difference from that used by your TV or any other appliance in the house. Yes Refrigerator uses relatively high watt appliances and in most cases represent the defining load of most offgrid systems. You can easily run a freezer or fridge on an offgrid setup once you have a proper plan in alignment with how much electricity you can generate while keeping your battery at a minimum 65% state of charge / 35% depth of discharge.

When I started my offgrid journey, I had just 480w panels, Yet I was able to power the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours a day while ensuring that my battery always get to float, and never discharges low 60% state of charge. This was possible because I did an electrical audit and rationed my loads using battery peukert effect to my advantage. My energy consumption gradually increased as my as my generation capacity increased, today I have a panel capacity of 1840w and I have included the fridge to the mix, both fridge and freezer run at a minimum of 8 hours a day - 08:00 - 16:00pm. An I have just 2 220AH batteries. My system runs 24/7 yet my battery voltage never goes below 24.5v in the morning.

The key is getting a hang on your load, spending time to make you loads more efficient (not just using so called energy safers, but actually checking the watts of your appliances. Watts counting matters alot)

designing your system to cycle at 70% battery state of charge hence they won't be any need to waste money/time/energy on unreliable low voltage disconnect systems. If your system is deigned around a low voltage disconnect, then they is something wrong with you design.

My Humble Opinion

Oga GeorgeD1,

Battery replacement has been the biggest cost in offgrid systems for most people but somehow you have managed to draw appreciable longevity from your batteries. kindly educate us how you do this as well as telling us the configuration, brand, and maintenance strategy for these batteries.
I know you use Zenith but fake zenith abound now and i also know your previous batteries lasted long before replacement with 260AH zenith.
We need to learn as i got frustrated from premature failures and went lithium.

GeorgeD1:


barrezi,
high end inverters like magnum come with a battery monitor system (bms) as an add-on. this carries out the lvd function among others thereby protecting your system.
i can't count the number of times the bms has intervened to protect my batteries so far and in hind sight, maybe its another reason my batteries have gone nearly five years and still performing as new.

New Arrivals selling fast! Limited Quantity Available

Midnite Solar Classics 150 (150V, 96A) MPPT Charge Controller (Solar, Hydro Wind MPPT)

Victron Energy Blue Solar Charger 150V, 85A MPPT Charge Controller

bodeface:
@Barezzi

Holla me for Midnite Classics 150 @ a very good price

Anyone wishing to change his testimony like George D1 can also reach me, some quantity in stock.