₦airaland Forum

pranil:
C001 1D34 1 637 17 N0W

N1C3

pranil:
Many thanks . I always wondered whats the story behind your nickname it is rather unique

You're making me unnecessarily jealous

Been trying to pass comments over the past 2 days. Gotten banned just as often (never happened previously). What could be the matter?

bigrovar:
I am yet to see a solar company as innovative has victron. For me they are up there when it comes to innovations.

Every recent product I have tried turned out to be great, from inverters to CC to battery balancers.

NiyiOmoIyunade:
My Ogas Sinistrian and Makavele.

You folks bought the MorningStar CCs but are yet to provide user reviews a couple of months down the road!

Please let the house have your experience(s), the good, the bad and the ugly so we may possibly persuade new converts into the MorningStar fold with our genuine end user reviews

If there are any tweaks or customizations or special use cases you have implemented, please let the house benefit from your experience with these as well.

Now in the mix: Victron MPPT charge controllers!
Much better than anticipated.

makavele:
Full sun and clear skies?
It's been raining back to back here for days;
and when it's not raining, its cloudy, dark and hazy
and i have been burning diesel like no man's business
3kw producing just 500w at end of day

You're having it really bad. I feel you. My worst was 1.8kW up until 4pm when the sun burst from the clouds and doubled the harvest over the next 2 hours. Same 3kW PV array. Yingli 250W panels

NiyiOmoIyunade:
This is correct for cold weather and early morning.

What about a 26°C afternoon with full sun and clear skies such as we have seen in the last few days? You can easily overshoot nameplate in that scenario.

Well, ... early in the day, the incident angle of light rays is suboptimal (not to mention the luminous intensity of the sun) thus effective insolation is at it's lowest. Compare that to full sunshine around midday, right after a heavy (or even brief) rain shower.

hancock:
Is it possible to generate maximum watts more than on the rated nameplate of a solar panel?
I have 6 330w Canadian solar panels which is about 1980W combined. I’m surprised to see PVmax output for today as 2029W
Screenshot.....

In cold weather, yes.
In cloud edge glare, yes.
When panels are underrated (to oust the competition), yes.
When charge controllers overstate their performance or data, yes.

Could these variables be stacked? Yes.

pranil:
if you want more products to stock pls. check following which might come up in demand as the PV voltages and overall sizes go up

I have not found these in the Nigerian market and had to import them when needed

http://uk.farnell.com/eaton/dmm-125-4-i5-p-b/switch-disconnector-4pole-690vac/dp/2455608

http://files.sma.de/dl/26599/Sicherungssteckverb-TI-en-11.pdf

https://www.leadergroup-cn.com/product/solar-panel-mc4-connectors-with-10x38-in-line-fuse-holder

http://www.cnsandi.cn/sdp/911164/4/pd-4607850/11787512-2535588/Professional_Solar_Energy_PV_Combiner_Box_Solar_Ju.html

Particularly interested in the in-line MC4 fuse.
Now, things are getting interesting!

pranil:
I suggest you buy one as the time spent will be far disproportionate to the gains

https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Whitepaper-Data-communication-with-Victron-Energy-products_EN.pdf

check the white paper - https://www.victronenergy.com/support-and-downloads/whitepapers

Recommendation noted - and would be adhered to. Actually ordered one already. Just thought I'd make a spare. Seems I'm better off buying a spare.

I want to DIY a Victron MK3 to USB cable. Or at least attempt to do so. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

pranil:
I switched off just now the input-output solar reported 27 Watt including venus, Em 3 phase energy meter and a network switch ( 5 V , 1 Amp) attached to the same battery. NO AES firmware is 2657424

Prof, you have a better product. Your firmware revision is way superior to mine (hence my quoting the firmware version).
I also made a typo. AES is 29 - 33W
Your point is duly noted.



Edit: I went back to check the datasheets for mine and they're as follows
On zero load:
Full on - 35W
AES - 30W
Search mode - 15W

I'm happy with the readings (used the WizBang Jr. in my case).
Your system seems optimally tweaked. Or at least reports so.

pranil:
if you have budget you can get victron Multi ( 5 KW )900K NGN ( 10 KW peak ) they have multistage protections and handel overload extremely well and gracefully

Zero Load is between 15 W to 30 watt for 5 KW

https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-MultiPlus-inverter-charger--800VA-5kVA-EN.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SXtGIx0x5w

The one I tested has the following zero load consumption values:

Full power on: 33 - 40W
AES mode: 29 - 37W
Search mode: 15 - 17W

It's an earlier unit though (firmware xxxx1xx)

pranil:
For those willing to venture out on their own I have DC ( 12 V 300 Watt) heating element I can give away I imported it in case my solar heating experience failed.

To use it simply connect 12 V one or two panels ( or 24 V 350 Watt with elements in series) and the heater will go to work during sunny days

will require an old boiler to repurpose to store the hot water

Sounds good for experimental purposes. Sadly, I recently threw out the tank which have been suitable for such a task. Great offer though.

pranil:
The ground-mounted basic system is same unless you get a pressurized system which I am less inclined to purchase as a 500 K unit will probably take 20 years to pay back with Disco charging 22 NGN/unit . it is much cheaper to just by ground mounted large boiler and use solar PV

My very sentiments. The very thing I do.
Hint: resistive loads disregard whether ACV or DCV input.
Caution: Thermostats care whether ACV or DCV. Fire risk/thermostat failure is very real when applying DCV to systems engineered with ACV.
Fun fact: power output is inversely related to the square of the voltage.

richmon74:
Are you sure of this your information? because all I know is that Morningstar have never made any inverter for the public except the Suresine SI-300 which is unbeatable at it's level. The Suresine 300w inverter has been one of the best products on earth and has been consistent over the years, outperforming and product within it's class.

The only other inverter they have made was a custom product for a small project in Asia and not for the public. So verify that the "BADASS" inverter you are referring to as Morningstar was actually a Morningstar and not a mixed up.

DISCLAIMER:
I do not work for Mornignstar.
I get the right information, test and review products.
I support excellent products.
I work for PBASE Solar

I was referring to your post beneath as my source

richmon74:
Few of the features that I remember that makes the Morningstar 4kW Inverter great are;

- It comes with known morningstar quality/effeciency
- It is transformerless and as such light weight
- It has inbuilt Display
- It has inbuilt AGS
- It has current Shunt mounted inside with busbars for battery and cc connections.
- Internal DIN rail for breakers
- Inbuilt Network card for stacking and for hooking up Charge controllers
- It has already installed hardware for Lithium Ion battery. Though they are still working on the software as at today.
- It's coming with great price as well

that's all I can remember for now

NiyiOmoIyunade:
...

The things you should actually check are the battery temperature especially during charge to make sure no battery is running hot, also, get a voltmeter handy to see how the voltage differences between each battery are resolved and all come to a state of near equilibrium.

You might want to check battery terminal voltages say every weekend vs daily so that it doesn't become an obsession.

If he's an enthusiast, it invariably becomes an obsessive kinda thing.

NiyiOmoIyunade:
This certainly is not a MorningStar although the form factor appears close.

It does not look like any MorningStar I know.

With your 136k you could get a Fangpusun BlueSolar 60a and still have some change for DC MCBs.

I don't know about this product in the picture and always hesistant to provide a review based on advertised specs - I'd rather go for tried and true products or rely on my own actual usage experience or that of trusted folks.

So I will let other people in the know provide perspective on this one.

He could also try it and let us know. I was one of the earlier people to try out the various Must inverters and EpSolar iTracer (had one within weeks of the launch). No way to grow the body of knowledge without forays into the unknown.

richmon74:
Few of the features that I remember that makes the Morningstar 4kW Inverter great are;

- It comes with known morningstar quality/effeciency
- It is transformerless and as such light weight
- It has inbuilt Display
- It has inbuilt AGS
- It has current Shunt mounted inside with busbars for battery and cc connections.
- Internal DIN rail for breakers
- Inbuilt Network card for stacking and for hooking up Charge controllers
- It has already installed hardware for Lithium Ion battery. Though they are still working on the software as at today.
- It's coming with great price as well

that's all I can remember for now

I'm excited - something which doesn't often happen.

I was hoping to be wowed by the Midnite inverter. Indisputably, MorningStar made a bada$$ inverter back in the day. Just, the one. Let's hope not only do they replicate the feat but they actually surpass themselves.

kiekie1:
Yes I will invite Oga Saipro on this same issue again ..He has done an indepth research and has more experience when it comes to outback and midnite classics solar controllers ! Oga Dunka summed it up by saying it totally depends on individual choice . I have sold and installed all this brands aforementioned without issues apart from morningstar issue I had with just 1 client then .. When procuring and installing electronics, just pray & have the positive mindset that yours lasts for you because not all likes repair stress or warranty issue on the short run.. Cheer's

Inasmuch as I'd rather not comment further on the debate, I should state that the FlexMax series (Outback) and Classic series (Midnite) are literally siblings.

NiyiOmoIyunade:
Practicals my Oga.
When it comes to the core business of squeezing solar juice out of a PV array, MorningStar is the best controller bar none - any advantage a Midnite classic has is in the ease of setup/configuration and perhaps less unit cost per amp - MorningStar capped at 60a while Midnite has 80a/96a units.

Even the MorningStar design (solid state/no moving parts, and conformal coating) is superior to Midnite's in my view. I firmly believe that a MorningStar CC can give 15years of trouble free service with zero components failure, I would consider it luck if a Midnite lasted that long.

I am fortunately placed in a position where a lot of CCs and equipment passes through my hands and I have been able to run tests of MorningStar vs other CCs in controlled conditions and so far I have not yet seen any CC beat MorningStar at solar yield.

The issue is just like the premium Fluke, they are rather slow to innovate or churn out new features, anything they cannot certify works 99.99999% they will not release - all the networking and remote monitoring restrictions can easily be sorted with a little bit of skill.

I'll take that with a pinch of salt. The MorningStar is undoubtedly likely go longer before failing but the fact that it reports pumping out more juice than the Midnite doesn't men it does. I think I posted my own benchmark tests a year or two back.

The noiseless/fanless operation is a delight you can't place a premium on.
A lot of customizations hold the Midnite apart (not necessarily better). I love the forced FLOAT/BULK feature, LoMax, etc.
MorningStar is a favourite brand but with the advent of Midnite (a latecomer), .... review more recent feedback.
The Brat and Kid stand almost unchallenged.

Of course, the MorningStar SureSine inverter is unrivalled in performance.

bobojoshua:
My people, Abeg join me to say a big thank you to OGA SAIPRO. He just saved my battery from premature death. I really appreciate it boss. May God bless you sir. Thanks.

The pleasure is all mine

Dam5reey:
Not sure parallel connection really have issues with balancing, cos I can't find Battery balancer for Batteries connected in parallel..
Any other suggestion/opinion is welcome..

Use the same balancers as you would in a series connection

Donsammi:
please ooh
I need urgent and honest reply.

been reading this thread from page 0 till 200
got tired.

I wan to buy that Saroda Saroda 100 Watt on jumia I only want to power a laptop, phone and standing fan.
I haven't seen light here for like 4 months and counting.

No mean feat. I'm impressed.
But avoid the Saroda. The advice given by Dam5reey is way better

mrsdaniel:
Good day all ! I just came across this link
https://www.facebook.com/100000634359943/posts/1962902850407508/

Broken link.
What was on it?

makavele:
Sorry for the delay; duty calls.
here is the review of the 2kva microtek.
You already know how the inverter looks so i will skip physical attributes.
The inverter is rated for 2kva with a power factor of 1. which is impossible. So lets say 0.8; that puts it at 2kva x 0.8 = 1,6kW real power.
I have actually loaded the inverter up to 1500 W and it didn't cut off due to overload; so it's very good there.
But the problem i have with it is surge power which is non-existent; I mean zero.
My fridge is rated for 120W and freezer is rated for 125W thereabouts. I tried putting both of them on at the same time; and the inverter cuts off due to overload. So I had to set a timer to make the fridge come on 5 seconds after the freezer.
If the water dispenser (hot: 580W or so) is turned on; as soon as the cold (110W) comes on too; inverter cuts off.
So It cannot handle surges at all. The inverter is very quiet. Has 2 fan (rear + side) which kick in when its loaded to about 350W only . .
Though they are very quiet and smooth. It's a true sine wave; no humming of appliances. The crests might flatten out at higher power draw, i
can't tell cos you would need an oscilloscope for that. It is rugged, yes, idle power draw is 21W ( believe that ).
But my LED bulbs do flicker; especially when it is not loaded. Load the inverter and they become stable.
Also, when power is restored, my LED flicker deeply (just once) but very noticeable .. that is how I know when NEPA has struck or restored
power, lol; apart from the siren in the estate.
It is cool to touch even at maximum load; very lovely heat-exchange design. and Outputs about 20A during charging. Three stage charge; bulk to float. But the float voltage is 13.3 (cyclic use) as against 13.6 - 13.8 (the norm for deep discharge).
Absorb is also at 13.8 as against 14.4 for my batteries. That is where I have a problem with it. It has a settings at the back for higher voltage, I did it, still same thing. Uhmm, what else??
Lovely green LED lights for notification. Transfer time is about 10ms and it transfers power from grid and charges even when off.

Thanks much!

bobojoshua:
Good morning guys.
My 20 Amp soeur battery charger stopped
working last week. The problem I have now is
lack of fund to get another charger
and my 100AH battery has been drained below
70% D. O. D. I need someone who resides in
Ilorin to help charge the battery as I intend
keeping the battery fully charged until am able to
afford another battery charger. I don't mind
paying for this service too. Thanks.

WhatsApp : O8O two three 9 O two three O 5

Awaiting your Microtek review

makavele:
I have a Microtek 2KVA; I will give an in-depth review by morning.

Makavele!

rajo4real:
@Bigrovar,

Your solar offgrid setup has been showing funny results this evening.

Where are tiu getting such performance this late evening?

kindly shed more lights bro...

Exemplary pun!

pranil:
Does not work in Nigeria most of the places. Note the wind speeds in the turbine page at average 4 m/s the monthly production is 15 KWH which is less than 0.5 units per day. ( if you are lucky) the same 500 USD ( plus pole foundation etc) will fetch you 1 to 1.5 KW P of solar which will produce on avarage 4 to 6 units per day

.....

I would suggest to invest in weather station or wind speed meter and observe wind speeds before seriously investing in wind turbines

Oga Pranil ... making sense since 1914