Solar system installers

[Frosty]

I found an installer that I am happy with - Although not the cheapest, he understands me wanting a cost conscious installer. A lot of what others are quoting on, he said isn’t necessary for my application.

 

Think of it like building up a car. You get the standard spec which has enough to get you where you need to go, in comfort and has the right power/torque, i.e. same powertrain but less internal luxury. You can add the optional extras like 1” bigger alloy wheels, sunroof, tow bar (fixed vs removable - one can hide away, but both do the same job). Most other installers wanted to add everything, even though my requirements don’t need it.

 

Also, the Deye inverter wasn’t supposed to have been delivered, but rather the Sunsynk as originally ordered. That will be corrected tomorrow (I hope).

 

Thanks to those that contributed.

[MudLark]

Besides the backup functions, ideally one wants to be able to 'combine' what you can produce from Solar PV with the Mains feed on a daily basis, this is where a lot of Inverters over promise and under deliver, its one or the other, and this is where Victron shines with their systems. which are such a pleasure to work with. Really good build quality as well. 

 

Yes, this has been exactly my experience. I had Mecer before. By way of only one example, when I had an item with a large inrush current, the Mecer system would suddenly throw over to mains and stay there until the batteries are fully charged again. Not the Victron. Another point is that the Mecer was prone to throwing up "micro-outages". Not the Victron. Etc. Maybe other high frequency inverters don't suffer the same shortcomings as Axpert. Don't know. And whatever Victron is, it's definitely not spoeg en plak.

[Tothehills]

What hardware did you install?

 

 

 

Plenty other kit available that offers way better value and performance than Victron

Victron's whole eco system feels lek en plak and they know how to charge for every little cable and connector.

The all in one solutions from China are way easier and more user friendly. And so far over an admittedly short period of only 2 years have proven to be very reliable hardware wise. Most still have a few software hickups at times but are update over the air.

[Tothehills]

Does anyone know a hardware specialist with regards to Hybrid Grid tied solar inverters, single phase under 8kW?

 

I'm willing to contribute financially for a neutral unbiased consult before I make a decision with a purchase

 

For starters, Victron is out of my budget. I'm also not interested in Mecer/Axpert/Kodak.

How do the following brands, Goodwe, Fronius, SMA, Deye/Sunsynk compare to one another on:

Reliability

After sales service and back-up

 

Are there other brands to consider?

 

I'm also after a customer reference list of installations done

 

I'm based in JHB

 

 

 

 

Initially the aim is to get around 15-20kWh/day from the panels with a 5kW inverter and to add more panels with an additional inverter at a later stage.

[kosmonooit]

I think you are going to be lucky to get someone's opinion who does not have some sorted of vested interest. 

 

I haven't worked much with other other brands you mention although I am aware of them but have done a few Victron systems, and also other very elementary systems with my own controller. I am so happy with Victron, Its really designed and made well, and works a treat, That's coming from an electronics professional. Once I started working with that brand there was no looking back.

 

You can stage a Victron installation - start with a Inverter (Multiplus at least) and look at phasing the PV and storage, 5kW is typical per solar charger (ie 80A 250V VOC), and bite the bullet and get a Venus controller, You don't need the Colour Controller, all the data including the remote panel is available on line.

 

Grid tied normally means you feedback to the grid, no much point in doing that here but you do have that option with Victron as well as there Energy Storage System. You can also add functionality by adding 3rd party software to the Inverter, they have kinda open sourced the workings of it.  All the parameters are configurable remotely, and the portal to monitor the system is everything you can wish for. Updates to firmware can be done remotely.

 

 

There is a perception that Victron is the Rolls Royce in this field, but really you get what you pay for, the value of the product is not unrelated to the price. Unlike many high end bikes, you can't tell me that the +R100k is reflected in the material value of the product.

 

Please get in touch via pm if I can further assist.

Edited January 5, 2021 by kosmonooit

[Rocket-Boy]

Yes, this has been exactly my experience. I had Mecer before. By way of only one example, when I had an item with a large inrush current, the Mecer system would suddenly throw over to mains and stay there until the batteries are fully charged again. Not the Victron. Another point is that the Mecer was prone to throwing up "micro-outages". Not the Victron. Etc. Maybe other high frequency inverters don't suffer the same shortcomings as Axpert. Don't know. And whatever Victron is, it's definitely not spoeg en plak.

Mecer, Kodak etc are all rebranded Axpert units and they arent great. Most installers only give them a few years lifespan. They dont do blended power so once the draw is too high it just hands over to mains rather than doing what it can and handing the rest over ala Victron, Goodwe etc.

 

Unfortunately the inverter is where most people want to save some money and it ends up costing in the long run.

[Shebeen]

if you are here, you like the hub and it's community input.

 

I can highly recommend signing up here.

https://powerforum.co.za/

[Tothehills]

Thanks, Ill be in touch shortly

 

I think you are going to be lucky to get someone's opinion who does not have some sorted of vested interest. 

 

I haven't worked much with other other brands you mention although I am aware of them but have done a few Victron systems, and also other very elementary systems with my own controller. I am so happy with Victron, Its really designed and made well, and works a treat, That's coming from an electronics professional. Once I started working with that brand there was no looking back.

 

You can stage a Victron installation - start with a Inverter (Multiplus at least) and look at phasing the PV and storage, 5kW is typical per solar charger (ie 80A 250V VOC), and bite the bullet and get a Venus controller, You don't need the Colour Controller, all the data including the remote panel is available on line.

 

Grid tied normally means you feedback to the grid, no much point in doing that here but you do have that option with Victron as well as there Energy Storage System. You can also add functionality by adding 3rd party software to the Inverter, they have kinda open sourced the workings of it.  All the parameters are configurable remotely, and the portal to monitor the system is everything you can wish for. Updates to firmware can be done remotely.

 

 

There is a perception that Victron is the Rolls Royce in this field, but really you get what you pay for, the value of the product is not unrelated to the price. Unlike many high end bikes, you can't tell me that the +R100k is reflected in the material value of the product.

 

Please get in touch via pm if I can further assist.

[Tothehills]

Thanks

if you are here, you like the hub and it's community input.

 

I can highly recommend signing up here.

https://powerforum.co.za/

[Frosty]

I can now comment after having had my installation for 3 weeks, and counting.

 

I had a Sunsynk (5kVA) and 8x JA Solar (panels) installed, with a battery (5.2 kVA) backup. While 12 is the preferred number to get the most output from the panels, I haven’t used the grid for more than 5 overcast days (40 units in total). I’ll get the remaining 4 purchased and installed before winter.

 

The guy I used was recommended on powerforum - send me a PM and I’ll share his details. He is on leave currently and will be busy with a few jobs from the 11th onwards. Not cheap, but certainly will tell you what you need - and why. “Cost conscious” as I have described it.

 

[Frosty]

Does anyone know a hardware specialist with regards to Hybrid Grid tied solar inverters, single phase under 8kW?

 

I'm willing to contribute financially for a neutral unbiased consult before I make a decision with a purchase

 

For starters, Victron is out of my budget. I'm also not interested in Mecer/Axpert/Kodak.

How do the following brands, Goodwe, Fronius, SMA, Deye/Sunsynk compare to one another on:

Reliability

After sales service and back-up

 

Are there other brands to consider?

 

I'm also after a customer reference list of installations done

 

I'm based in JHB

 

 

 

 

Initially the aim is to get around 15-20kWh/day from the panels with a 5kW inverter and to add more panels with an additional inverter at a later stage.

send me a PM and I’ll share the installer I used. He will quote you based on your needs, and the system to suite your requirements. I’ve learnt it’s not as easy as just getting 15-20kWh/day, as there are a number of other factors.

[salberto]

if you are here, you like the hub and it's community input.

 

I can highly recommend signing up here.

https://powerforum.co.za/

Thanks so much!

Edited March 25, 2021 by salberto