Recent posts

#1

General Discussion / Re: Funding/investment/partner...

Last post by SunFood - July 04, 2025, 03:15:18 PM

Is to promote your invention or are you selling it?

#2

Solar PV / Help with shopping list of Vic...

Last post by alex5485 - April 01, 2025, 10:09:32 AM

Hello! I'm in the process of planning my first solar PV system and would appreciate your help. I have 6 solar PV arrays, each with different orientations and angles. I'm determined to maximise the number of panels, including on north-facing sides, by covering a garage door with vertical panels and possibly flat-mounting a couple over a dormer. It might seem excessive, but someone told me it can't be done, so I'm set on proving them wrong the hard way!

Here's my current list of major components—please let me know if I'm on the right track or missing anything:

Victron MultiPlus-II 48/10000/140-100 230V (single phase) – For inverting and managing power.

Victron SmartSolar MPPT RS 450/200-MC4 – For the 4 larger arrays.

2x Victron SmartSolar MPPT 150/35 – One for each of the smaller arrays.

Victron Cerbo GX MK2 – For system monitoring and control.

Victron Lynx Distributor – I'm unsure whether to go for the M8 version. As I understand it, this acts as a busbar to connect multiple batteries. I'm planning to start with two Gobel Power GP-SR1-PC200 16.5kWh batteries, with the option to expand to three or four later. They're competitively priced, and I could profit from exporting at peak times or charging overnight.

Victron Lynx Power In – Again, unsure about the M8 version. I'm still learning, but it seems to offer DC-side protection.

Victron Energy Meter ET112 1 phase 100A max – For monitoring energy usage.

For solar panels, I'm torn between:

JA Solar 595W N-Type Bifacial Double Glass Half-Cell-MBB

Aiko Stellar 1N+ 645W N-Type ABC – Aiko's marketing claims they're "shade-proof," which I'm sceptical about. I'm aiming for 18 panels in total.

For batteries:

2x Gobel Power GP-SR1-PC200 16.5kWh – These use EVE cells (same type/grade as those in EV battery modules) and offer great value.

Now, onto consumables—I'm still working out the details:

Cables:

Between batteries and busbar—not sure if 50mm², 70mm², or 90mm² is best.

Between inverter and busbar—same uncertainty.

From solar PVs to MPPTs—thinking 6mm² due to long runs from the house to the MPPTs.

MC4 connectors – For panel connections.

Lugs – For cable terminations.

DC isolators – One per MPPT, but should I have one per battery or just one for all? Better safe than sorry, so isolating everything might be wise.

AC isolator – Between inverter and house. Does the inverter have a decent built-in one, or should I add an external one?

Fuses – Should I include one per MPPT?

Surge protection – Is this recommended? If so, one per MPPT?

Bi-directional RCBO – For the AC side of the inverter.

Mounting rails for the sloped roof, flat roof, and vertical setup are a challenge I'll tackle later. Right now, I'm focused on getting the Victron setup sorted, as learning and specifying the right kit is taking up most of my time.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated—cheers!

#3

General / PVC Patches Services uk

Last post by kendallsmith - March 19, 2025, 07:01:18 AM

PVC Patches Services uk | https://www.bespokepatches.co.uk/pvc-rubber-patches offers custom, durable, and versatile emblems for uniforms, clothing, and accessories. These patches are highly customizable, available in various colors and shapes, and suitable for branding and promotional purposes.

#4

Heat Pumps / CAN/COULD HOT WATER AND SPACE ...

Last post by surd100 - February 08, 2025, 12:36:36 PM

Since most heat pump systems cycle most of the time, if domestic hot water (DHW) heating started when the space heating cycle part ends, the minimum flow/air temperature reached after DHW heating could be higher under many real conditions. Has anyone encountered this possibility? I find it hard to word this question clearly but I'll gladly respond to any queries.     

#5

Solar PV / More panels in addition to exi...

Last post by webby252 - January 21, 2025, 11:11:54 AM

I have a 4KW installation that I get FIT for. It has its own meter and I get payment based on what I export.
I'm about to install 10KW more of solar which obviously has no FIT.
All this will now go thorugh my smart meter and if I want to make money from my PV I will get on a tariff that allows me to sell excess to the grid.
The issue I have is that I have an existing agreement for my FIT yet all the excess will be channeld thorugh the same meter. I can't get paid twice for the export as it will flag in time.
I asked my installer and Octupus (energy company) who will buy electric back but neither have come across a situation like this.
It doesn't seem too unusual that someone would install extra PV once the first lot (on a FIT) have been installed.
Any ideas?
Thanks

#6

Solar PV / Re: Getting paid for solar gen...

Last post by scotteeters - October 16, 2024, 06:38:21 PM

Renewable energy is such an important topic these days. I've been looking into solar panels myself, significantly since they can help cut down on electricity bills and positively impact the environment. I came across a site called  irealnd solar panels https://solarsmart.ie/ , and they have some great info on the different options available. What I like most is how you can start small and expand your system as you go. Plus, all the government incentives make it more affordable. I think it's all about finding what fits your needs best. Have you thought about getting quotes from a few companies? It could help you decide which route to take.

#7

Wind Turbines / Re: A new kind of wind power g...

Last post by RevI - August 18, 2024, 03:50:33 PM

I now have made a prototype of the machine as per the design and also tested it. The RPM found to be is 350 with fan of 255 mm diameter. The wind velocity generated is 6.2 m/s. As per basic calculation, the kinetic energy contained by the flow is 7.55 W and as per Betz law, the maximum extractable energy for a conventional wind turbine is 4.55 W maximum. But, I am sure that with this RPM, the power generated can be much much higher.

#8

Solar PV / Battery Discharge

Last post by David Algarve - August 08, 2024, 06:05:00 PM

Newly installed Growatt inverter - is there any logical reason why the Growatt system should be showing a discharge (admittedly small) when there is more than enough power being generated to cover the loa? Is this just a data logging aberration?
Typically:0.12 discharge with 3.02 being produced and 1.02 load

#9

Solar PV / Getting paid for solar generat...

Last post by bobbybaz - April 01, 2024, 11:52:19 AM

What is the best export tariff I can get for a new PV installation 30 to 50 kw capacity,  Wales UK? Grid connected on an agricultural building.

#10

Solar PV / Inverter Choice

Last post by David Algarve - February 15, 2024, 04:12:53 PM

Has any one any comment on choice of inverter between Growatt and RCT?