Newbie system advice

[danny87jc]

Hi guys.
I've never put together a solar system before so I could use some advice.

I'm thinking about purchasing:

1 x VICTRON EASYSOLAR 48/5000-70-100 5KW OFF-GRID INVERTER

1 x PYLONTECH US2000B PLUS 12KWH LITHIUM ION SOLAR BATTERY PACK 48V.
(This contains 5x us2000b 2.4kwh batteries)
Along with an array of 14 x SUNTECH ULTRA V 400W SOLAR PANELs.

I live in England, UK.
The property is grid connected but I want the system itself to be off grid.

This is for 2 reasons.

Firstly. Electricians here have to be MCS certified and won't fit a hybrid solar system unless they supply the components and that comes with a massive markup.
2nd. Grid tied and hybrid systems don't work in the event of a blackout.


What other components would I need to turn this into a working system.

Any help would be appreciated

 

[Rednecktek]

Before you spend a pence, STOP!

Well, I'll start the default answer to these questions and we can work from there. Here's you To-Do list:

1: Power audit! This will give you some important information on how big your inverter needs to be as well as how much battery capacity you'll need. There is a link in the FAQ section (I think, or someone here will post it shortly) so fill in the blanks and see what it comes up with. You'll probably need some sort of Kill-A-Watt to get accurate measurements. Are you going to be running a 12v system? 24v system? 48v system? What are the specs on your solar panels? VoC? Vmp? Being as this is a new build, throw together a wish list of what you want and estimate on the high side.

1a: Where do you live? Speccing out a system for Scotland is a LOT different numbers than Arizona due to the amount of light you actually get. Someone here can post the link to the PVwatts.com or JCR Solar Uber-Sun-Hours calculator sites to help figure out how much you'll have to work with. That will be a box in the Power Audit form.

2: Parts list: You don't need a make & model list, just a parts list to start from for reference. You'll need an inverter, a MPPT charge controller, fuses, shunt, buck converter, batteries, wire, etc. Once you have a basic list it can be fine tuned to make & models after that. If you're looking at the All-In-Ones check for correct voltage outputs (120v or 240v Split Phase for North America, 220v Single Phase for European type areas) and make sure it has enough capacity for a little bit of growth and fudge factor.

3: Budget!: Steak is great but doesn't mean anything if your wallet says hamburger. Figure out what you're able to spend now vs what you'll have to cheap out on now and upgrade later.

4: Tape measure! Figure out where you're going to stick all the stuff you'll need. A dozen 3000AH batteries sounds great until you're sleeping on the floor because there's no room left for a bed. Is there a compartment that can house all this stuff? Will the server rack batteries fit? Are you going to have to make space? Physics can be pretty unforgiving.

5: Pencil out what you think you need and throw it at us so we can tell you what you've missed (because we ALL miss stuff the first go-round ) and help figure out which parts and pieces you're going to want to get.

 

[danny87jc]

Thanks for the reply.

1. I have some plug watt meters on order. They should be delivered in the coming days so I'm getting on that.

1a. West Midlands. England. It's lat 52
I'll check out the websites you mentioned too.

2. The victron easy solar is an all in one.
48vinverter, mppt charge controller and AC distribution in one.

I'll add further once I have the rest of the info you requested

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