The Alternative Energy Thread - Generators, Solar, UPS, Wind

[AkbarGr8]

[crema]

The metropolis had crowded skies too.
Pigeon, Kites and Crows have polluted the environment to considerable extent. Their droppings carry harmful diseases elements and yet we feed them all day so that these stray birds can continue to pollute.

You can errect net around the fixture to catch pigeons, but Kites fly high and can only by killed with pneumatically propelled ballistic projectiles (air gun pallet shots​).

The Kites enjoy protein rich diet thanks to some belivers who feed them fresh meat in order to get the bird's grace on on their wealth. All ends up in stubborn poop on people's property like cars, windows, rooftops and solar panels and birds strikes on aircraft.

[AbbasJin]

Guys, I am window shopping for Canadian Solar 545w panels. I asked my installer and they quoted 85rs/watt but I came across another source via a YT channel and they’re selling same panels for 77rs/watt I. Peshawar with proper certificate etc. Is my installer charging too much? What’s an average per watt going rate for tier 1 panels?

[capsat]

please do check from MESOL they are selling components and complete solutions.

On Thursday we have finished a very own project of 8 KW - Stand Alone Hybrid power generation. ATM here is zero grid power in the area. ( it is a temporary make shift block structure to be demolished in next 36 months)

Purchased MESOL directly from importer collected from their warehouse personally by verifying every panel. Rs. 76.55 / watt

the printer neighbor at my work place building, is printing 8 misc brands of 'silver film' stickers for 8 different brands of Solar panels. including Toshiba & Sakura. Trina, Canadian Solar, Jinko, MESOL.

If the vendors / retailers mix up genuine & copy product (or actual low output voltage) in their high end supplies, we may not be able to filter out how many panels are from genuine import & how many are under rated 2nd class Tier B product.

[AbbasJin]

Ia there a way to identify fake stickers like those? For my current set of panels, I verified that the front side in-glass serial number matches the back side sticker but other than ther I couldn't find any useful resource like an online tool to confirm that what I paid for is what I actually received. Also this MESOL you mentioned, if I buy from them, can I be sure they only sell genuine tier 1 stuff?

[Corollarules]

How long do you expect those tubular batteries to last?

[AkbarGr8]

I tackled this by buying a complete sealed pallet and verified the serial numbers directly on the vendors website. This may not be an option for everyone but worth a shot.

[capsat]

How long do you expect those tubular batteries to last?

180 amps x 6 Tubular batteries are going good since 3+ years at a facility place over super highway in Karachi. randomly only 8 hours KE grid is available. 100% load is operational.

This is my 4th task where we have used batteries of over 200+ amps. At other 2 facilities tubular are 30 months old and without any complaints. We make sure that a box of battery tonic is always present next to batteries so user can manage top up when needed.

Also this MESOL you mentioned, if I buy from them, can I be sure they only sell genuine tier 1 stuff?

i was personally there at warehouse to pickup panels of my choice from a sealed pallet. which was verified through shipping data from oem.

am doing it for sake of learning, in close so far am enjoying it very well.

[Corollarules]

That's impressive which brand batteries are those. My experience with exide is not good

[AkbarGr8]

Received updated panel rates. KHI 87/watt as of 2 days ago, ISB 90/watt as of yesterday.

[capsat]

over period of time my trust & faith in Exide has multiplied. Be it for domestic UPS, industrial High Current low voltage cells, Tubular or for vehicle requirement 1st choice is always Exide 2nd choice is AGS, rest are all down the list. @corollarules

[AbbasJin]

Whats the preferred brand in lithium ion batteries ?
Also surprising none of these local top dawgs of acid batteries haven’t tip toed in lithium ion ?

[capsat]

one prime reason lack of knowledge & awareness among sellers and users.

Any one who legally import & launch such stuff will be trendsetter, then smugglers will flood the market.

[AkbarGr8]

1 pylontech

2 Narada

3 locally assembled lithium batteries but these are likely to have a shorter life

[hassannabeel27]

I am researching for a small 3 to 5kw system for my first floor. I already have a 10KW grid tied system for ground and basement. Please guide me on following

1 - What is the main difference in Off Grid vs Hybrid inverters? Since off grid inverters are 20-30% cheaper. Are hybrid only needed when we go for net meter to supply back to grid?

2- Can off grid inverters combine energy sources from Solar and then from AC? So if i only have 2kw panels while i am consuming more energy, will inverter completely switch to AC or will it consume 2kw solar first and get remaining energy from AC source?

3 - Since I already have a 10kw on grid inverter, can i connect another 3-5 kw hybrid inverter on same meter so that both can supply to grid when energy is not in use at home?

[AkbarGr8]

Hello, what city are you living in? Net metering requirements vary significantly if based in karachi. Coming back to your questions.

1) To the best of my knowledge an off grid inverter cannot export to the grid. A hybrid can but has functionality to turn off export if needed.

2) I don't think an off grid inverter can do that but please verify this independently. Regarding a hybrid inverter, you can select solar first, battery next and grid last to make up for any power shortfall pertaining to total load. Remember, if your inverter is rated at 3kw, total load on it cannot exceed 3kw regardless of how the inverter generates that power.

3). Possible if you're not residing in khi. Sample picture of an ongrid / hybrid single phase both powered by the same line and exporting to the grid in isb.

[hassannabeel27]

Possible if you're not residing in khi. Sample picture of an ongrid / hybrid single phase both powered by the same line and exporting to the grid in isb

I am also residing in Islamabad DHA. So this is indeed one of the options for me then.

2) I don't think an off grid inverter can do that but please verify this independently. Regarding a hybrid inverter, you can select solar first, battery next and grid last to make up for any power shortfall pertaining to total load.

I dont want to export to grid from first floor system as that system will be smaller in size (3-4 KW solar) to just accommodate the usage of daytime and reduce the bill. If offgrid inverter can combine the power source like you have mentioned for hybrid setup then that is the best option for me as initial investment is limited to 3-4 lac at the moment. So i can add 2KW panels now and later on add 2kw more

This is the inverter i am looking for

https://aptinverex.com/product/inverex-yukon-3-2-kw-solar-inverter/

[AkbarGr8]

Sounds good, the inverter you shared is most likely offgrid so no export to grid option. With panel rates 90/watt and drastically expected to climb, please buy whatever you can NOW. There will certainly not be a later from a price / availability point of view.

Good luck!

[hassannabeel27]

With panel rates 90/watt and drastically expected to climb, please buy whatever you can NOW

Yes, indeed. Please inbox me contacts if you know any good dealers for Inverex inverter and A grade panels in Rwp/Isb. I have a big list to things to purchase for shifting upstairs but this is indeed one of my top priorities

[AkbarGr8]

Please call Mudassir Javaid at 0300 434 8817. You can give my reference if you'd like. He's my vendor / installer based in khi but can help get you good stuff based in ISB as well.

All the best!