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

[ahmar.mirza]

What companies are recommended for hybrid inverters? Like the ziewnic which was quoted to me, i have not heard good about it plus its warranty is 5 years repair warranty not replacement.

I was watching some youtube channel. That guy had 2 5KW solarmax inverters. Is it possible to connect two inverters to one net meter?

[noobie]

If you don't have any plans to attach batteries, my recommendation would be to consider using an Ongrid inverter. Ongrid inverters are generally more affordable compared to good quality hybrid inverters like Inverex Nitrox or Solarmax Orion/Onyx/Matrix, which can be at least twice as expensive for an equivalent level of quality. Yes, you can have multiple inverters in parallel on a single connection/meter. I completely agree with AkbarGr8, you should always oversize your solar system vs your actual electricity consumption to offset the peak unit charges. You should have your system designed in a way that it leaves room for expansion down the road (For example, right now I have 12KW inverter but with only 10KW of PV Panels installed but my inverter supports up to 15KW PV capacity. I installed only 10KW panels due to budget constraints but will add additional PV capacity in future).

[ahmar.mirza]

Thanks for reply.

Actually some people are recommending me that if i am going to spend money then go with hybrid because load shedding is a big problem of pakistan. So i wanted to know what hybrid brands are good to make some price comparison. One possibility is to buy hybrid inverter and dont install batteries for now as I do have ups at home which can run 3-4 fans and couple of ligts for few hours. But inverter is something which we cannot buy easily. That guy was saying spending 300k for ongrid go with hybrid and reduce some plates for now. Atleast the hybrid option will be open for future if we have bad load shedding again due to economic situation of our country.

[mrdeejay]

Which city is this bill from? Counting in the taxes, Off-peak unit is coming out to 45Rs

[AkbarGr8]

That is correct. The KE bill was just to show the multiple fuel charges being billed.

[AkbarGr8]

Karachi. The multiple surcharges are mind blowing.

[AkbarGr8]

Another thing while planning for future plates upgrade is ensuring that you get the same spec plate again. This will be unlikely say you go out to purchase 6 months or 1 year down the road.

You can have different plates on a separate string but for ease I'd recommend laying / installing wiring for a separate string during the initial installation. Discuss this with your solar installer.

I think this now comes down to a judgement call to you. Are you OK with dealing with loadshedding via your UPS or opt for a hybrid inverter. God forbid if we default or undergo financial difficulties our power situation is likely to get worse. It is super hard to predict this kind of stuff, esp with recent volatility.

For hybrid inverters, check out inverex nitrox 8kw (grey box) or equivalent solarmax inverters. Good luck

[AkbarGr8]

[pwuser16800059408]

Dear Pakwheelees,

I have installed 6 pannels of 165 watts. Therse pannels are connected with 60 Ampere PWM charge controller. I am getting total only 9-12 amperes output on pannels whereas each pannel is providing 4-7 amperes individually while testing through connecting +/- terminals together.

There should be atleast 24- 40 amperes output but why it is just 9-12? If remove 3 pannels than output emains between 7-9 amperes means there is very less difference in output after removing 50% pannels.

Why 6 pannels connected parallel with pwm charge controller is proving small output?

[capsat]

in DC voltage / current the WIRE Gauge is of primary importance for line losses. Please check the distance between panels, the charge controller & the batteries, and cross verify the wire Gauge used.

This is a useful calculator to determine wire gauge required

[pwuser16800059408]

@capsat
4mm wire is used and distance from solar panel and pwm chargre controller is 100 feets.

[capsat]

please do some effort and exercise some basic maths as per link shared above, you will know error in the setup. Rectify the fault accordingly.

[sardarg]

6 pannels of 165 watts

what is output DC voltage for the panels ? 12 /24 / 48
if it is 12 VDC 165 watts approx, 13 amps ea. panel
if it is 24 VDC 165 watts approx. 6.8 amps ea panel
if it is 48 VDC 165 watt approx. 3.4 amps ea panel

basic V= IR physics formula is applied.

PWM Charge controller charge batteries with controlled variable current based on battery discharge rate.

as usual @capsat sab instead of throwing a tow line is asking you to press F1 for help.

[pwuser16800059408]

@sardarg

165 watt pannel is considered as 12 volts but actual voltage varies from 17 to 21 DC volts depending on sunlight. Each panel is providing 4-7 amperes/17-21 volts = 68 Watts to 147Watts. but when connecting to pwm charge controller and applying DC load only 9-12 amperes and load exceeding 12 ampere gets current from battery and if I decrease load lets say load of 5 ampere than pwm charge.controller gives.remaining current to battery.

[sardarg]

sir your answer is within your question. It seems that you PWM charger is managing the current based on connected load.

You shall connect load to the UPS / Inverter output. let the PWM unit control the battery charging alone.

[racerali]

You Didn't get a Good Yield with PWM Charge Controller.Try Using a MPPT Charge Controller
DO a Little research on PWM vs MPPT then your Problem will be Solved

[pwuser16800059408]

I have tested three chargre controller
1) Force MPPT charge controller
2) PWM 60 Ampere charge controller (very light in weight)
3) PWM 30 Ampere charge controller (Old design and heavy in weight along aith heat sink)

On PWM 60 & 30 ampere, I almost got same results whereas Force MPPT was giving half output as even it was not able to manage total load. On full load half amperes were utilized from battery. Have returned the Force MPPT charge controller whereas PWM charge controller are still with me.

[capsat]

please explain "full load half amperes are utilized from battery"

what is current set up of charger. Panels ---- PWM --- Battery --- Inverter or UPS
are you using an inverter or a UPs unit ??

[pwuser16800059408]

@capsat

Full load = 2 fans, 4-5 led = 12 to 13 ampere on 12 volts = approx 150watts.

On full load on force MPPT charge controller was only getting managing 5-6 ampere of load and rest 5-6 amperes power was utilized from battery.

No invertor is used, Only PWM charge contoller is connexted with solar pannels, battery and DC load.

[saadaqib00]

My friend got a 660 watt bifacial Canadian solar at the same price here in Lahore with a fronus inverter (6.5 kw setup) 10 days ago. If you are based in DHA everyone will ask you 2-3 lacs above the actual market rate...
i also got a 10kw on-grid setup installed at my place last week, whenever i contacted some solar installer based in DHA they quoted me at least 2-3 lacs above market rate.
if budget is not an issue, then go for it otherwise i think you will be able to find better deals than this....