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

[Corollarules]

Does infini v2 support lithium batteries? What if an inverter does not have bms, can lithium still be connected with them? Will they work properly?

[umans]

Yes, infini series can establish BMS communication. If BMS is not supported, you can still use but you have to strictly implement battery charging/discharging parameters at inverter end.

[Corollarules]

My tesla infini v2 has R-232, USB and dry contact ports, do lithium batteries form bms connection with any of them? And if inverter controls charging without bms does it effect battery in anyway?

[mrdeejay]

What's the lowest solar panel angle/tilt one should go for (in lahore)? Checked on pvwatts website and it seems there isn't too much difference if we go for lower tilt angle e.g. 15-20 degrees.

[AbbasJin]

There isn't a massive difference comparing between 13-20 dev angles. Obv the hr higher angle the merrier. So you can pick any angle that works best for your structure. I decided on 14 Deg for mine but it was a fraction of a percent difference IIRC. So for my 7.5kwh system
13 Deg total annual gen: 10591 kwh
15 Deg would be: 10675 kwh

I went with 14 Deg.

[mrdeejay]

The only benefit I read online was that higher tilted panels get less dust/dirt on them and rain easily washes it away. But I guess its not really an issue in Pakistan because we have so much dust. I'd probably go with 15, so we don't have panels sticking out on our roof.

[AkbarGr8]

Download this app called My Solar Panel Lite. Will help with tilt angle / direction and potential loss calculation also.

[AkbarGr8]

Quick updates here - i have the Infinisolar V4 (user manual can be accessed here)

Went through multiple combinations per the user manual (Pin 3 485B and Pin 5 485A) connecting to the corresponding battery outlet (Pin 8 485B and Pin 7 485A) to no avail. Have correctly followed the jumper settings also. Also tried certain CAN combinations which didn't work either.

Ironically I was able to configure the BMS of my friends Nitrox inverter but not my own. I'm thinking there's a software or compatibility issue with the newer / higher capacity pylontech batteries.

Spoke to a senior tech from Solarmax who has no idea regarding firmware updates of the inverter. Says most likely the port of the inverter is non-functional (highly unlikely, I do not buy this story).

The struggle continues - worst case scenario I upgrade to a 3Phase hybrid inverter this summer which can reverse feed units also (currently have a Huawei 3phase ongrid inverter) as well.

Attaching the pinouts for my inverter as well battery for visibility.

[ali401]

Hello everyone,

Need some guidance. I live a 5 marla house and I'm planning to have a 10kw system installed. I have contacted a few companies and one company has given me quotation for this system with 18 solar panels (550w each). They said they'll use elevated structure as there is not enough space on roof. My question is that would the roof be able to handle/support the load of 18 solar panels (weight) and structure or should i go for smaller system due to potential damage to roof or danger of roof collapsing?

[umans]

yes, easily considering it is RCC roof

[umans]

CAN is not an option for you. Make sure your firmware is same as shown in video and adjust the baud rate using battery dip switches.

[AkbarGr8]

Will check the firmware. I made sure that the baud switch was correctly configured.

Thank you

[centos]

Please message me the contacts for these vendors. Thanks

[centos]

Installers quoting 115-120 / watt in Lahore, todays rate.

[AkbarGr8]

That is accurate, similar in khi.

[umans]

InfiniSolar V IV manual-20211115.pdf (6.6 MB)
See page 57 of this manual.

[umans]

Panels from Mesol Lahore and inverters from random vendors/resellers whoever gives better rate. Currently everyone is selling in black

[AkbarGr8]

Yes, been following the same manual to no avail.

[noobie]

Yes, I'm also getting 120/watt rate in Lahore. Rate was around around 100 to 105 2 weeks ago.Is there any size difference between 545/550w vs 640/690 watt panels?Trying to figure out if its worth purchasing 640w+ panels instead of 545/550 to save space for future expansion.

Thanks!

[AbbasJin]

The physical size difference doesn’t look that much on the surface.

You could do a per inch square calculation if bigger panels are worth it.

Canadian solar

545w CS6W: 2266 x 1135 x 30 mm
690w CS7N-TB-AG: 2384 x 1303 x 33 mm

545W CS6W: 89.37 x 44.49 x 1.18 inches
690W CS7N-TB-AG: 93.86 x 51.18 x 1.3 inches

I do wonder though if buying now is a good idea. Solar panels went from 78rs/watt to 120rs in less than 30 days iirc whereas ruppee depreciated less than that. It’s just fomo pricing at this point. Considering globally panels are getting cheaper 20-30% even at the 78rs price point.

I was over the fence at the 78rs point but budget constraints didn’t allow. Now I’m thinking maybe wait it out a year when things calm down and the black market scalpers run out of steam plus the global price decrease trickles in in about 7-8 months.