- AND have a redundant system!
- Are batteries still viable in this ‘loadshedding lite’ pattern we find ourselves in?
I recently wrote an article comparing the average annual percentage increase for electricity in Nelson Mandela Bay and contrasted that with the average annual percentage increases for municipal employees and councillors. (Article here: https://mynmb.co.za/how-the-nmbm-contributes-massively-to-nelson-mandela-bays-financial-failure/)
That got me thinking about how we could zero our consumption at home and have a redundant Solar System.
Want to Join me to Free Yourself From Municipal Bills?
I have already taken the first step and prepared my Distribution Board for the installation of a Solar System (See: https://mypr.co.za/a-real-tale-of-the-cobbler-and-his-shoes/)
The second conversation is around monthly consumption – I find myself on the Top Tier and we consume around 1200 kWh’s per month.
I require a certain amount of redundancy so that means installing TWO inverters (and batteries if required).
I need to produce around of 40kwh’s per day.
That would mean around 12kw of PV Panels which is approximately 22 panels.
The redundancy idea also gives the ability to utilise an east, north, west orientation (with four MPPT’s)
A 30 – 40kWh battery bank will carry us through the night and on cloudy days.
The above setup, with two 12kW inverters will produce from 40 – 65kwh’s per day in summer – allowing for top up and self consumption.
My flatlet tenants consume around 450 units of electricity per month – so that will increase my recovery on the upfront investment a bit faster.
There are two suggestions as to equipment:
- 2 x Sunsynk 8kW Hybrid Inverters plus 6 x 5.12kWh batteries plus 20 x Tier 1 Solar Panels OR
- 2 x 12kw Sigenergy Hybrid Inverters plus 4 x 8.06kWh Sigen Battery Modules plus 22 x 550W Tier 1 Solar Panels
Estimated pricing (Including BoS, Cabling and Labour):
- Sunsynk: R237 900 – R283 500.
- Sigenergy – R282 000 – R348 000.
As Straton Solar are installers of both models my preference is for the Sigenenergy range.
Should I opt for the highest estimated amount of R348 00 then it will take me 7 years to recover that investment.
BTW – In year 7 the price of electricity (increased by 12% per annum) will be R9.02 per unit.
Next step is to get the Solar Panels up, breathe for a bit and then do the inverter and battery combinations.
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