Their online quote isn't too dissimilar to one I got from a local installer a few months ago. However I can't see many details about what the whole package is. 0% is very attractive to us as otherwise we'd have to withdraw money from investments.
Solar panels and battery - any real world reccomendations?
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Soldato
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I said hybrid, because most people with solar and battery will be hybrid
I’ve got ac coupled both the solar and battery inverters are 5kw so if we shower at peak production we can cover the 9kwh it needs. Made sure of this when specifying the system so in winter I can ensure I’ve got all normal household use covered by the batteries alone (up to 5kw apart from shower of course)
If my understanding is right, the batteries sit on the DC (solar panel) side of the circuit. So 5kw is the max your inverter can convert into AC, regardless of where that DC power is coming from (panels or battery).
So, if your current use is more than 5kw it'll be supplemented by the grid.
Soldato
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Yes this makes sense to me as well.
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Was that because it was specifically specified that a hybrid would be capping that, or did you have them installed at different times?
Two inverters costs more so I assume the default to go hybrid is due to this.
I just cant find anywhere where they specifically state that the inverter caps both sources or if they are independent.
They do indeed and its my assumption also that your correct. But I cant actually find anywhere that confirms or denies that.
None seem to list a combined max.
If they are using the same coils etc then it would make sense that the say 5kw is max across multiple sources, but the footprint is interestingly larger for hybrids than single PV/battery inverters which makes you think there could be more coils, ie separate coils for each part which then would question whether they would be capped.
Its more curiosity than anything, its a potential consideration as redfist mentions. I cannot see us drawing over 5kw frequently and certainly not for sustained periods.
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I just checked my spec sheet and am going to go with capped, combined.
Although, it seems not quite at headline figures, as ever lol
Lists nominal AC power (VA) as 4999
Max apparent AC power (VA) 5500 (marked as lower for some countries but not UK G99/G100)
Then also lists max AC current 23.9A
23.9A at 220 is 5258, 230 is 5497, so I am assuming at 230v+ it could output 5500 but not below 230v. (Listed range of actual voltage is 180-270.)
It looks like its capped when on grid connected since off grid battery lists Max continuous 5000 but Peak 8000.
So looks like the inverter can do more, but only if off grid.
Although, it seems not quite at headline figures, as ever lol
Lists nominal AC power (VA) as 4999
Max apparent AC power (VA) 5500 (marked as lower for some countries but not UK G99/G100)
Then also lists max AC current 23.9A
23.9A at 220 is 5258, 230 is 5497, so I am assuming at 230v+ it could output 5500 but not below 230v. (Listed range of actual voltage is 180-270.)
It looks like its capped when on grid connected since off grid battery lists Max continuous 5000 but Peak 8000.
So looks like the inverter can do more, but only if off grid.
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That's my understanding. Also why we went for a 6kW inverter. Not sure what the maximum you can get.
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Hey quick question for Givenergy Inverter folk - I've got Octopus Go, so it's topping up my battery overnight and then using solar during the day, however I'm finding I'm producing way too much solar, so it's filling the battery by 11am.
So I want to set the octopus go overnight to only charge to a minimum amount on the battery - eg 75% so I can use solar to top up during the day.
In the Givenergy app, I can see I can set a limit for the battery charge, but it say 'solar and grid' as the charge mode.
Is there a way to set it to charge to the max using solar, but only to 75% off grid?
So I want to set the octopus go overnight to only charge to a minimum amount on the battery - eg 75% so I can use solar to top up during the day.
In the Givenergy app, I can see I can set a limit for the battery charge, but it say 'solar and grid' as the charge mode.
Is there a way to set it to charge to the max using solar, but only to 75% off grid?
Soldato
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It's in the website, like most of the options, app is a bit rubbish for them.
In My Inverter => Settings => Timed Charge you can set how high you want it to charge it.
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Does it have to be 3 phase though? Or is that ok for single phase?
Beat me to it. You'll find that you'll need to adjust it as the year moves on as well, darker morning, earlier evenings etc.
Single phase is up to 100A on UK circuit, with a real useable of ~80A continuous, so 23kW/18.4kW, but you don't see inverters much more than 15kW.
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Ah perfect - easy when you know where to look!
Yeah agree, think I'll need to manually tweak that as I get used to the annual cycle. Given I'll shortly have 120kwh of batteries to charge, it should hopefully not need tweaked too often!
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120kwh? Seriously?
Soldato
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That will be + ev as well!
Soldato
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Oh got it house plus 2x EVs, I was imaging 120kwh of home storage, makes more sense now
On low solar generation weeks/months you'll be doing a full charge from the grid, but it really makes a difference having very sunny days in the days with less daylight hours, as it will keep the batteries at a higher state of charge, seeing you through to the evening.
Did you stick with Go or move to Go Faster?