Solar panels and battery - any real world reccomendations?

sunsynk:
Sun-batt = 5.32kwh 80%dod (4.2)
L5.1 = 5.12kwh 90%dod (4.6)
G5.3 = 5.32kwh 90%dod (4.9)
CATL = 5.12kwh 100% dod (5.1)

these are the only ones i've come across whilst i was researching installers in the uk (not to say that there aren't any more variations)
afaik they are not intercompatible so you have to stick with a single model if you want to expand your battery setup and cannot mix-and-match
Thank you for this. The newest being the CATL?
 
Thank you for this. The newest being the CATL?
not sure. someone on here said that the CATL has been discontinued.

i think the sun-batt has been replaced by the G5.3, though there are still sun-batts hanging around in the manufacturer-reseller-installer pipeline and the G5.3s are still very new...so more likely to get a sun-batt install than a G5.3
L5.1 seems to still be on sale (my recently installed system came with the L5.1)

ps: in addition to capacities, there are also differences to the respective battery IP ratings
 
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Could create problems for a lot of people this. To be honest I would never put batteries or an inverter in the loft space, just bad conditions and the risk of fire is too great for the safety of my family.
 
Nothing wrong with putting an inverter in a loft space IMO.

It should have the relevant safety and thermal cut outs on it. Sure it gets hot in the summer but it’s not that hot (particularly when 80% of the roof is covered in solar) and these things are designed to work in far hotter countries than the UK.

Batteries on the other hand, yes agreed but that’s largely due to weight.
 
It would be but I wouldn’t put one of those in my loft either but the joists are only about 8cm thick.

That said, the hot water cylinder has the benefit of being empty and will be spread across a large number of joists.
 
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A friend of mine has been in the fire service for just 6 months and has attended two house fires caused by solar inverters. Could be just random but it’s enough for me to say no thank you. Detached garage for the win. Failing that, it would be outside.
 
Caused by inverters or poor installation of inverters? Many cowboys out there and unfortunately they are the ones who want to install in lofts much of the time.
 
Caused by inverters or poor installation of inverters? Many cowboys out there and unfortunately they are the ones who want to install in lofts much of the time.

Who knows. Could be poor installation. The amount of so called MCS signed off systems I see on my travels are a joke. Not allowing specific distances on roof spaces for wind tolerance, it’s a good chance of poor installation!
 
Likely to be dodgy installation, the main hazard in a loft is heat, not so much over the last 6 months.

Outside is not exactly ideal either due to sun damage and water ingress issues. IP ratings are one thing, whether they maintained for 10 years out in the elements is an entirely different question.

I’m not sure what’s worse in the event of a fire, in the loft or say in a cloakroom cupboard by the front door….
 
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Likely to be dodgy installation, the main hazard in a loft is heat, not so much over the last 6 months.

Outside is not exactly ideal either due to sun damage and water ingress issues. IP ratings are one thing, whether they maintained for 10 years out in the elements is an entirely different question.

I’m not sure what’s worse in the event of a fire, in the loft or say in a cloakroom cupboard by the front door….

Neither. Either an outdoor enclosure or a detached building such as a garage would be my choice.
 
Spectra solar are going to install an extra Sunsynk L5.1 battery for me.
The price I've been quoted is approximately £800 cheaper than from MyEnergy Solutions who fitted my original system :eek:
 
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Anyone have any recommendations for a decent (i.e kite marked/tried tested) wifi switch for a high amp load?

With the weather improving I'd like to get our immersion wired into Home Assistant. The Sonoff POW R3 looks like it'll fit the bill (25A / 5500w) and reasonably priced at around £40.

Any experiences?
 
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