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Solar v2 - choosing the components

Sun, 03 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +1300

Since my first attempt at solar, I have learnt a few things and several new bits of tech have been introduced into the market. Some of the new tech include; all-in-one inverters, bigger “better” batteries, shingled solar panels and micro-inverters…

Time to take the learnings from my first solar project and scale-out

New Parts

An all-in-one solar inverters can include the following functions in a single device;

Solar Controller - MPPT (2x string inputs)
Inverter - Converts DC (48v) to AC (pure sine wave @230v, 50 hertz)
Battery Charger -
- from Grid (AC -> DC)
- from Solar Panels (DC -> DC)
ATS / Line mode - Flicks over to Grid if solar or batteries are low
BMS, Timers and Controls - Can program battery types, priorities and timers depending on how you want to power your loads and utilize your batteries.
Stats / Alerts - WIFI enabled

Solar - modifications complete

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +1200

Two recent modifications to my solar system have changed the daily generated power considerably.

First section highlighted above - i added the ATS and 24/7 load (this server)

Second section highlighted above - moving the 6 panels from east and west to north facing roof. (only reason i didn’t do this initially is north facing roof is a lot higher and i hate heights!)

ATS - 24/7 power loads on solar!

Sat, 20 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +1200

By hooking up my ATS in my solar system, I’m nearing the end of my solar experiment. I cannot recommend the ATS (automatic transfer system) more, such a brillient device.

By installing the ATS i am keeping my solar power generated off grid, but with on grid backup for any loads i attach to it. Also keeps me away from any danger introduced by back filling the grid

So i can run a 24/7 load which will automatically flick over to main power when the batteries are low. At the moment i am powering my attached server (the load) approx 33% of the day. I could power my server for longer if i had a larger battery attached to solar. Its currently winter, so sunlight hours are also limited.

Home Solar Experiment

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +1200

So I’ve been busy building a new solar array, mostly as a hobby and its been crazy fun. Electrocuted my self twice, but luckily nothing too bad.

I’ll write up some more detail round the build, the metric collection and the things i have learnt over my time.

Keep in mind that NZ is in the southern hemisphere, so its winter as i’m writing this. Low sun hours! Stats publicly available via grafana here - https://grafana.sigtar.com