Hey everyone, I'm a total newbie in solar systems and I'm looking for some feedback on my planned setup. I've got a total power usage of about 800 to 1000 watts (with a max of 1500 watts), mainly for small appliances like a lightweight fridge, WiFi, LED lights, and maybe a laptop. It's an off-grid system, as I've already cut all grid wires from my house. Here's what I'm considering for my setup:
**Solar Panels:**
- 4x 460W Jinergy PV panels connected in series, giving me an output of around 199.92 volts at 17.94 amps.
**Disconnect Switch:**
- I'm looking at some DC isolators since I can't find a suitable IMO disconnect switch.
**Inverter & Battery:**
- A 3.6Kw Hybrid String Must Inverter (off-grid) and 2x 120Ah 12v Gel batteries, both connected in series for 24v output.
- I'm also checking if 160/125A Battery Fuse Holders and 125A fuses are fine since my usage won't go over 1500 watts.
**AC Circuit Breakers:**
- Considering a 2P 230v Surge Arrestor, a 32A/63A 30mA RCD, and some 16A MCBs for circuit protection. I need advice on whether these are correctly sized and if I need additional GFCIs.
**Grounding:**
- The solar panels will be 30 meters away from the house. I plan to run a high-quality earth wire alongside the PV cables back to a busbar. Is this a good approach?
Thanks for any input!
2 Answers
Hey! Looks like you've put a lot of thought into this setup. I would suggest checking if the inverter is the right fit because it seems a bit pricey considering your total power needs. Also, have you thought about using a series-parallel configuration for your panels? It could allow for a smaller input inverter, which might save you some cash in the long run. Also, just a heads-up, gel batteries can wear out faster, especially if they’re heavily cycled, so keep that in mind!
For your AC circuit breakers, it seems fine but do double-check the specifications. GFCIs and RCDs serve similar purposes, but GFCIs tend to be more common in certain areas, so you might want to look for those if you can. As for grounding, your plan sounds good—just make sure the earth wire is high quality, as you mentioned.
Thanks for the clarification! I’ll do more research on the GFCIs.
Yeah, definitely consider those factors. It's better to ensure your batteries last longer!