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Inverter Size

  • 01-10-2024 1:13pm
    #1
    noelfitz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 145 ✭✭


    Recently I got a solar panel system and I am very grateful for the help and support I received here.

    I am aware that there are many ways to optimise the use of solar panels and my main aims are to heat water and the house as well as to run electric appliances and learn about solar energy.

    As pointed out previously, I have twelve 0.430kW panels (total 5.16kW) and a single phase hybrid inverter (3.6kW). This inverter may be a bit small. Should I leave my system alone or should I consider modifications? What benefits would alterations give me? I would appreciate advice.

    Thanks again.



Comments

  • #2
    10-10-20
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,065 ✭✭✭10-10-20


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058371513/inverter-size

    Without a battery, right? But you didn't want a battery at the time, was that right?

    A battery is the logical step forward, even at an inverter limit of 3.6kW, it's still going to be an asset as you can then mitigate the electrical costs past sunset or look at offsetting the high tariffs around 6pm.

    Gary Does Solar is very informative in this respect.

    https://www.youtube.com/%40GaryDoesSolar

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCAMDeA00vM&t=12s



  • #3
    zg3409
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,030 ✭✭✭zg3409


    A "too small" inverter works better in Autumn, Winter, Spring as the start up voltage is smaller meaning it works better early in the morning, late in the evening and on gloomy days. Bigger inverters need higher start up voltage so don't work as well on bad days.

    If you can export the excess then it may make sense but I would leave what I had and consider good heating controls, good timers to put on loads when there is sun etc.



  • #4
    graememk
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 6,626 Mod ✭✭✭✭graememk


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122673715#Comment_122673715

    For the solis inverters, theres no difference in start up voltage

    image.png



  • #5
    noelfitz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 145 ✭✭noelfitz


    Thanks so much for helpful comments. I consider now, thanks to this web-site, I am making progress in understanding solar energy.

    Perhaps the best approach for me now is not to modify my system or buy a battery, but to gain a deeper understanding of the installation I have. As battery prices seem to be falling waiting seems economically sensible.

    ‘Gary Does Solar’ is helpful for me, even though I do not understand much of it.



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