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Thread: Inefficient solar systems

  1. #11
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    Solar Geyser

    Hi All there is another alternative where we remove you existing element in your geyser and replace it with a 750w 24-48v element which can run directly off PV Panels or batteries. it is a duel element which means that if you have used up all hot water in the evening but have also drained your battery bank empty then it can run off eskom if need be.

    However i do agree that the best way to go is gas geyser and gas stove/oven just by changing these 2 items in a persons home will change the type of solar system that you will require to run your home and pricing on a system becomes more affordable.

    Regards

    Steven
    Last edited by Dave A; 15-Dec-15 at 04:01 PM.

  2. #12
    Diamond Member Justloadit's Avatar
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    I have just finished off developing a system, in which you do not have to remove the geyser element. Connecting PV panels directly to any type of load with out an intelligent controller is extremely inefficient. PV panels are what we call constant current supplies, in other words, irrespective of the load draw, the panel will supply a constant current value.

    An example, if we take a 250W PV panel, which at midday can give you 30V at 8.4Amps totaling 252Watts effectively, and you connect this directly to a flat 12V car battery, then the panel will supply 12V at 8.4A only, totaling 101Watts. You are losing 149Watts. An electronic device, known as an MPPT controller, will match the load to the panel, in other words the controller if designed for a 12V load, will convert the panel power to 12V at 21Amps. Far more power than the conventional method.

    Replacing the element in the geyser to 750W 24-48V element will work with an MPPT, however, the currents at 24V and 48V are very high, causing the use of expensive very thick battery cables to ensure that there is no loss in the cables during full load, and also to ensure that the cables do not heat up with the high current. This makes the installation difficult and costly.

    Right now I am preparing the brochures.
    Here is my first draft
    Usedasun - Alternative Energy Leaflet.pdf
    Victor - Knowledge is a blessing or a curse, your current circumstances make you decide!
    Solar pumping, Solar Geyser & Solar Security lighting solutions - www.microsolve.co.za

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