4Kw System Help Please

applemango

Hi
we are currently in the process of receiving quotes for a system and have had solar installed before.
This time however I have had trouble finding any kind of independent reviews or opinions on the inverters etc that are being offered
I've trawled the internet unsuccessfully and wondered if any of you guys might have any knowledge that could aid in our decision?
The inverter: Sola X Hybrid
Panels: 14 Black Mono 285w by Sapphire Solar (SS285M/60)
Price is coming in at just over 5k

The second quote has offered the same inverter-this may be because we have shown interest in a battery system
14 x " 8.33" panels (8.33 seems to be the brand)
Price given is similar to first which is why we could do with an objective eye on the matter.

Any opinions would be most grateful
Thanks

tunnel

Not much on reviews I'm afraid and only a mention on this site
http://www.cleanenergyreviews.info/blog/inverters

Just for the record, most inverter manufacturers are now making a battery compatible model, why wouldn't they, it's the next stage in the evolution of solar.

Can I ask also, why "only" 14 panels, are you pushed for room?

applemango

Thanks for your reply-I will have a look at the link.

14 has been suggested for the space available and the size of system?

We are only fitting panels to the front elevation.

tunnel

applemango wrote: »

We are only fitting panels to the front elevation.

Would that be south facing then? I only ask as the FiT rate is now the same for a 4kWp system as it is for up to 10kWp

applemango

Yes it is south facing.

applemango

Just wanted to say thanks for posting the link to the article as it has proved useful
Tagged on the end were some views from users who had had problems with the inverter and after service as well as info on alternatives
Also thanks for the heads up on the 10kw we are now reconsidering and have made contact with a couple more firms-so thanks for taking the trouble to reply.

Martyn1981

applemango wrote: »

Hi

Any opinions would be most grateful
Thanks

Hi. Just some thoughts and reading for you if you're interested.

You've probably already done this, but if not have a quick read of the PV FAQs, particularly sections 1&2.

T's brought up the issue of going bigger. Certainly something to be considered whenever possible. Most of the reasons are explained in a thread titled 4-5kW, with the **spoiler alert** that they actually went for 6.5kWp in the end.

Regarding batts, there's a thread on that too. Not too important at the moment, as prices are high, but worth a read. The article in post #1 lists about 20 batts, including the Solax.

Having an inverter that's battery friendly makes sense, so long as it doesn't add too much cost. The alternative is to add a standalone battery later. An inverter system is slightly more efficient as it sends the spare leccy to the batts straight from the panels, so all DC. It only converters to AC when discharging through the inverter.

A standalone system diverts the already AC leccy from export to the batts, adding an additional AC to DC, then back to AC again for use. This means higher losses, perhaps another 5% on the amount stored. [Tesla claim their Powerwall II is 92% efficient for the DC model, and 89% efficient for the AC model.]

Swings and roundabouts though, as the inverter based DC system will be before your generation meter, so the smaller losses will still show up as reduced generation and a loss of FiTs and export, though this will be very small, but probably balances things out, and means you don't have to think ahead, if you're not sure about batteries.

Hope that helps, and keeps you busy for a bit.

applemango

Thanks Martyn-plenty to keep me busy there.

applemango

Just a quick update

Well after being convinced by 3 different sales people that we needed their systems and all the others are not right for us/don't produce effectively/might go out of business (delete as appropriate) we are close to making a decision.....

Must admit I was pretty fed up after listening to it all

However we managed to get back in touch with a previous installer who is in the area and so we are in negotiations with him at present-so hopefully we will be sorted in the next month