Hello! I’m in the process of planning my first solar PV system and would appreciate your help. I have 6 solar PV arrays, each with different orientations and angles. I’m determined to maximise the number of panels, including on north-facing sides, by covering a garage door with vertical panels and possibly flat-mounting a couple over a dormer. It might seem excessive, but someone told me it can’t be done, so I’m set on proving them wrong the hard way!
Here’s my current list of major components—please let me know if I’m on the right track or missing anything:
For solar panels, I’m torn between:
For batteries:
- 2x Gobel Power GP-SR1-PC200 16.5kWh – These use EVE cells (same type/grade as those in EV battery modules) and offer great value.
Now, onto consumables—I’m still working out the details:
- Cables:
- Between batteries and busbar—not sure if 50mm², 70mm², or 90mm² is best.
- Between inverter and busbar—same uncertainty.
- From solar PVs to MPPTs—thinking 6mm² due to long runs from the house to the MPPTs.
Mounting rails for the sloped roof, flat roof, and vertical setup are a challenge I’ll tackle later. Right now, I’m focused on getting the Victron setup sorted, as learning and specifying the right kit is taking up most of my time.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated—cheers!
Here’s my current list of major components—please let me know if I’m on the right track or missing anything:
- Victron MultiPlus-II 48/10000/140-100 230V (single phase) – For inverting and managing power.
- Victron SmartSolar MPPT RS 450/200-MC4 – For the 4 larger arrays.
- 2x Victron SmartSolar MPPT 150/35 – One for each of the smaller arrays.
- Victron Cerbo GX MK2 – For system monitoring and control.
- Victron Lynx Distributor – I’m unsure whether to go for the M8 version. As I understand it, this acts as a busbar to connect multiple batteries. I’m planning to start with two Gobel Power GP-SR1-PC200 16.5kWh batteries, with the option to expand to three or four later. They’re competitively priced, and I could profit from exporting at peak times or charging overnight.
- Victron Lynx Power In – Again, unsure about the M8 version. I’m still learning, but it seems to offer DC-side protection.
- Victron Energy Meter ET112 1 phase 100A max – For monitoring energy usage.
For solar panels, I’m torn between:
- JA Solar 595W N-Type Bifacial Double Glass Half-Cell-MBB
- Aiko Stellar 1N+ 645W N-Type ABC – Aiko’s marketing claims they’re “shade-proof,” which I’m sceptical about. I’m aiming for 18 panels in total.
For batteries:
- 2x Gobel Power GP-SR1-PC200 16.5kWh – These use EVE cells (same type/grade as those in EV battery modules) and offer great value.
Now, onto consumables—I’m still working out the details:
- Cables:
- Between batteries and busbar—not sure if 50mm², 70mm², or 90mm² is best.
- Between inverter and busbar—same uncertainty.
- From solar PVs to MPPTs—thinking 6mm² due to long runs from the house to the MPPTs.
- MC4 connectors – For panel connections.
- Lugs – For cable terminations.
- DC isolators – One per MPPT, but should I have one per battery or just one for all? Better safe than sorry, so isolating everything might be wise.
- AC isolator – Between inverter and house. Does the inverter have a decent built-in one, or should I add an external one?
- Fuses – Should I include one per MPPT?
- Surge protection – Is this recommended? If so, one per MPPT?
- Bi-directional RCBO – For the AC side of the inverter.
Mounting rails for the sloped roof, flat roof, and vertical setup are a challenge I’ll tackle later. Right now, I’m focused on getting the Victron setup sorted, as learning and specifying the right kit is taking up most of my time.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated—cheers!
