Balcony solar PV

[Joeboy]

Very good but that panel support frame has its fingers over some of the cells, you might want to mention that if that frame is going to be in use for any length of time

Moxi

She was quite vocal on the time allowed.

[Joeboy]

I'll leave this here, a lot of clever design for £155?







Although, bottom right 'caution' Hilarious! Beats the hell out of my Cantonese or Mandarin.

[Joeboy]

Second test.

[nowty]

Thats great efficiency from such a lightly loaded micro inverter, circa 94% on absorbed DC power vs AC output.

[Joeboy]

Thats great efficiency from such a lightly loaded micro inverter, circa 94% on absorbed DC power vs AC output.

It's went tits up within 24hrs.
Moved it over to No1's place. Inverter led shows panel connected. Does not go onto 30s testing then power output. App's not saying much of use so I'm in touch with supplier. See what they say, sad one.

[Moxi]

what blue smoke style or just efficiency drop ??

Moxi

[Joeboy]

what blue smoke style or just efficiency drop ??

Moxi

Simulated blue smoke I guess

[Moxi]

so its kaput, I'm sorry to hear that JB, contact the seller and get a replacement perhaps ? could just be an odd duff unit. I have used the Y&H branded units for quite a few years and they seem pretty reliable for the most part although they don't have the wifi so monitoring is a bit more prosaic.

My 600W is the really old style and is located under the panel as protection from the weather, its casing is corroded a bit (salty coastal air) the leds dont all light up now so without a meter in line you dont know what its producing, its had new DC terminal pegs but other than that its stood up well to wild winter gales and my best attempts to break it prematurely. The newer unit is only 150W but its the blocky sealed unit type with the proper MC4 connections. To my shame its entering its second winter (i think ?) in the lash up trial layout I started with on the trolly stand with bungees tethering it - still going well although I really should get the finished frame fabricated and attached before the winter.

The small balcony/ mobile panels have a niche contribution that really comes in to its own in the lean winter months when you can nip out and shift them around with casual ease to get a bit more light on them which I think makes them worth far more than their set up cost.

Moxi

[Joeboy]

If I don't hear back (a risk with aliexpress) I'll open it up see what's what. It hasn't put me off, slightly miffed for sure as it's £150 I won't see again(maybe). Next time I'll buy through Amazon for the warranty.

I was aware of this possibility but hope springs etc.

Hoymiles seems to be reasonably rated. The one i got (then looked at reviews later) swing from 'best thing ever' to 'never touch'.

[Moxi]

As with many things it’s often down to how good the quality control department is. Failing their diligence the next is a good customer service team.

I do hope they come through for you.

I have the itch for more panels but I know I need to tidy up the current diy systems before I get universal agreement.

Moxi