did you find a good forum in the end. I've always got decent advice from here but solar seems to be a whole other thingHi i am surprised we don't have a dedicated Solar Panel forum here, anyone point me to a decent one?
I am looking at having a system installed and want to discuss what i may need ie best panels inverters etc thanks.
thanks for the links, I think they should. That being said it's a pretty massive topic as i'm just finding out, and opinions are subjective.They should just create one shouldn't they? Lots of youtube channels that you want to check out:
Not so many for UK but try this:
Funnily enough, my brother was looking at a Victron inverter as it does most things and removes the need for additional gear. I see this as good and bad. It's great from a compatibility POV but if it breaks then the whole thing will need replacing.It is a big topic but it may be worth just sticking to one brand. For instance Victron have a pretty active forum:
And they supply most (probably all) the parts you need with the necessary protocols to connect them all. If they don't support a configuration you may want to reconsider whether you should run it. If your spark can't deal with Victron you may want to find another one.All Posts - Victron Community
community.victronenergy.com
But then again, if you don't want batteries (at all) then there may be cheaper options.Product Type Inverter Chargers Victron Energy
If you are looking for Product Type Inverter Chargers Victron Energy then Battery Megastore have you covered. See all our Product Type Inverter Chargers Victron Energy products here.www.batterymegastore.co.uk
I’m thinking of having them.I agree that a forum on here for Solar Panels would be good. I've just had a quote for fitting them on my house and with the increasing costs I wonder if I should spend the money. I trust this forum to be honest and not controlled by one company.
For Solar thermal you get 70% vs 25% efficiency with PV, which means three-times the panels for the equivalent PV power, so sounds great if you're short of roof space, but OTOH you must pay for un-vented tank with possibly multiple coils which is expensive and then to stop it scaling up and needing to replace it after 5-10 years you then need to consider a water softener which is not only extra money but you have to fill it with salt once in a while, store said salt somewhere and (literally) bags of hassle. The one (really big) benefit is that your energy storage is otherwise cheap and environmentally friendly (water), - even if somewhat short-term - and it's flexible, because you can put that tank in an attic, which you probably don't want to do with LiFePO4 cells.I’m thinking of having them.
I can’t decide whether to have solar electric, with or without batteries and or solar thermal.
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