15 September 2023
Article by Helandi Moolman, Green & You
In a booming industry, with rapid technology improvements and new products entering the market at an unprecedented rate, it is no wonder that under-sizing has reared its head in the energy industry. Sizing can impact various aspects, but let’s focus on solar panels first.
Contrary to popular belief (or in this case, perhaps the absence of sales advice), not all solar panels will work with all solar systems – we’ll delve deeper into this later in the article. What’s more, the end result might even be catastrophic if you get it wrong.
Energy costs etc. aside, we all want to escape load shedding. We miss ‘the good old days’ when power (or the lack thereof) was not even a topic for discussion. Now be honest with yourself – you’ve just woken up with a cold cup of coffee…
With many more variables (not just load shedding) to consider, it is clear that we are entering an entirely new era with regard to energy. An energy revolution.
True power independence will require a (renewable) power source. In steps the humble superhero: the solar panel.
The moment that solar panels are added to the mix, an expense-only backup system (used for convenience only) changes to an energy solution. Suddenly system payback is relevant, and with rising electricity and fuel costs, your system quickly becomes an investment and an asset.
LARGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER
What most clients don’t know (and to be fair – should not need to know, because they rely on the advice given by their installer or sales agent) is that all sizes of solar panels do not work with all sizes and types of solar systems – to put it simply.
More specific – not all charge controllers or MPPT’s work with all sizes of solar panels. All charge controllers/MPPT’s have limits with regard to Amps and Volts. (The lesson here is to always, always check spec sheets – something that can be applied to most things in life) By using the wrong size solar panels, you could blow your charge controller – not a desirable outcome.
It is valid to note that not all inverters have built-in charge controllers. With Victron inverters, for example, the MPPT is an external module that can be sized according to need, allowing for a greater choice of panel sizes.
It gets even more technical when you consider the stringing of the panels etc. The bottom line is that copy-paste systems might not necessarily work for all households or businesses with regard to consumption & energy requirements as well as roofing structure, layout and a myriad of other factors.
The best solution is to get a qualified and trusted installer to sort out the Amps and Volts (and Nuts & Bolts) on your behalf. If you need help sizing your solar panels or system, give us a call. Our sales advisors are always happy to assist.
Here’s to the future. And to generating our own energy.
