Solar PV Hints, Tips & Troubleshooting

it's well doable if the inverter has a 'backup' port to which you attach the suitable cable to a fused socket(s). (there's lots of guidance on here about how to go about it but because the search function on boards is so poxy, you can't search within a forum or thread like this one.)

(@Jonathan , maybe a sticky post for this one - "common configuration\setup-no discussion" type thing?)

No idea what switch they will be fitting but I know Hager https://www.hager.ie/products-e-catalogue/energy-distribution/protection-devices/changeover-switches/88763.htm do them but make sure you get the right one.

Sorry where can I find that...tks

1. inverter powers 1 or 2 sockets via a backup connection using battery alone.
2. backup option similar to above but is instead connected to a sub board, powering say 3-4 essential circuits.
3. full consumer unit (but owner must ensure not to use more than panels+battery can supply) in this setup a manual changeover switch disconnects consumer unit from grid thus inverter backup supplying power to all house citcuits. This will typically also open the fireman switches to the panels thus allowing PV charge battery and supply house.

Hope it goes well for you 🙏

A few of us here bought infrared heaters lately, they work well if just for an office or heating you up in a room. Nearly instant heat and just heats objects not the air. I bought a couple of these in different sizes.https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09QBR3NZW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I find them fairly good for my needs and use them with smart plugs. I used a tv bracket for 1 and mounted it on a wall so I can pull it out and position it where needed to heat. The other I mounted on a ceiling over the kitchen table.

With Amazon you can try it out and just send it back if you don't like it so just keep the box!

Yeah I tried one a while back as well, not impressed, sent back.

I have a couple of electric convection heaters in my home office setup (a converted shed with 2 offices, store entrance hall/kitchenette and wc). Electric was the only feasible option for heating.

For the two offices, I got 2 Warmer smart heaters and control them on Home Assistant for timers. The WC has a towel rail heater controlled using a Shelly relay, the hallway a basic small heater again on a relay and the same in the storeroom but I've never had to switch that on as the PV inverter and all my main comms/ switches are in there and are enough to keep it warm enough to avoid any damp.

I insulted the sh1t out of all 6 sides of the shed when renovating so that makes a huge difference, it doesn't take a lot to keep it warm. The heating was accidentally off for a couple of days during the recent icy weather and the rooms never dropped below 13°c .

Having said all that, if those 2 main Warmer heaters ever pack up, I will look at replacing with oil filled heaters to take advantage of surplus PV in spring and autumn and when I eventually get forced into a smart meter and hopefully have a night rate to use.

Puredrive batteries made in UK (really manufactured in China)

I wonder is there an exact like for like one that we can import. I've looked over the past couple of weeks and found similar. But I'm wondering are they compatible with my current puredrive batteries

Hi all,

this may be a dumb question, but can anyone explain why I am seeing this ? Why am I pushing anything to the grid when my battery isnt full. Can the battery not just discharge at the rate to make up the difference between the solar gen and house consumption ? thanks

Edit : I forgot you couldnt seem the direction in the snapshot ! Anyway, I am pushing TO the grid as well as drawing from solar and battery.

Has anyone connected a second charge source to their batteries with Solis hybrid inverter and what was the outcome?

Yes

Hey, put an energy meter on it and see if it's drawing 1kW. If it is, then it's gotta be putting the heat out into the room. And you'll feel heat from it if you put your hand in front. Wouldn't be able to touch it without it feeling hot.

Is it line of sight? My 300W one is maybe 0.5m from me and I'd know it was on. Gets too hot at times and I point it at the wall and it 'reflects' back and me and that's heat enough.

The display on my one isn't great. Hard to tell if on or not. Mine has a temp setting on the side, maybe that's set too low on yours so it won't come on?