Can you recommend a good home hybrid inverter?

Fingers
Fingers Registered Users Posts: 19 ✭✭
in Grid Tie and Grid Interactive Systems #1
Hello, Can anyone recommend a good hybrid system for my UK house?
There are so many out there and I have so little time, so if you could point me in the right direction I would be grateful.   

I'm looking to lower my electricity bill

What I require:
The ability to use off the shelf lifepo4 batteries.
Not require specialist BMS.
Mains as a backup when batteries & solar are low.
Use solar on a sunny day when the batteries are charging.
No exporting to the grid.
Wire direct to the house fuse box, and without running new sockets in to the house.
It must be able to power my house & charge from solar in a power cut.

I have tried SMA but it's requirements are way too expensive and it doesn't do what I want.
I'm holding off buying new solar panels until I know what the requirements of the inverter are.
I can fit 6 panels 2.4kw total with minimum 9amp, or 5 panels 3.2kw total with minimum 17.2amp (big panels).



While I'm here, I'd like to ask another question.
Some inverters require separate earthing from the house earth. Apparently this is due to some UK electric companies grounding neutral at some substations. Do I install an earth rod? Include the earth rod with all earths, mains and inverter? Keep separate the existing earths from the inverter's.
I'm hoping technology has rolled on to avoid this problem, but doubt it.

Thank you for your help.  

Tagged:
· Share on Twitter

Comments

  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,732 admin
    #2
    Can you tell us a bit more of what your electrical loads may be (Watts Peak, WH or kWH per day, etc.)?

    Any plans/ability for backup genset (petrol, diesel, natural gas, propane)?

    And your rough location (Plymouth, UK?)?

    More or less, a first planning, point, your 3.2 kWatt array would suggest a "maximum practical/useful" AC inverter of ~3.2 kWatt maximum for longer term off grid function.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
    · Share on Twitter
  • HernyPerks
    HernyPerks Registered Users, Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 2 ✭
    #3
    I came across this older discussion and wanted to add that a lot of UK homeowners seem happy with Sunsynk and Sofar hybrid inverters lately. Both play well with batteries and have solid monitoring apps. Before choosing, I’d look at your peak loads and whether you want backup power or just savings. Anyone here recently switch systems and notice a real drop in bills?
    · Share on Twitter
  • HernyPerks
    HernyPerks Registered Users, Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 2 ✭
    edited February 3 #4
    A solid, hassle-free hybrid inverter setup usually starts with choosing something that lets you expand your battery bank later and has decent UK support. I paired mine with a smart tariff and it cut my bills far more than I expected. I also used an octopus referral code when I switched, which softened the upfront hit a bit and made the whole setup feel more worth it.
    · Share on Twitter

Categories