Small Off Grid Solar System

The 2.56 kWh LiFePO4 battery consists of 8 x Calb CA100 cells and is suitable for 95% discharge  (2.43kWhr) although it is recommended to design for around 60% depth of discharge (1.53kWhr).  This is the energy available for dusk, night time and early morning use.  See the table below for an indication of what this energy can be used for, or check out the energy calculator below to determine your night time requirements.  Note that in winter, dusk, night and morning represent a 16 hour window.

The system has flexible solar input options so that you may use new solar panels or purchase second hand panels.  The Manual has clear instructions on how to label and connect the panels.

If purchasing new panels Allied Solar recommends either 4 or 6 Canadian Solar  CS6R HiKu panels (395 to 420 Watts per panel)

Additional panels may be connected if more power is required during winter, early morning or evening.  More panels will provide additional energy during low light conditions (overcast skies)  however the solar changer will limit the maximum charging rate to 1.6kW (60A)

To determine your energy requirements have a look at our applications pages.

The system can support a range of solar panel set-ups up to a maximum 150V (Open circuit voltage) and 25A (The charger will automatically limit the current coming from the panels).

The system has an automatic generator start and change over system that helps ensure your home does not run out of power even while you are away (generator is not included and must be purchased separately).  The unit has a 15A power input for the generator to plug into and a 15m cable for a 2 wire generator start.  

If the renewable power is interrupted (say the batteries run low) then the system will start the generator and switch the power supply to the generator.  The system will then switch back to renewable energy and stop the generator when the renewable energy is available again.  There is 2 to 4 seconds with no power during change over.  Your generator will need to have an auto start feature.

If you have appliances in the house that require continuous power then a UPS will be required for those devices.

A manual start generator can be connected although this will need to be started manually and so may not be available when the system tries to switch over.

 Suitable generators may be:

Dunlite DGUR3.2E-2-R/S

Potise R7000STAi-AU

Hyundai DHY6000SE

Honda EU30is

A mode selector switch is available in the display panel which can be used to select one of three modes:

1. Auto mode: In this mode the system will use the batteries while there is enough remaining capacity and then automatically switch over to generator if the batteries are low.  It will then switch back to batteries once they have charged back up to 15% or more.  In this mode the predict function can be used which monitors normal battery use and will switch the system over to generator in the late afternoon or evening if the battery level is low instead of waiting until the middle of the night to start the generator. 
2. OFF mode: in this mode the system is shut down and in an ultra low power state.  The inverter and charger are powered down.  The 15A GPO's are connected to the generator input so if the generator is running and connected then the generator power will be available at the GPO.
3. Generator mode: In this mode the generator is connected through to the 15A GPO's and the system will start an auto start generator.  The inverter is switched off but the charger remains on and will charge the batteries if solar energy is available.

Solar panels are connected to the system using the 10m solar leads and Y connectors or if additional strings are required then a combiner box can be supplied separately.  The solar panels are plug and socket connections so no wiring connections are required. 

An earth lead is included on the cabinet that must be clamped to the earth stake included with the kit. and the earth stake must be driven into the ground near the unit.  The solar panel framing must also be connected to the earth stake via the supplied earth cable on the 10m PV extension lead.

A generator is connected using a 15A extension lead (supplied separately) and the 2 wire start cable.  

Your load (caravan, tiny house, pumps etc) plug into one of the two 15A power points on the unit using an extension lead if required.