The MDG Energy is a WhatsApp group for people in Marina Da Gamma who are interested in solar, if you are in the marina or surrounds, why not join the group? https://chat.whatsapp.com/LeGwmZVbOdyBzuEyiVWwcH
The following are questions that have been asked by members of the group and I think it is appropriate to have them here to assist anyone else with similar questions:
Q) So have we got anyone here who can explain the difference between inverter / UPS - and what these KW are and how many we need.
A) The main function of the UPS is to store the electric supply whereas the inverter converts the AC power into DC power. During the power outages, the UPS immediately switch over from the main supply to the battery whereas the inverter has a time delay. Seems most households are doing 5kva (excludes geyser/stove).
Key is whether you want a "standalone" solution or a solution wired in to your main electrical board or a sub electrical board which will supply plugs/lights.
Some “salesman” sold us 3 UPS (3kva) each - now we want to go 100% solar but apparently they don’t mix
I’d add that they are both essentially inverters with batteries. The “inverter” as apposed to the ups can obviously have solar or wind generation or a generator added, depending on the inverter specification. Not a huge other difference, ups’s are designed for occasional power drops or spikes and are generally not set up for loadshedding like we have. So lifespan may be compromised. Particularly where batteries are concerned. Batteries are the biggest cost of long term use. Inverters themselves also vary in quality and durability and use case. For instance the one I have can run at double it’s 8kva rating when grid tied with eskom working. That is way better than others that would “trip out” if overloaded. Also beware, many cheaper inverters are not that durable and aren’t lasting under our present loadshedding conditions. As always caveat emptor. I have done a shin on this on Fine Music Radio. Time I did a follow up one, it would seem. Hope this helps.
Q) I would welcome any facts on wind driven vs solar supplies. I have seen 3 companies offering "small" high generation (turbine) wind units...ideal for our location?
A) I would think. I have heard (don’t know for a fact) that there are legalities with wind generation to overcome. I do know that most of the ones available are of dubious quality