South facing wall mounted array install
Just thought I'd write a post in case anyone else was thinking about doing the same.
My original system was installed in February 2024 and consists of 12 x 430w panels on the front East facing roof, 14 x 430w panels on my West facing roof and an 8kW inverter. At install I initially had a single Pylontech US5000 battery but a couple of weeks later I bought a second US5000 and a couple of months after I added 2 more so 4 in total. Overall I was very happy with how the system performed exceeding the projections given to me by my installer. During the summer months I would regularly generate in excess of 70kWh of PV and a total of 8297kWh from 27th February to 31st December.
I have a south facing gable end wall with no doors or windows which is unshaded except for in the depths of winter when a lower portion of it is in a shadow cast by my neighbours conifer trees due to the sun being so low. Fortunately my neighbour has agreed to let me chop the tops off them next week.
I have mounted 10 x 425w panels on this wall and they power a Solax G4 Boost string inverter. I chose this inverter because of its' 50v start up voltage and safety features like arc detection and leakage detection. I have installed optimisers on every panel and they are monitored using Tigo's CCA.
The panels are mounted on Fastensol rails which I have screwed directly to the wall using easyfix bolts. For the bottom row of panels I used a ladder but for the 2nd and 3rd I used a mobile scaffold. I also used a pair of suckers to help lift the panels. I managed to do it all single handed although it did require a good deal of working out and thinking.
After lots of debating, research and asking questions on here I decided to utilise the Aux port of my Sunsynk inverter instead of a grid tie coupling. The main reason is I wanted to have all my data available on the Sunsynk app without the need of installing an Eastron meter, keeping costs down, less electrical connections and I didn't have anymore space left in my consumer unit for the meter.
The system has been running for a few days now and overall I am very pleased with how it operates. It compliments my original install beautifully. At this time of year each panel far out performs any of my roof mounted panels really maximising their yield from the direct hit from the sun. Where as the E/W facing panels on the roof struggle with their glancing rays.
On the 2nd January we had a clear day. At around midday my top 2 panels were producing over 300w each. At the same time my East facing panels were producing 78w and my West facing panels just 68w.
If you are considering doing the same I would definitely say it is worth it. I managed to complete the entire install for less than £1200 buying most parts brand new off eBay. ROI should be about 18 months.
Panels £380
Inverter £170
Cable, isolators, crimps, tools, etc £150
Mounting hardware £200
Optimisers & CCA £240
