Cerbo GX & GX Touch 50:A turbo charged GX device

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Cerbo GX

The new Cerbo GX, along with the optional GX Touch 50 display, were announced and demonstrated at METS, November 2019. GX products are Victron Energy state-of-the-art monitoring solution. The family consists of the different GX products, and their accessories.

The GX-device lies at the heart of the system – providing monitoring, and operating as the communication-centre of your installation. All the other system-components – such as inverter/chargers, solar chargers, and batteries – are connected to it. Monitoring can be carried out locally and remotely – via our free-to-use Victron Remote Management portal (VRM). The GX-device also provides Remote firmware updates and allows inverter/charger settings to be changed remotely.

Personally I’m a great fan of GX devices, the Color Control GX, Venus GX and more – all being a part of the Victron GX product range.

Detailed introductory blogpost by Panbo

However, my 6 years personal experience is with the Color Control GX model – so I’d be doing you the reader a disservice by reviewing the Cerbo GX. Also, as I blog for Victron, I admit to a natural and faithful bias. It seems only right and proper then to let an independent reviewer give you their take on this exciting new product. What I can say though – is that going by the review on Panbo, the product will be in great demand.

For a detailed introduction, I recommend reading the Panbo blog post by Ben Ellison:

Victron Cerbo GX, good AC/DC power monitoring gets better.

Introductory video

GX Touch 50 display

The GX Touch 50 is the optional display for the Cerbo GX. Its water proof, thin, and easy to mount. There is a cable coming out on the back with two plugs on it: the HDMI goes into the HDMI port on the Cerbo, and the USB (used to power the display) goes into one of the USB sockets. For all details, including dimensions and the manual, see the GX Touch 50 product page.

Optional DIN rail adapter

The optional DIN rail adapters are to easily mount the Cerbo GX on a DIN-Rail. Dimensions and details are available on its page on our website.

Conclusion

When you consider just how far GX devices have come in the last 6 years (just take a look back to 2014), then the Cerbo GX is to my mind the ultimate GX turbo charged device for connectivity.

Learn more at the Cerbo GX product page.

EnGo – Smart Solar Street light pole

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EnGo – Smart Solar Street light pole is made by   EnGoPlanet ,the  sustainable solar lighting experts   recently launched a stylish new street light pole product which can even be retrofitted.The attachable design is of a solar cylinder module which can be quickly and easily mounted on any suitable pole for easy installation and disassembly.

Using 6 slim solar panels, with a solar cell efficiency of up to 21.2%, fixed to a hexagonal frame, ensures that half of them will face sun light at any time of the day.

The off-vertical cluster arrangement of the panels makes them less vulnerable to high-winds, less likely to accumulated dust and grime, and easier to clean.

The energy is harvested by a Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75-15. Bluetooth enabled, SmartSolar MPPTs include features which protect the battery from being too deeply drained, and have intelligent dynamic charge algorithms which work with the seasons to ensure the battery will at least periodically be returned to 100% charge.

EnGoPlanet use their own high-quality Lithium batteries, making the unit suitable for off-grid applications where night lighting is required. EnGo – Smart Solar Street light pole can also be used where a grid connection is present – in which case the units will run from their own batteries except where long-continued spells of poor weather require a power supplement to be drawn from the grid. This option is recommended for locations which are often cloudy, or shaded.

Alternatively, grid connected poles can be supplied without battery. Energy produced by the panels will be sent directly to the grid. Savings of up to 80% are possible.

EnGo – Smart Solar Street light pole  installations are also able to collect valuable environmental data which can be interrogated online. Other applications for the poles are for uses such as CCTV, sensors, wifi hotspots, and even phone charging points.

At Nocheski, we  look forward to installing  EnGo – Smart Solar Street light pole  soon

Justin Tyers

New Products storm Intersolar Europe 2019

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Intersolar Europe 2019 is almost upon us and will be held at Neue Messe München from May 15-17, 2019.

As ever Victron Energy will be exhibiting. Our stand this year is number B2.480, where many new and updated products will be on display. Four key new products and one new product range are:

  • EasySolar-II 48/3000/35-32 MPPT 250/70 GX
  • MultiPlus-II 48/3000/35-32 230V GX
  • MultiPlus-II 48/5000/70-50 230V
  • Inverter RS 48/6000 230V Smart Solar
  • SmartSolar MPPT VE.Can range

These new products will be launched at Intersolar, however in this preview blog we can delve into a little more detail and compare the new models above with previous models where appropriate.

EasySolar-II 48/3000/35-32 MPPT 250/70 GX

Building on the existing EasySolar (which contains a MultiPlus Inverter/Charger and BlueSolar MPPT Solar Charge controller) this new model has a number of improved features and brings other welcome changes.

The EasySolar-II 3000VA GX (when compared to the earlier EasySolar) is based upon the Multiplus-II, giving the whole unit a more compact and modern design, along with improved standby power efficiency, reduced weight and volume.

The GX suffix indicates that there is a GX device for control and monitoring built-in. A GX device is usually a standalone device such as a Color Control GX, Venus GX, Octo GX or a CANvu GX – but in this instance it is a new integrated GX device, which is already connected to the internal Multiplus-II and MPPT charge controller.

In addition there is a small two line display showing what the unit is doing, and if relevant it can also show a detailed error code  – no more counting blinking LEDs!

The EasySolar-II 3000VA GX allows connection to CAN-bus battery management systems, the VRM remote data monitoring portal via Ethernet or built-in WiFi, enables ESS functionality, and much more.

Another update is the AC and DC rated circuit breaker protection is no longer supplied. This change is based on feedback from our customers who are now able to connect the EasySolar-II GX to their own AC and DC fuses or circuit protection – in other words that which is best suited to a particular application and any regional requirements.

The integral MPPT has had the input voltage increased from 150V to 250V, giving greater flexibility when choosing solar panel configurations. In addition, because the MPPT is Victron Smart, there’s all the usual VictronConnect App functionality people have come to expect from Smart enabled products.

If paralleling and using three phase with the EasySolar-II 3000VA GX, there can only be one GX device in such a system. Indeed one GX device is enough and therefore it does not make sense to buy three of the EasySolar-II 3000VA GXs and put them in a three phase installation. Instead what you do is buy one and then buy two normal MultiPlus-IIs with the same rating.

MultiPlus-II 48/3000/35-32 230V GX

This model is the existing MultiPlus-II 3000, with the addition of built-in GX features. It has all the advantages that you’ve come to expect from GX devices. We’ll keep both products in stock after intersolar Europe 2019.

Like the EasySolar-II 3000VA GX there is a small two line display showing what the unit is doing, and if relevant it can also show a detailed error code  – no more counting blinking LEDs!

Building a split- or three-phase system, or parallel system, with the MultiPlus-II GX models can be done. But there can only be one GX device in such a system. Indeed one GX device is enough and therefore it does not make sense to buy three of the MultiPlus-II 3000VA GXs and put them in a three phase installation. Instead what you do is buy one and then buy two normal MultiPlus-IIs with the same rating.

Another option is of course to use multiple normal MultiPlus-IIs, and then choose a GX device to your liking.

Below you can see the plethora of available connection options available on the GX version. Click the image to enlarge it.

MultiPlus-II 48/5000/70-50 230V

This new MultiPlus-II is simply a larger version of the existing 3000 version. See the product page and choose the datasheet to compare the new MultiPlus-II 48/5000/70-50 to the MultiPlus-II 48/3000/35-32.

Inverter RS 48/6000 230V Smart Solar

Yet another exciting new product, Victron Smart too.

Here are some key features of the RS 6000:

  • Built-in solar charge controller with 450V max PV input. Previously the highest max PV voltage of Victron Energy products was 250V. PV specification limits are 450V, 18A in, 4000Wp
  • Victron’s first all in one inverter+solar charge controller
  • HF inverter – a first for Victron Energy
  • Excellent voltage stability
  • Handy 4 x 20 character display display

The image below shows the bottom cover removed, to reveal various connections which include 1 x VE.Direct and 2 x VE.Can connections. Click the image to enlarge it.

Note: The Inverter RS 6000 cannot be configured for parallel operation nor three phase at present.

SmartSolar MPPT VE.Can

Last in the list of new products presented today is the SmartSolar MPPT VE.Can series.

There will be a series of 150V models available, as well as 250V. More detailed news will be shared in a future blog post after Intersolar Europe 2019 .

More information, pricing and availability

More technical information will be made available in the coming days and weeks: product pages, datasheets, and other documentation is being finished and made available on our website.

For availability and pricing, email marketing@nocheski.com

Conclusion

As is often the case Intersolar  Europe 2019 serves as a launchpad for many new Victron Energy products. That doesn’t mean other new products aren’t released throughout the year – it’s simply that Intersolar Europe 2019 is one of the best places to see, learn and try the latest Victron products.

Oh! – And of course there’s Victron’s infamous Intersolar Stand Party to attend…

John Rushworth

Links

Intersolar Europe Website – https://www.intersolar.de/en/home.html

Intersolar Europe Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Intersolar

How to Choose Solar Panels in Ghana

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How to Choose Solar Panels in Ghana will always be a major question . This is due the the wide assortment of varieties available and the lack of expertise in this specialized area of electrical energy.Solar panels provide renewable energy for your home, which helps the environment and reduces your electricity bill. But not all panels are alike. The material a panel is made of, what solar inverter it uses, and how it mounts to your roof determines what environments it works best in. Before you buy solar panels for your home, research the different factors and decide which option is right for you in Ghana.

Ghana has an average effective sunshine of 5.5 hours daily .As a considerable investment, it’s worth evaluating a solar power system for your home before have it installed. Doing your research and seeking professional advice can help you to make an informed decision. Here are a couple of other things to consider before making the change:

Types of Solar panels in Ghana

There are different types of solar cells, with different efficiencies. Although their names might sound confusing, it is good to know at least the name not to be out-of-topic if your supplier happens to mention this.Popular solar panel brands in Ghana include ,Jinko solar,Victron Energy,TrinaSolar LG,Yingli, and Canadian Solar.Its however important to seek the advice from a professional as there are many knock offs or  fake products on the Ghana  market.

Monocrystalline silicon offers high efficiency and good heat tolerance characteristics with a small footprint. Polycrystalline (or multi-crystalline) silicon cell based solar panels are now the most popular choice in Ghana’s  residential installs. There are also Amorphous (or thin-film) silicon cells, which use the least amount of silicon and are not very efficient. For an equivalent wattage, a crystalline panel will be smaller than an amorphous panel.

monocrystalline solar panels in Ghana installed on a rooftop

Choose monocrystalline solar panels for efficiency. Monocrystalline solar panels are the best at converting light to energy because of their high silicon purity. That being said, monocrystalline solar panels are often the most expensive—this option is best if you want the highest productivity and price tag.

  • Monocrystalline solar panels cost between $150-350 USD per panel.
  • Monocrystalline solar panels also produce the most waste when they’re manufactured. If you’re buying solar panels to go green, another material may suit your needs better.
  • All solar panels are made of silicon. The higher the silicon purity, the better your panel will work, which is why monocrystalline solar panels in Ghana are ideal.

Go with polycrystalline solar panels for an environmentally-friendly option.Polycrystalline solar panels utilize all of the silicon material they’re manufactured with, making them the “greenest” panel option. Polycrystalline solar panels are also cheaper than mono crystalline panels, though they are about 2% less efficient than Mono crystalline.

  • Polycrystalline solar panels in Ghana  usually cost between $100-250 USD per panel.
  • other school of thought claim that Polycrystalline solar panels do not do as well in warm temperatures and that Hot climates with temperatures regularly above around 80 °F (27 °C) are not suitable for polycrystalline panels.This may be true depending on the installation technique utilized.Its important to allow steady air flow underneath the solar panels to produce cooling effect.

Buy thin-film solar panels for the most budget-friendly option. Thin-film panels are cost-efficient to make and are usually the cheapest option. They also, however, degrade faster than other panels. Choose thin-film if you need a simple solar panel that may need more repairs over the years.

There is also another variation called solar cloth i.e photovoltaic textiles we have developed are as thin as bank notes and flexible enough to wrap around a pencil, which allows their use on virtually any type of surface

  • Thin film solar panels usually cost between $125-200 USD per panel.
  • Thin-film panels usually need the most space and are less practical for smaller homes. They may need up to twice as much room as a mono- or polycrystalline solar panel with the same energy output.

Buy amorphous solar panels for smaller homes

Amorphous solar panels are a subset of thin-film solar panels. Generally, they are smaller than other thin-film panels. Through a process called “stacking,” which involves multiple layers of amorphous silicon cells, these panels can reach high levels of efficiency, around twice as high as other thin-film solar panels.

  • Amorphous solar panels are more expensive than other thin-film panels.
  • Amorphous solar panels generally cost between $100-200 USD per panel.

Continue reading →

Why do solar street lights fail in Ghana

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Why do solar street lights fail in Ghana ?Why are our streets so dark? Why are we not seeing working solar street lights in our streets today?

The answer is simple: some stand-alone solar street lights cause more problems than they solve. In some cases they don’t solve any problems at all.In Ghana a lot of streetlights are installed during  the election year ,streets are kept lit constantly and then all of a sudden the lights go out and never come on again.In recent times regular streetlights have been replaced with stand alone solar streetlights and some of them are quite fancy.

Smart Solar Street Light installation in Antigua and Barbuda

The real question is still whether this technology is economically feasible right now or whether we should wait for technology to evolve further before we take the inevitable plunge.The question of feasibility has reared its head due to bad decisions on the implementation of inadequate solar
components combined with “quick fix” solutions versus sustainable, long-term solutions.
The solar street light is a prime example of this. How many solar street lights have you seen that are not in working order? If you haven’t seen any solar street lights at all, it may be that the local municipality has not been convinced of the feasibility of these systems because so many systems have failed to date.
The solar street light is mostly sold as an LED street light with a battery box and a solar panel mounted on top of a 6 – 9 m pole. This is known as a “stand-alone” solar street light. The theory is that the solar panel will charge the battery during the day and, at night, the light will use the power stored in the battery to provide light.This idea should be considered a match made in heaven and a solution to many problems: streets lights use a lot of electricity and eliminating even only half of this consumption would lighten the strain burden on the grid. LED has a much longer life expectancy, so maintenance costs on the lights should
be minimal. So why do we not see this exciting development in our streets today? The answer lies with a combination of quality and longevity and with an understanding of the products.

Victron Energy’s highly efficient, ultra fast MPPT Solar Charge Controllers provide more efficiency in solar street lighting

The lighting units use quality components. The solar panels are 24% efficient (about as good as you can get commercially) and the LED lights are among the best at 160 lumens per watt (lm/W). The more lm/W a lamp produces the more efficient it is.A traditional incandescent light is around 15 lm/W, an energy-saving fluorescent bulb is around 60 lm/W. Easy then to see the attraction of solar power for free and lamps that are over 10 times as efficient as old fashioned bulbs – all which nicely meets companies requirements for improvements in sustainability and efficiency.

EnGoPlanet Inc ,a New York based company chose to use Victron Energy’s highly efficient, ultra fast MPPT Solar Charge Controllers, plus Victron batteries together with lighting options such as:

  • Wireless internet connection for remote control and management.
  • Smart Cameras.
  • Sensors for collecting various environmental data.
  • Mobile phone charging stations.

Their Smart Solar Street Lights are used in the Kuwait project, where 140 units have been installed. Petar Mirovic, CEO of EnGoPlanet tells me that the success of the project has interested other oil companies too, such as Saudi Aramco who are considering an installation of over 1,000 units in the coming months.

Well – that all sounds to me like a recipe for success!

FRONIUS SOLAR INVERTERS – MORE THAN WHAT’S IN THE BOX

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When it comes to the buying decision for solar inverters, some buyers might be inclined to only look at pricing and spec sheets. While these are certainly buying criteria that should not be neglected, it is just a small portion of the bigger picture that needs to be looked at when choosing an inverter brand – because an inverter is more than what’s in the box.But why should you even consider Fronius Solar inverter?

As the solar inverter industry is becoming more commodified every year, inverter spec sheets are starting to look a lot more similar. Many inverter capabilities are driven by the same market requests and NEC code regulations, making features and pricing very similar across all inverter brands in the market. Therefore, a buyer could think that the only thing to look at is the price tag. However, it’s crucial to actually look past the spec sheet and the initial purchase price. When picking an inverter, you not only chose a piece of equipment, you are choosing a partner to work with for the next 20+ years. Thus, you might want to look into more than just “the box” and its price.

So what specific buying criteria is there beyond specs and price? The inverter is a critical component of a solar system, as it is not just responsible for DC to AC conversion, but also for the safety of a system, maximum power point tracking, grid interconnection and system monitoring. It is obvious that the inverter and its performance have a big impact on a system’s Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and profitability – inverter uptime, operation & maintenance (O&M) programs and warranty matter in that regard, and this is where the company behind the inverter plays a crucial role.

54kw fronius solar power system installed in Accra

When choosing an inverter partner for the long term, it is crucial that this partner is around beyond the lifetime of a system. Therefore, financial stability and bankability, as well as a global footprint with a local support infrastructure are key aspects to look at. There is no doubt that the fairly fragmented inverter market will see further consolidation, given the ongoing price pressure. This increases the risk of certain manufacturers going out of business and leaving both installers and system owners in the lurch.

Furthermore, an easy to reach manufacturer support hotline and personal, long-lasting relationships on manufacturer’s level help installers through the entire process from designing systems to after-sales service for 20+ years – ensuring uptime and quick service. Since all power electronics can fail at some point, customer-friendly warranty terms and an easy RMA process are making a big difference. Power electronics manufacturers from advanced industries even offer spare part kits among certifications for contractors to conduct repairs cost-effectively in the field and within one truck-roll – a big impact on the profitability of a system.

All these aspects make a big difference and cannot be found on a spec sheet or on the price tag. Make a smart choice. Do not just look at the spec sheet and the price tag, when picking your  solar inverter. It’s a decision that will impact you over the next 20+ years and you want to be sure that your considerations are aimed at this period of time too.That is why Fronius solar inverters is a great choice.

NOCHESKI – YOUR INVERTER PARTNER FOR THE LONG TERM

Fronius has been in business for more than 70 years and shows a proven track record of long-lasting customer relationships and ongoing support for every product ever shipped. The company is privately held and cash operated, providing highest bankability. Fronius business is based on three independent business units which focus on completely different industrial sectors (Welding, Solar, Battery Charging) – yet they are based on a common technological focus on energy conversion. The Fronius 24/7 Service Solutions for inverters include online monitoring, Solar Online Support around the clock and the Fronius Solutions Provider program, a network of certified installers with direct access to Fronius.

To learn more about the Fronius Solar Solutions, contact tema@nocheski.com today or call 0244270092 to speak to our product specialist

KATH to save $10,000 on electricity

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KATH to save $10,000 on electricity
KATH to save $10,000 on electricity

Newly completed Mother & Baby unit at KATH,Kumasi-Ghana

The recently constructed Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi has five different sources of power, namely national electricity grid (ECG), backup battery bank, the KATH’s main generators, the facility’s own generator and a state of the art Grid-tied solar power system.The MBU’s power system is configured to prioritize solar as  the main power source. In the heart of the solar design is a 3 phase 20Kw Fronuis Symo inverter. Grid-tied solar power systems dont require batteries and are  the most cost effective to install.

 

 

Why The Fronuis Symo Inverter ?

The transformerless Fronius Symo is the ideal compact three-phase solar inverter for commercial applications of all sizes. The Fronius Symo is the clear commercial choice, boasting power classes from 10 kW to 25 kW, necessary features fully integrated, Fronius SuperFlex Design with dual MPPT, and a streamlined installation process. The SnapINverter hinge mounting system, lightweight inverter and easy commissioning app make installation possible in under fifteen minutes.

The installed solar power system is expected to save the hospital at least  U$D 50,000 in electricity bills over the next five years.The savings could be utilized by other operations of the facility such as drugs,salaries and vehicle  maintenance.

                                                                           Ghana has The only Green hospital in Africa

KATH to save $10,000 on electricity

polycrystalline solar panels installed on the roof of KATH,Kumasi

The USD 2.5 million ultra-modern facility, built in a record of five months, was spearheaded by Mrs Akufo-Addo and her team at the Rebecca Foundation, following the Multimedia’s Seth Kwame Boateng’s “Next to die” documentary on the deplorable conditions mothers and babies who attended the hospital for healthcare were going through.The world class facility that had earned EDGE certification, from a group affiliated to the IFC/ World Bank, for being the only green hospital in Africa, covers a total build area of 2,722 square meters, with an internal indoor area of 1,724 metre square, instead of the old MBU that had 350 metre square.

The building, which would house the Maternity, Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive care and operating theatres of the Hospital, had been built to withstand earthquakes, fires and explosions and has temperature insulation and noise isolation capabilities.It also has been well equipped with nine birthing beds instead of the former two at the old MBU, with three operating theatres, 130 baby cots.

                                                                             What can Ghana learn from this project ?

KATH to save $10,000 on electricity

20kva Fronuis inverter comes with 5 year warranty & was commissioned by Nocheski Solar

With 11 paediatric beds, two infant ventilators, filtered fresh air and independent post-delivery and post operatory rooms while the faucets, showers and toilets use low volume of water.The 2.5 million dollar facility is expected to help reduce the high infant and maternal mortality that is being recorded by the KATH over the years due to lack of space and hospital equipment.The First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo and her Foundation partnered The Multimedia Group and many other partners  to raise funds for the project.Nocheski Solar would like to congratulate H.E Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo,Rebecca Foundation and all the project partners for investing in a Fronuis Grid-tied solar power system for the project.We believe this is worthy of emulation by other organizations  across the nation who may want to make enormous savings on electricity  in the future.Further enquiries may be made by calling a product specialist on +233244270092 or email tema@nocheski.com.

Take a glimpse of the installation in Kumasi in this short video

 

Ghana :How Fronius saves businesses Ghc 24,000 on electricity

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Ghana:How Fronius saves businesses Ghc 24,000 per annum on electricity.The conversation was getting heated and it ended with the statement “Diesel Generators are cheaper than the Electricity Company of Ghana (E.C.G) and some businesses in Ghana run on generator power even when the grid is available”……………………..

The reality of Ghana’s power situation

This was what I learnt from a conversation I had in 2014 with an associate of mine who ran a medical practice in East Legon at the time.I was actually doubtful of his claims because of his political affiliation and therefore brushed these claims aside.

Whilst Ghana appears to have recovered, somewhat, from the power crisis, many businesses are, ironically, turning to generators which they find to be cheaper than the national grid. Fast forward to 2017 ,whilst running several power audits across Ghana ,I  come across several businesses who run on diesel generator power 2-3 times weekly as a cost cutting strategy for electricity. Some of these business claim to be able to save up to 25% on power costs by this strategy alone.

With Ghana’s prepaid metering system, it’s easy to compare how much is spent on either generators or the national grid on weekly or even daily basis .The bare facts are that  that solar  has gotten cheaper today than it was years ago and with an average 5.5 hours of effective sunshine daily in Ghana, businesses  should seriously consider quality Grid-tied solar power systems such as Fronius .With these solar power systems you don’t need to even worry about rising utility tariffs  or fuel prices.

Ghana :How Fronius saves businesses Ghc 24,000 on electricity

A grid-tie solar installation ,showing solar panels on the roof of a Guesthouse in Ghana

Most Ghana based business shy away from Solar power because of the perceived high initial costs. Grid-tied solar often has fewer upfront costs than an off-grid system. For one, it can cost less to install a grid-tied system because it does not require batteries, as off-grid does. For another, it’s more flexible, as you don’t necessarily have to install the number of panels you will need to produce all your energy needs right away. people choose grid-tied solar power  systems when they know they could only afford a certain number of panels at a given time, so their goal is to lower their electricity bills—but not eliminate them entirely just yet.

Grid-Tie Research Findings

A fully installed 20Kw Fronius Grid-tied solar inverter in Accra-Ghana

Over time, you can always add more panels as you find the financial resources to do so.This solar power option is excellent  for  commercial operations that have a high power demand during daytime hours.Up to 65% percent of power demand for most offices in Ghana is for air-conditioning /cooling due to high daytime temperatures  and humidity.  Our research indicates that grid tied solar can be at least 45% cheaper than off grid solar power systems and you can save Ghc 24,000 per annum by the deployment of just 10kwp. We are able to calculate the savings because of the inbuilt monitoring systems in these intelligent devices built by Fronius BV of Austria.

Nocheski Solar is dedicated to using products  that have a strong, unrivalled reputation for technical innovation, reliability, and build quality. Our products are widely considered to be the professional choice for independent electric power.You may call +233244270092  email for further information

Punjo is not Pona :Not All Solar Panels Are Equal

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Punjo is not Pona : Not All Solar Panels Are Equal

Punjo is not Pona : Not All Solar Panels Are Equal

Nii koi’s wife was pregnant with their third child, and as usual her food cravings seemed to change by the hour. This morning she wanted Pona yams with smoked fish light soup. Being a great husband Nii Koi dashes  to the nearby  grocery down the road  and ends up being sold Punjo yams ,a lower priced ,larger variety of yam. Most Ghanaians prefer the higher sugar content and finer texture in Pona yams even though they can be quite pricey especially when yams are not in season. Thinking he had found a great deal Nii Koi proceeded to complete his assignment.

His wife was very furious, I will not eat this yam

“All yam be yam he exclaimed” and she hissed back, Punjo is not Pona

To cut a long story short his wife refused to eat the Punjo yams and insisted that he get Pona yams to satisfy her cravings

Punjo is not Pona : Not All Solar Panels Are Equal,JINKO SOLAR

Jinko Solar panels are durable and efficient

Selling Solar in a harsh economic climate like Ghana can be quite challenging ,it’s not unusual for prospective customers to ask questions such as  “why your solar panels cost Ghc X when so and so in the market is selling it for so much less at Ghc. Y.”

The simple answer is – Not All Solar Panels Are Equal.

Punjo is not Puna : Not All Solar Panels Are Equal

So when you compare prices for solar panels (and we do encourage you to shop around), you do need to pay attention to 2 key aspects of the panel’s quality – GRADE and MANUFACTURER TIER.

Grade & Manufacturer Tier

GRADE refers to the quality of solar cell used in the solar panel, and are categorized as A, B, C, or D.  “Grade A” cells are the highest quality, in that they are tested to ensure there are no micro-cracks in the solar cell, and all the cells are of the same type. The quality diminishes for grade B, which may have micro cracks and not all cells are of the same type (they sometimes mix and match). Grades C and D are much worse quality with larger cracks and chips, and the cell mismatch is even worse since typical solar cell will be exposed to sunlight throughout its lifetime. Sunlight contains harmful ultraviolet (UV) light that deteriorates all materials, including solar cells. The tiny flaws in the material become worse after prolonged exposure to sunlight, and its power output reduces over time.As a grade A cell has the least flaws to start with, its deterioration will be the slowest.

MANUFACTURER TIER refers to how automated a manufacturer is in its manufacturing process, its manufacturing volume, how long it has been in the industry, and how much it invests in R&D. There are 3 tiers to classify this:

Punjo is not Pona : Not All Solar Panels Are Equal,,jinko solar panels installation

certified engineers installing Jinko Panels in the heart of Ghana capital city,Accra

Tier 1 manufacturers are the top 2% of solar manufacturers, normally producing over 1 GW of solar panels in a year. They are vertically integrated meaning they make their own cells and wafers, invest heavily in R&D, and have advanced robotic processes for manufacturing,and have been manufacturing solar  panels for longer than 5 years. Tier 2 manufacturers are small to medium scale manufacturers, with little or no investment in R&D. They only use partial robotics in their manufacturing process, and rely more on manual work from human production lines.

They have been producing panels for 2 to 5 years. Tier 3 manufacturers are actually just Assemblers – i.e. they assemble other manufacturer’s cells into a panel. This is 90% of the new solar PV companies, with no investment in R&D, and they use human production lines for manual soldering of solar cells instead of advanced robotics. They have been assembling solar panels for 1-2 years. You get best (and consistent) results from Grade A panels manufactured by a Tier 1 manufacturer.

They may cost a little more on a per-watt basis, but when you consider the energy output and the longevity of their panels, you actually get more energy out of Tier 1 / Grade A panels than anyone else. And ultimately, you have to ask yourself what matters to you more — the total number of watts of a solar panel, or the actual kWh (units) of energy produced by the panel?That’s why we at Nocheski Solar use Grade A solar panels from Tier 1 manufacturers like Jinko   Solar and Victron Energy which ensures the best overall value in terms overall electricity output and long-term high quality.Hope this helps you when you compare solar panel prices.Let us know your feedback.All that being said, its  prudent to watch out for unscrupulous industry players  who may be selling counterfeited solar products but that is another whole discussion for another day.

Punjo is not Puna : Not All Solar Panels Are Equal

 

 

 

Assolidafrica 07 illuminates Burkina Faso with Victron Energy

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Working with the charity Assolidafrica 07, a group of teachers and students from the French High School Iscles Manosque have been to install lighting and electricity; computers and a photocopier, in two remote schools in Burkina Faso.

Burkina Faso is a landlocked African country just north of the equator whose 17 million people are spread out over 100,000 square miles, and whose official language is French. The two remote schools to benefit from this equipment were College de Boulma and College de Kapon (440 students) – separated by an hour’s drive through the bush by car.

 

Being so remote, on arriving the French students confessed that their first thought was ‘What are we doing here? Is this really a school – where donkeys wander in and out, laundry hangs out to dry right there in the grounds, and villagers are pumping water from a well?’ Assolidafrica 07 have been slowly building the schools for five years whilst lessons to classes of up to 100 pupils proceed.

In a project they named ‘Solaire et Solidaire’, as part of their own education the French students, guided by tutors, designed the off-grid Photovoltaic power supply and lighting/electrical systems they would install. Victron provided training and some of the equipment, and the students approached industry themselves for sponsorship …experience which will be invaluable to them later in their own lives.

The project included the installation of high-quality suspended lighting systems, very professionally wired in trunking; fabrication of roof-top mounting system for the Solar Panels; and the technical installation of PV panels cabled to Charge Controllers, Inverters and the Consumer unit (distribution panel/fuse board).

One of the volunteers, Thomas Tsamen commented: We didn’t have all the tools we needed so we figured it out with the means we did have.’ A point which illustrates the double-benefit of this volunteer program; the volunteers learn as they build projects which provide so much benefit for the African Schools. And as for team-building, working outside handling tools and equipment which the sun has heated to 60 degrees has it’s own challenges! They’re harsh conditions in which students and teachers alike quickly learn that diplomacy is the key to the continuance of smooth relations!

Alan Morel and Jean Paul Nabaloum

In traditional African society the Tribal Chiefs are guarantors of customs and habits. They’re the ones who regulate society and decide all matters relating to development and problem-resolution. The chief of Kapon – dressed in the robes of his office – said ‘Studying is what’s going to save us. If we stay ignorant, there is no development …I’m so glad to receive these panels and this equipment which will light our classrooms and help our education.’

The lighting now installed allows the schools to extend their curriculum into the evening. Speaking at the Completion of the work tutor Rasmané Ouedraogo said: ‘I’m speechless really. Students will have light and electricity to study for their diploma. And with the computer equipment we are making a giant step.’ In Burkina Faso, where a Broadband subscription costs more than the average annual salary, fewer than 5% of the population have access to the internet.

The President of the Parents and Teacher association makes the point that the installation takes a big worry away from parents – about how they would afford an electricity supply.

And the principal of the French High School Iscles Manosque, Cyrille Seguin, acknowledging the commitment of both teachers and students who ‘dared’ to bring the project to his attention …and then carry it out, said of his students: They will carry the richness of this experience with them all their lives.

Boulma middle school supervisor Mr. Kabore

Source:victron energy