Solar options for home in 2022

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#3386013 21-Jun-2025 19:14

Jase2985:

timmmay:

I have only a few panels more than you, but only 6kw inverter. I did max 35kwh in May, did 48kwh one day late April right after the system was installed. I reckon around Christmas 60 - 70kwh should be possible, with less power use, so more export.

Think you will pushing to get that on a 6kW inverter.

48kWh is 8h at max output of the inverter, yes it may peak more than 6kW but not that much more. if you have an E/W split it will help hold the max power level a bit longer.

So how many panels fo you have feeding your 6kW inverter? Is that degree of overprovisioning a problem?

timmmay

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#3386016 21-Jun-2025 19:29

prob:

So how many panels fo you have feeding your 6kW inverter? Is that degree of overprovisioning a problem?

21 panels / 9kw with an inverter 6kw / 6.6kw peak. The next size up inverter was $1,600, our installer said he didn't think it would be worthwhile. We got more panels than standard to produce more power in winter, we were less concerned with summer when there will be plenty of power. I think the inverter will limit things in the peak of summer, but most of the year it's doing fine.

HarmLessSolutions

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#3386021 21-Jun-2025 20:07

We have 9.5kW of (22) panels feeding an 8.2kW inverter, which is restricted to 5kW of export as dictated by our lines company Powerco. We also have another 5.75kW of (14) panels due to be commissioned this week which will feed a 5kW inverter connected to a second phase, which is effectively restricted to 5kW of export by the inverter's limit. We have no battery storage but do run a Paladin diverter in to our HWC which essentially uses the HW capacity as a storage medium. Our Leaf is waiting in the wings for V2G to turn it into our home battery.

In both cases the inverters are 'over panelled' with the strategy being to reach the inverters cap earlier in the day and remain there for a longer period each day, plus increase generation on lower light days.

https://www.harmlesssolutions.co.nz/

Jase2985

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#3386082 21-Jun-2025 22:24

timmmay:

an inverter 6kw / 6.6kw peak.

You keep say this but what does it actually mean? how long does it peak for? what causes it to go to 6.6kW as opposed to 6kW? genuinely interested.

timmmay

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#3386084 21-Jun-2025 22:31

Jase2985:

timmmay:

an inverter 6kw / 6.6kw peak.

You keep say this but what does it actually mean? how long does it peak for? what causes it to go to 6.6kW as opposed to 6kW? genuinely interested.

No idea. That's what's in the specs. I haven't seen 6.6kw in a couple of months, not enough sun I guess. Ask me again in six months, or ask chat GPT 🙂

Jase2985

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#3386085 21-Jun-2025 22:35

prob:

So how many panels fo you have feeding your 6kW inverter? Is that degree of overprovisioning a problem?

Over-provisioning is almost always recommended, because apart from a few days/weeks in peak summer you will never be making what your panels are rated for. so if you have an 8kW inverter and 8kW of panels then you can only make 8kW for those few days/weeks during summer, the rest of the year you will be less than that and in winter it could be a lot less.

Over-provisioning allows you to keep closer to the inverters max output for longer in the year top make use of what you paid for, panels are cheap. most inverters will let you over-provision by 120-150% with some like the powerwall 3 allowing 200% as the extra just goes into the battery till its full then it cuts back.

Jase2985

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#3386086 21-Jun-2025 22:35

timmmay:

Jase2985:

timmmay:

an inverter 6kw / 6.6kw peak.

You keep say this but what does it actually mean? how long does it peak for? what causes it to go to 6.6kW as opposed to 6kW? genuinely interested.

No idea. That's what's in the specs. I haven't seen 6.6kw in a couple of months, not enough sun I guess. Ask me again in six months, or ask chat GPT 🙂

i dont know what your inverter is...

timmmay

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#3386090 21-Jun-2025 23:09

Sigen hybrid inverter, model "6.0 SP".

AI says

How long can my inverter sustain its peak output during optimal sunlight hours

Your Sigen hybrid inverter, rated at 6 kW continuous and 6.6 kW peak, can only sustain its peak output (6.6 kW) for a very brief period—typically seconds to a maximum of about 10 seconds, depending on the specific model. This is standard for most hybrid inverters, where peak or surge ratings are intended to handle short-term spikes in demand, not for continuous operation[6].

During optimal sunlight hours—when your solar panels are receiving strong sun—the inverter will normally operate at or near its continuous rated output (6 kW), not its peak. The peak output is only available for transient surges, such as when a large appliance starts up. Sustained output above the continuous rating risks overheating and tripping the inverter’s protection circuits[6].

In summary:

**Peak output (6.6 kW) can only be sustained for seconds (usually up to 10 seconds) at a time, even during optimal sunlight hours.** Continuous operation should not exceed the 6 kW rating.

Jase2985

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#3386094 21-Jun-2025 23:33

so you have a 6kW inverter, as it looks like you wont get that power for sustained periods.

timmmay

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#3386097 22-Jun-2025 06:49

Jase2985:

so you have a 6kW inverter, as it looks like you wont get that power for sustained periods.

Seems that way according to AI. I'll see what it does in practice in a few months. I have seen it outputting over 6kw regularly earlier in the year, just not sure for how long.

Stu1

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#3386157 22-Jun-2025 09:36

Interesting in AU people get min 10.k systems ,48k batteries and 14.5 inverters . They are often still restricted to 5kwh per phase . Why such a difference is it just the subsidies?. Must surely just be for aircon ?. They have massive systems over there compared to NZ