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Get ready for summer early and make your garden off-grid…

Posted on by admin-em

This garden has been transformed by the power of off-grid energy. Once but a garden shed, this is now the hub of the garden and loved by family and friends.

Here we have designed a small off-grid energy system based on a 1.8kWp solar array, 2x SmartSolar MPPT 150/35 charge controllers, a 4.8kWh LiFePO4 battery bank and a 3kVA MultiPlus-II. This system provides all of our daily energy needs in summer and winter alike. Excess solar energy is stored in the batteries for use at night or in case of adverse weather.

The following components have been used to build this system;

Due to the design of the roof and the different direction that the solar panels were facing we added two strings of 3 each onto their own MPPT. We have done this because the position of the sun at different times of the day creates different voltages across the two strings of panels and this allows the maximum power to be converted from each string.

We added a Cerbo GX which is the all-new communication-centre which allows you to always have perfect control over your system from wherever you are and maximises its performance. Simply connect through the Victron Remote Management (VRM) portal, or access directly, using the separate GX Touch 50 or GX Touch 70. This latest addition to the GX range combines all the best of connectivity, redefining smart power solutions in every way.

The following electrical items are powered by this system;

  • TV
  • 2x 80 Litre Fridges
  • Ice Machine
  • Heater
  • Small Freezer
  • Garden Lights
  • Beer Pump
  • Blender
  • LED Lighting
  • Water feature

The system uses the smart technology and works with the VictronConnect app. VictronConnect lets you get live status info and configure Victron products with built-in Bluetooth support, such as the SmartSolar MPPT charge controller and the Blue Smart IP65 Charger, or using a VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle or VE.Direct USB interface. Firmware updates are included inside VictronConnect.

This system can be scaled up to offer even more power. For more information about this kit or for a bespoke kit please contact Energy Monkey Ltd on +44 (0) 1452 699300 or email info@energymonkey.co.uk

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