pedritosan

They claim it works like a solar optimizer, running an algorithm to distribute discharge equally across the new and old batteries. Huawei certainly has serious engineering capabilities. Whether and what they dedicate to the solar division is not clear, but their campus is damn impressive. Here is the info on the battery. https://www.abshop.in.th/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/LUNA2000-5-15-S0.pdf

Huawei claims that their system equalizes when new batteries are added, such that the new battery is not unduly stressed. So, by their claims, if a new battery is added a few years in, you essentially are just upgrading the system without any undue stress.

Apologies if I got the cost wrong. My adopted daughter was doing the translation and took notes on the different components of the solar system, so the price I have must be wrong. I was originally planning on going with Sean at Eyekandi Solar Chiang Mai. He wanted to install an Alpha Smile inverter/battery with the same solar panels. Given that he is a Farang and seemed very nice, I was highly inclined to go that way. However, Llana Solar was going to install a Huawei system at a lower price. Against my better judgment, I went with Llana Solar because the reviews of the Huawei system indicate that it is very reliable, because Eyekandi could not do an install for some time, and, at any rate, the cost was lower. Eyekandi wanted to do a DC-coupled system, which has advantages with the Thai power grid. But I read that the battery wears down faster over time (this is logical), and that each expansion has to be 10KwH. I'm also very paranoid about a battery fire (something that is probably a bigger problem with a poor install than an off-brand system). Mine is AC coupled, meaning it is drawing a small amount from the grid unless the power is cut. The AC is converted to DC and then converted back to AC. I really do not know which is the better choice. I also don't know anything about electrical or solar systems, so I was flying in the dark with the help of ChatGPT. As I understand it (again, qualified statements), Sean was going to put a whole house surge protector in front of the unit. The Huawei system does not need that as it offers surge protection built into the inverter. The only part of the system that is grounded is *after* the inverter (the circuit breaker box between the solar system and the house breaker). I'm not sure whether that is the right way to do it. Llana Solar was obviously not an expert at this. Hopefully, it will all be OK. Are those 60,000 baht batteries safe?

Fortunately, I have a giant gecko next to the box, so no ants.

Sorry for my late response...I wasn't notified of new messages for some reason. Yes, the battery was expensive. It is only 5KWH and costs 50,000 (including installation). I am told the advantage of the Huawei system is that you can add batteries to your half-depleted system in 5 years and the system automatically adjusts, maximizing the remaining life of your existing battery. However, at 5KWH, it almost always lasts us all night if there are no guests in the house. The house is teak, poorly insulated, and we do not have heat pump AC systems. So, one guest will deplete the battery in a night. I turned off the breakers on the outside kit as suggested and the power did not go off. Apparently, it shut down the solar to the inverter, but did not impact the battery. After resetting the Safe-T-Cut, it seems to no longer trip out. Why is that? Such a mystery what you all do!

555 That is a pretty big "if." I've been through quite a few electricians, and so for Crossy is the only one who advised to try one breaker at a time to isolate the circuit--something that should have been obvious to me. I will look into putting a separate safety switch on each circuit and then running the entire solar system through the safe-t-cut. Now, I have to see if I can afford another battery and go completely off grid.

Hi name is P Non. They are from China. A very good brand--545W Longi panels. They were not originally earthed independently, and a competitor pointed out that they had no pictures of battery installs on their website. It took them an extra day to figure out how to put the battery in. I wish there were a mad professor involved, as they did a *lot* of installs, but all very basic ones. I'm presently making my way through the circuits as Crossy suggested. I think I identified the bathroom as the problem. The bathroom had just been rewired to add grounds and check the polarity, etc. So, I will ask that guy to come back. The place is damp for sure!

That is great. Sometimes, the system randomly powers down in off grid mode. I will ask the installer about grid assist.

Thank you!

Amazing. That is super helpful! This forum is great and you all are life savers! Now I feel like I can handle this situation.

I think that is what he did. So, if he does that for the whole house, I'm guessing we don't need any surge protection, voltage regulation, etc., since we will not be connected to the grid. But then the Safe T Cut will no longer be on the circuit at all. Also, if there is a ground fault in the kitchen, I'm guessing we are out of luck.

@Crossy. 555 well now you know my level of sophistication here. When I press that button, the system turns off. Is that normal? Yes, the system is AC-coupled. To run it off-grid, I simply cut the power on the Safe T Cut. But he did not leave me with a diagram. I asked him whether he has ever installed a Huawei battery before and he was a bit evasive, but it was through a translator. I only need one more battery to go off-grid anyway. The Safe T Cut trips every time it rains. Nearly immediately after it starts raining. So, I assume water is getting in somewhere. There are 2 outdoor outlets I could probably change to Schneider RCBOs and see if that helps. Thanks for your advice!!

Also, is there a model of the Safe T Cut that I should upgrade to? Every electrician has told me "it is too sensitive," and recommended that I remove it. I honestly don't know if the Huawei inverter is providing adequate surge protection or if there should be another unit ahead of it. I'm not sure how the wiring between the different breakers works, either. I can turn off the input from the grid and run off of the battery, but only to the kitchen to keep the refrigerator running. If that is getting clean power from the battery, maybe it isn't a problem? I really have no idea.

@CarlYai I'm near Wat Umong where the kids live. I would love to have a referral. It would be very much appreciated! As you can see, the equipment is top notch and the installation doesn't look bad until one looks closely and sees drywall screws with no anchors, no ground line, etc, etc.