This project was for a wonderfully compassionate and devout retired couple, whose warmth and kindness made working with them an absolute pleasure. While they’re not fully off-grid, they manage their energy use thoughtfully, manually disconnecting the AC input to rely on their system during load shedding or when grid reliability is low. With all household loads routed through the inverter, essential appliances are prioritized via AC-Out1, while non-essential items run on AC-Out2.

In Phase 1, we installed a 5kW inverter, a 3.7kWh battery, and six 415W PV panels, creating a solid foundation for dependable power. As their needs evolved, Phase 2 brought an additional 7.4kWh battery from the same manufacturer, enhancing their storage capacity and extending backup duration. For Phase 3, we sourced identical 415W panels to expand the PV array, maintaining a cohesive look and ensuring aesthetics remained consistent.

With a love for the outdoors, especially exploring in their 4x4 caravan, this phased, flexible setup allows them to enjoy peace of mind at home, knowing their energy needs are fully covered, no matter the circumstances. This harmonious energy solution perfectly complements their active, outdoor-loving lifestyle, providing resilience and reliability whenever they need it.

Components:

• Victron MultiPlusII 48/5000/70 Inverter/Charger;
• 2x Victron SmartSolar 150/35 MPPT each with 6x 415W PV panels;
• Solar MD 3.7kWh Lithium battery + Logger V2;
• Solar MD 7.4kWh Lithium battery;
• Victron Lynx DC busbar;
• Victron CerboGX + Touch50 System Controller;

Notes:

• Generator start/stop on AC2 27% disconnect Output2 and reconnect on 30%
• ESS enabled
• Node-RED script to manage connection to the grid to increase efficiency and dependence on the grid;

As hardworking entrepreneurs embarking on their retirement journey, this customer envisioned a self-sustaining base station that would provide uninterrupted power, significant energy savings, and a reliable income stream. With rooms added for tenants, they created a setup that offers fixed rental income, even while they travel in their camper van, knowing their home remains energy-efficient and well-supported.

To fulfill these goals, we installed a robust system featuring a 5kW Victron MultiPlus-II inverter/charger, paired with a 5kVA Fronius grid-tie inverter, and a 10kWh lithium battery. The 7.5kWp solar array—18 panels of 420W each—was installed in an east-west configuration to maximize solar generation throughout the day. This Victron-Fronius combination achieves optimal PV-to-load efficiency, ensuring that solar power directly meets the property’s demands while also charging the battery with any excess PV energy. The result is a system with minimal grid dependency and low electrical expenses for both the owners and their tenants.

As an added feature, we implemented automatic load protection on certain outlets: if the battery reaches 80% during a power outage, designated plugs are temporarily disconnected to conserve battery life and prioritize essential loads. This tailored, future-ready solution allows the couple to travel with peace of mind, knowing their property remains energy-sustainable and income-generating year-round.

Components:

• Victron MultiPlus-II 48/5000/70-50 Inverter/Charger;
• Fronius Primo 5kVA Grid-Tie Inverter MPPT with 18x 420W PV panels;
• Freedom Won 10/8 Lithium battery;
• Victron CerboGX + Touch50;
• Victron Lynx Distributor DC busbar;

Notes:

• ESS active with BatteryLife on 20%;
• AC-Out2 enabled on Generator-Start-Stop Assistant on 80%

This project brought us to a cherished family home in Shark Bay, Langebaan, where a retired couple sought to future-proof their energy needs while staying connected to the place where they raised their family, overlooking the breathtaking lagoon. Over five phases, we transformed their power system into a resilient, efficient setup that captures the beauty and energy of their coastal surroundings.

The journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown, with Phase 1 featuring a 3kVA inverter, a 4kWh battery, and six 360W panels. Restrictions meant we had to delay the panel installation until scaffolding could be safely brought in. Once in place, this initial setup allowed the couple to begin enjoying stable backup power. Phase 2 saw an expansion of the battery to 8kWh, enhancing storage capacity for longer energy independence.

In Phase 3, we strategically added panels on the western roof. This positioning maximizes solar generation in the afternoons, as the heavy morning mist in this region often clears by midday thanks to the southeast winds. For Phase 4, we addressed lingering issues with the initial battery bank and transitioned to BYD, our premium battery partner, ensuring top-tier reliability and performance.

Finally, Phase 5 doubled the output capacity by adding a second 3kVA inverter, bringing the system to a robust 6kVA supply, with a 10kWh lithium battery and a 4.4kWp array spread across three MPPTs. This phased approach has equipped the couple with a high-performing, reliable system that complements their serene coastal lifestyle and ensures they can fully enjoy the place that means so much to them.

Components:

• 2x Victron MultiPlus-II 48/3000/35-32 Inverter/Chargers;
• 2x Victron SmartSolar 150/35 Charge Controller MPPTs;
• 1x Victron SmartSolar 100/20 Charge Controller MPPT;
• 2x BYD 5kWh Flex Lite Lithium batteries
• Victron CCGX System Controller;
• Victron Lynx DC Busbar;
• Total of 4.4kWp of PV panels;

Notes:

• AC-Out1 + AC-Out2 in use, to disconnect AC-Out2 on 30% SOC with Generator Assistant;
• ESS in 20% with BatteryLife when there is no loadshedding, 40% when there is;

Relocating from KwaZulu-Natal, this retired couple set their sights on Langebaan to build a spacious family home, ideal for hosting visitors while enjoying the active, coastal lifestyle the area offers. With a love for the outdoors, they frequently explore the surroundings on their e-bikes, fully embracing the town’s mild climate and abundance of activities.

Their goal was to achieve minimal grid consumption while fully eliminating load shedding disruptions. To meet this requirement, we installed a 5kW inverter, 10kWh of battery storage, and a 12-panel array of 540W solar panels. This carefully designed system has delivered remarkable results, with grid reliance dropping to less than 1% of their total annual power consumption. No matter the season—rain or shine, winter or summer—their home runs smoothly, providing reliable, efficient energy that aligns with their commitment to sustainability and allows them to enjoy Langebaan’s unique charm without interruption.

Components:

• Victron MultiPlusII 48/5000/70-50 Inverter/Charger;
• Victron SmartSolar 250/100 Charge Controller MPPT with 12x 540W PV panels;
• Victron CerboGX with Touch50;
• Victron Lynx DC busbar;
• FreedomWon 10/8 Lithium Battery;

Notes:

• ESS Assistant loaded
• With ESS and the energy meter we can supply the non-essentials also with access solar and battery power
• AC-Out1 + AC-Out2 in use for essential and non-essential loads;
• Gen-Start-Stop Assistant loaded - to open relay on SoC < 50% and close relay on 55%, enabling us to use all loads (essential and non-essential) during loadshedding, but disconnecting non-essentials once battery reach 50%;

For this retired couple enjoying life in the tranquil coastal town of Langebaan, the goal was clear: eliminate load shedding and reduce their reliance on grid power. Through a carefully phased approach, we designed a well-balanced, highly efficient system leveraging Victron technology to meet their energy needs with remarkable precision.

In Phase 1, we installed a full system with a 5kVA inverter, a 5kWh lithium battery, and six 540W panels, laying a solid foundation for both daytime power and backup capacity. Moving to Phase 2, we expanded their solar generation with two additional panels, boosting their ability to harness and store even more sunlight. Finally, in Phase 3, we added another 5kWh battery, providing enough storage to comfortably get through the night without relying on the grid.

Thanks to this phased expansion, their system has reduced grid reliance to just 6% over the past 12 months (Nov '22 to Oct '23). This robust setup ensures the couple can fully embrace their coastal lifestyle with peace of mind, knowing their energy needs are sustainably met, rain or shine.

Components:

• Victron MultiPlus-II 48/5000/70-48 Inverter/Charger;
• Victron SmartSolar MPPT 250/70 Charge Controller MPPT with 8x 540W PV panels;
• Victron CerboGX + Touch50;
• Victron Lynx DC Busbar;
• 2x Freedom Won 5/4 Lithium batteries;

Notes:

• ESS Assistant loaded
• With the use of Grid Meter, we are able to supply both essential and non-essential loads from power generated from solar