A retired couple reached out with two straightforward goals: eliminate load shedding disruptions and reduce their electricity bill. With a setup featuring a 5kVA inverter, a 5kWh lithium-ion battery, and a modest array of solar panels, we successfully met both objectives, ensuring a steady power supply and lower utility costs.

To add convenience, we installed a small LED indicator light inside the main house to signal load shedding events, as the system itself was housed in a separate building. Recently, we upgraded their battery capacity to 14.3kWh, further minimizing their reliance on the grid. Thanks to this enhancement, their annual electricity costs now average under R500, covering only essential winter usage—a remarkable shift toward energy independence.

Components:

• Victron MultiPlus-II 48/5000/70-32 Inverter;
• Victron SmartSolar 150/45 MPPT;
• Victron CerboGX + Touch50;
• Victron Lynx DC busbar;
• Solar MD 14.3kw Lithium Battery;
• 6x 410W Canadian Solar PV modules;

Notes:

• ESS enabled with BatteryLife;
• 12V Aux Relay on the MP-II used to power a small LED light to indicate load shedding ;