Olly,
I am coming to Samana at the end of January, and would be happy to meet to discuss different set ups. You can PM me for my number if you wish to have me call you.
Each person has different needs, and there are many different systems. So depending on what you want, there are many ways to set up your system. Many of the posters here have electric that is not reliable, and is off many hours per day. In that case, you would need a battery back up system. There are many times that I am not at my place, so for me, it does not make sense to charge batteries and store power, if I simply will not use it the next day. As another poster on here mentioned, you lose a lot of power in the charging/decharging process, so if I can avoid that loss, avoid the high cost of batteries, and just spin my meter backward, then I am happy. As I mentioned, I understand that other folks in other parts of the DR lose power frequently, and I understand their need for battery backup. However, my place is in Samana, and the electric there is from Luz Y Fuerza. With them, there are very few blackouts, but it is very expensive, between 16 and 19 pesos per kw. So I just want power from the panels, to supplement what I get from Luz. When I am not there, my meter spins backward, so I am making money in that regard. While I am there, the 20 panels produce about 20kw of power per day, while I consume about 50 kw.
Someone could spend hours discussing the pros and cons of different systems, SMA vs Enphase etc. I have installed SMA, and I wish I installed the Enphase inverters. I would have saved on shipping, taxes, and I fee they would have been more efficient. Check out the Ephase website. There are three systems installed in the DR.
Thank you in regard to your first statement, but I actually have not been involved in solar for a long time. I did my research and installed my own system in Samana, and experienced the huge challenges of doing business in the DR. After installing my own, and setting up some agreements with three solar suppliers in the States, and a shipping company in Santo Domingo that I can trust, I am proceeding to supply people in the area with any type of component for any solar setup. They biggest challenge in the DR is getting the correct item, that is quality, in a reasonable amount of time, and having someone NOT steal your money. That is what I can do, while working with the client to give them what they want or need. When it comes to setting up the systems, I rely on the expertise of the folks at the solar supply companies, as well as the component manufacturers, including SMA, Enphase, Unirac, etc.
My panels are in the capital now. Of the 68, 17 are sold, so I have 51 left. If anyone wishes to purchase them or any component, contact me. We can meet, or if I am not in the country, you can meet with my worker. You can test the equipment, and if you are satisfied, you can deposit the money in my BanReservas account, via cash or transfer, and take the panels/equipment home with you.
My 2013 New Year's wish to you is 365 days of sun at about 85 degrees, with some rain at night to wash the panels!!!!!
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