Additional Charging capacity

[cojmh]

I think I agree with your leave it alone for the time being.

I have just checked the original documentation and I have G59 for 5KW from Western Power. So I assume that is all in order.

In terms of the batteries that I have had installed ... because they are DC coupled with the existing hybrid inverter - I assume that I don't need to do anything or let anyone know that this has been installed?

Thanks

[nowty]

I think I agree with your leave it alone for the time being.

I have just checked the original documentation and I have G59 for 5KW from Western Power. So I assume that is all in order.

In terms of the batteries that I have had installed ... because they are DC coupled with the existing hybrid inverter - I assume that I don't need to do anything or let anyone know that this has been installed?

Thanks

DNO wise 100% no.

FIT provider, officially depends on your contract wording but I would advise not to notify as long as its fitted as per the OFGEM guidance which I believe it is.

[nowty]

If you want to charge batteries via grid in winter you can change your generation meter with approval from FIT provider to use one of these OFGEM approved bi-directional meters which can deduct the grid import to the batteries.

https://www.itstechnologies.shop/produc ... eq=uniform

[cojmh]

I think ..... If I get a TOU tariff it would be simpler to get a separate AC coupled inverter and a second separate battery bank and not have to inform anyone of anything.

Assuming the second battery bank is Pylontech I would be able to simply "move" some of the existing batteries (possibly 2 of the 4) over to the second battery bank simply by moving cables about during the winter months when I need more capacity on the TOU import as opposed to what I can fill up with the original PV install during these months.

Once I am back to March/April I can simply "move" the units back to the original battery bank.

Seems like the best way to do this and keeps this original install the same.

Presumably if I get the second PV array on the garage I can just channel this to the secondary battery bank.

I guess in this "updated" scenario the complicated bit will be to make sure that the Original PV and Original battery bank are the first to discharge and only once this has been discharged will the secondary bank start to discharge. Not sure if this can be done at the moment ... but will do more research.

Whilst some of this will be a couple of years away - I like having it sorted in my mind so I can watch out for ways I can do things earlier (like the potential wiring for Storage heaters when it will be less hassle to do).

Thank you for talking me through it.

[marshman]

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[cojmh]

"I think ..... If I get a TOU tariff it would be simpler to get a separate AC coupled inverter and a second separate battery bank and not have to inform anyone of anything."

Sorry but you would still have to inform the DNO as you are installing another "generator". You have permission for 5kW of generation which you already have - your original FiTs system. The new inverter will have to be G98/99 compliant and I suspect also have G100 compliant export limitation as I would think it unlikely you will get permission for too much more "export", though it is possible, I was allowed a total of 6.62kW.

It would have to be a G99 A1 application as you are already above the 3.68kW "Fast Track" system limit.

I have just been through this installing a new AC coupled PV/Battery system in addition to my original existing FiTs system. To be fair the DNO (UK Power Networks) were "sensible" - yes really! - and gave me the option of an "estimate for reinforcement works for a full "extra" 6kW of generation OR an acceptance of the 6kW but export limited to 3.52kW (in addition to the existing 3.1kW so a total of 6.62kW). I "accepted" the second option and installed a 6kW Solis hybrid which is a type tested G98/99 inverter with G100 compliant export limitation. Once installed you "simply" fill in a G99 A3-2 form and supply a few plans and schematics and the jobs a good 'un. The timescales - once I found my way through the system and got hold of the right person were really quick, less then 2 weeks and I dealt with a real person who couldn't have been more helpful.

It is a frustrating minefield when you already have a "legacy" FiTs system installed, but then the FiTs are very nice to have and not everyone is fortunate enough to get them, so probably a price worth paying so to speak.

Brilliant catch ...... I had stupidly not made the link of the second inverter exporting .... I was just assuming it was going to shut down once the batteries were full.

In terms of the additional export capacity you now have .... Do you effectively give that away free or do you get paid for that additional export?

If you do get paid is it a new contract or is it linked to your existing FIT arrangement?

Thanks for the info

[nowty]

Most second battery only inverters tend to be G100 compliant (zero export) these days but as I and marshman have said, they still need DNO approval and yours wont meet the fast track criteria because of the size of your first inverter.

FITs are history but you can get Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), but it has to be MCS installed (not DIY) and if the leccy is exported from batteries, only if the SEG supplier agrees.

So its best to try and self use everything if you can.

[cojmh]

Most second battery only inverters tend to be G100 compliant (zero export) these days but as I and marshman have said, they still need DNO approval and yours wont meet the fast track criteria because of the size of your first inverter.

FITs are history but you can get Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), but it has to be MCS installed (not DIY) and if the leccy is exported from batteries, only if the SEG supplier agrees.

So its best to try and self use everything if you can.

Thank you,

Sorry - you had said that before .... still trying to get everything together and straight in my brain.

had a quick look at the SEG and I would agree it is probably not worth the hassle .... plus to get MCS would probably be more expensive than any potential gain back back through the SEG (just my opinion - so take with a pinch of salt).

Thank you again for all the advice.

[Joeboy]

Most second battery only inverters tend to be G100 compliant (zero export) these days but as I and marshman have said, they still need DNO approval and yours wont meet the fast track criteria because of the size of your first inverter.

FITs are history but you can get Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), but it has to be MCS installed (not DIY) and if the leccy is exported from batteries, only if the SEG supplier agrees.

So its best to try and self use everything if you can.

Thank you,

Sorry - you had said that before .... still trying to get everything together and straight in my brain.

had a quick look at the SEG and I would agree it is probably not worth the hassle .... plus to get MCS would probably be more expensive than any potential gain back back through the SEG (just my opinion - so take with a pinch of salt).

Thank you again for all the advice.

Do a list pal, don't try and hold it all in one place. I'm a huge fan of lists A to Z, which end you start at is up to you...

[Andy]

The new inverter will have to be G98/99 compliant and I suspect also have G100 compliant export limitation as I would think it unlikely you will get permission for too much more "export", though it is possible, I was allowed a total of 6.62kW.

It is so site dependent. The original transformer for our house only let me export 3.68kw. It was over voltage and couldn't be tapped so they changed it for a larger transformer. When I requested an upgrade for my current project I have been told I can now export 13kW so don't require the G100 limits. I was lucky as I won't be charged for the upgraded capacity as it was done because of the voltage at the house being over voltage. I have been dealing with SSE North and they have been really helpful throughout the process. I'm not sure the neighbours will be able to ever export as much. I wonder if it is first come first served?