I've had solar PV installed about 11 years now and finally decided to take the plunge and try and add some storage into the equation.
I'm thinking that modular batteries look pretty good as they are easily extended when money or need dictates and I also thought I may as well try and get a 5kw inverter rather than something smaller to ensure i can get reasonable charge and discharge rates.
I'd try and fill the batteries in summer with solar - but probably revert to something like Octopus Go for Winter.
I'm struggling to find anyone who can install something in the locality - I'm on the outskirts of Reading.
I did manage to speak with an electrician who'd def be up for it - but he doesn't really have much exposure this area specifically the moment.
I don't think they need be MCS accredited.
I would need to apply for G99 to my local DNO, who are Scottish & Southern. I'm in a couple of facebook groups and from comments i see, this DNO is probably one of the slow and less amenable ones. I've also heard that even with approval there may be the need for export limitation (potentially invoking G100). Maybe I'd just paranoid and it will be a doddle. Anyone dealt with S&S
I started off looking at Victron kit as they seemed to be indestructible and pretty configurable. But no local approved installers and maybe a bit too complicated.
FoxEss were my next choice. They have a 5kw inverter (FE-AC1-5.0) and batteries (FE-HV2600) and I believe the inverter is g99 certified (though not seen the certificate).
But then someone suggested looking at Sunsynk. So I have looked at them and found a 5kw hybrid inverter (SUN-5.0-ECCO )and its compatible with Pylontech batteries (I'm looking for 10kwh ...so could pair 3 x US3000C or 2 x US5000). Again, I think its G99 compliant but not seen anything about G100.
I checked on midsummerwholesale website and found a Sofar HYD5000-ES inverter. That's got G99 and G100 certificates on there. So that the moment this feels like I can present a better application to DNO with this inverter. I'd be happy to include an export stipulation in my request. After all, I really want to be using the power i generate (or pull at cheap rates) and not be sending it back to the grid!
I'm not sure what to do next. I've had some quotes from companies - but they seem pretty steep compared to just the kit cost. I still like the idea of a local tradesperson getting my business. Much prefer to do that than place my business with a national company. Should a competent electrician (part P qualified) be able to fit a battery & inverter? And will the DNO make anything of the installer I choose?
So wondering if anyone on here has any ideas ....
- what kit to use
- local installers
- DNO application advice
- additional AC battery storage (so as not to affect FIT).
- I hope to switch to a "time-of-day" tariff (probably Octopus Go) and need the solution to be able to charge when its a low cost period.
- I'll also be looking to get an EV and EV charger soon after switching to Go. So I'll need to be able to charge the EV battery and the AC battery in the same time frame (4 hours off-peak). And live off the battery as much as possible for the rest of the day.
- Ideally looking for modular storage that allows me to extend in the future if there's a need.
- Would like to be able to monitor the "Whole" system - to see what's getting generated, what's going to the battery, the car etc.
- Not essential but would like to know if the system can operate when there is a Grid power outage.
- annual elec use (estimate): 3500kWh.
Best wishes
Dave
