Octopus fitting pv now

[AE-NMidlands]

but only using Givenergy controllers and batteries.
I saw that the Givenergy Gateway datasheet says "Communication: RS485/CAN/LoRa (optional), Connectivity: WiFi, LAN and 4G.
and their all-in-one [bigger] battery and controller says the same.
The battery datasheet says "Control and monitor your Smart System on the move via our GivEnergy Monitoring App and Portal" and I was wondering whether this all implies that control has to be through an internet-based program in the cloud somewhere, or whether it can be a wholly self-contained operation?

They make the point that it is "Grid Services Ready: Some energy suppliers and aggregators are offering payments for end users that can reduce their electrical consumption at certain times." so I guess this must require handing over control of the system to Octopus...

Thoughts anyone?

[Moxi]

I would think that anything that goes through octopus will be "controlled" through them, this will then enable them to sell a grid service to National Grid. For the masses this is probably a good thing and wont be an issue, for the more attuned it is unwelcome, I have never been a fan of the "you buy it and I will run it for you, as per my needs and wants rather than yours" concept.

Moxi

[Stig]

Coming back from a walk I saw a house with scaffolding up and no less that 3 Octopus vans outside it! My install was done by two blokes with a single van...

[AGT]

Staff training no doubt, which is indeed lacking these days in many organisations, who don’t feel it worthwhile/profitable.

[sharpener]

I'm amazed they don't subcontract to anonymous teams of fitters in rented white vans.

Both my installations were done like this, the first was MCS certified by someone in another part of the Union who had never seen the site, the second was done by ppl who travelled from Humberside to Devon and did it all off a single ladder. I subsequently got billed by "Onlinespas"(!)

Apparently this modus operandi is how BG choose to fit heat pumps, attracting much criticism for their poor workmanship.