Solar PV advice

[AGT]

That inverter has a start voltage of 125 volts don’t know anything about those panels

[Richard77]

I was going to have that inverter before my first choice installers backed out on me, it looks sound. If the installer is making the application then I expect the DNO will just sign to off and export problem solved.

The other problem is that if the general load is low most of the time it will not be that efficient and will eat the battery capacity. I've found that having 2 smaller inverters and setting one to zero discharge gives far better discharge efficiency, and I turn it on when I need it. OTOH if wall space is limited...

Would those 4 panels even be enough to get the MPPT working? The start up voltage could be an issue.

I don't see any issue with changing which strings of panels attach to which dc charge controller or hybrid inverter post install, so long as the mcs certificate is in place.

Thanks Krill...

I think the installer mentioned something about the voltage and it should be enough with these panels. I will have to confirm with him. Thanks for bringing it up.

I was thinking of going for the 16kw SunSynk hybrid inverter but think it would be overkill. I assumed if I ever needed it, 2x 8kw inverters would be better.

[Richard77]

That inverter has a start voltage of 125 volts don’t know anything about those panels

I'm not sure AGT... That's beyond my expertise, would have to mention it to installer.

I see some voltage specs in the datasheet V oc [V] 54 STC if that means anything?

Edit...


So would need at least 3 panels on a string? So would have to put all 4 of the Aiko 625w panels on 1 string?

[resybaby]

Think id be waiting to see what the DNO says firstly, i have a large roof (and a few panels) but despite being only a couple of hundred meters from substation, they restricted me to 3.6kw, grrrrrrr.

[Richard77]

Think id be waiting to see what the DNO says firstly, i have a large roof (and a few panels) but despite being only a couple of hundred meters from substation, they restricted me to 3.6kw, grrrrrrr.

Hopefully won't have to wait long... Can the DNO only restrict the inverter that you can install or can they stop you installing the panels and battery too?

[nowty]

Think id be waiting to see what the DNO says firstly, i have a large roof (and a few panels) but despite being only a couple of hundred meters from substation, they restricted me to 3.6kw, grrrrrrr.

Hopefully won't have to wait long... Can the DNO only restrict the inverter that you can install or can they stop you installing the panels and battery too?

They have no authority over the DC side of the installation, so no limit of solar panels and battery storage. You can directly DC connect the solar panels to the batteries by via charge controllers like many of us do.

They almost certainly won't ban you installing that inverter but they might insist on the export from it to the grid be limited. Even in that case the batteries and house loads can still use the full power of the inverter.

Make sure you get an MCS certificate on the install because with the amount of solar your looking at installing you will want an export MPAN to take advantage of an export tariff sooner or later.

[Richard77]

Think id be waiting to see what the DNO says firstly, i have a large roof (and a few panels) but despite being only a couple of hundred meters from substation, they restricted me to 3.6kw, grrrrrrr.

Hopefully won't have to wait long... Can the DNO only restrict the inverter that you can install or can they stop you installing the panels and battery too?

They have no authority over the DC side of the installation, so no limit of solar panels and battery storage. You can directly DC connect the solar panels to the batteries by via charge controllers like many of us do.

They almost certainly won't ban you installing that inverter but they might insist on the export from it to the grid be limited. Even in that case the batteries and house loads can still use the full power of the inverter.

Make sure you get an MCS certificate on the install because with the amount of solar your looking at installing you will want an export MPAN to take advantage of an export tariff sooner or later.

Thanks nowty...

It's good to know that they can't limit the amount of panels installed and battery storage I can have, as already got 30kwh ordered.

Charge controllers? Something else for me to read up on now!

Yeah... I've only been getting in touch with MCS certified installers and will make sure I get the MCS certificate with regards to any future export plans. Thanks.

Anyone got any experience of Scottish Power in Merseyside and how stingy they are with the G99 approvals? Is there anywhere to search online to get an idea of the capacity of the network in certain areas?

[Colin Deng]

Thank you Richard for the support
Your battery is still under the production
We will send more detail for you before ship out
Thanks

[MrPablo]

Anyone got any experience of Scottish Power in Merseyside and how stingy they are with the G99 approvals? Is there anywhere to search online to get an idea of the capacity of the network in certain areas?

I've dealt with SP Energy for my approval and they were pretty helpful.
I would say you should ring them if you want to get some sort of guidance, they aren't stingy but it's all very dependant on local infrastructure.

[Richard77]

Thank you Richard for the support
Your battery is still under the production
We will send more detail for you before ship out
Thanks

Cheers Colin....

Hopefully you all had a good holiday.