So now I have a solar PV system how do I make the most of it???

BrummyGit

Hi,

I went live with my 3.52 kwp system from HomeSun today. They installed an Elster AS230 meter in a cupboard and put the inverter in my loft, therefore I need to read the meter to monitor my generation.

Can anyone help me with instructions on how to read the AS230 meter as it seems to have 1 push button and I can't fathom out the various modes it will read. Also an explanation of the LEDs would be useful.

I've also got a CurrentCost clamp-on meter on the solar output and the grid connection, but obviously the grid connection can export as well as import but the monitor can't differentiate between the two. Has anyone managed to find a clever way to monitor just the demand inside the home - I looked at using multiple clamps inside the consumer unit but there isn't any spare space to do this.

Thanks

teachergirl

Hi equaliser123 it is definetely an obsession in this house too!:) Today looks grey again despite earlier weather forcasts saying it was going to be sunny:(
Freejuice? I have a 3.96kWp system and I noticed that the PAC value(which maybe someone else will tell me what that means was over 3000kW at some points yesterday. I didn't note the exact figure but I will do next time. I quickly glanced at your blog page but I have to dash out in a minute so I will take a longer look later...it looks very interesting.
Sorry Brummygit I can't answer your questions but I am sure someone will come along who can.
No washing or ironing for me today...shame;)

BrummyGit

How does everyone monitor their system output?

Generation meter, inverter, consumer style meter or something else?

Jon_Tiffany

teachergirl wrote: »

I have a 3.96kWp system and I noticed that the PAC value(which maybe someone else will tell me what that means was over 3000kW

Power Alternating Current

Basically, the net AC output that the inverter is outputting.

jackieblack

BrummyGit wrote: »

How does everyone monitor their system output?

Generation meter, inverter, consumer style meter or something else?

We take our reading from the generation meter.
We have a Fronius remote monitoring thingymajig that sits on the side and 'talks' to the inverter, it tells us how much is being generated at any given moment and also tells us how much is actually generated in total each day by the panels whereas (I understand) the generation meter tells us how much is generated minus the power being used to run the inverter - as this is the figure that is used for the FIT payment this is what we have been recording.

free_juice?

teachergirl wrote: »

Freejuice? I have a 3.96kWp system and I noticed that the PAC value(which maybe someone else will tell me what that means was over 3000kW at some points yesterday. I didn't note the exact figure but I will do next time. I quickly glanced at your blog page but I have to dash out in a minute so I will take a longer look later...it looks very interesting.

Being a bit of a nerd I paid extra to have on-line logging installed, I justified it as I justify any other techno-play thing - it's fun!

The page you see at 77.108.140.90 shows output at any instant but I can't allow public log in because even the lowest level of access allows sabotage of vital settings and only one user can get in at a time (which can block me out) which is a very silly design feature.

The box of tricks logs every possible thing the inverter knows about at 15 minute intervals and stores the file pretty much for ever given the size of the memory avalable. I add it to my website monthly for any other dedicated nerd, but to be honest it is a bit OTT even for me.

The main problem is that I have to power up a PC to view the result which is not very green, not that I am agreen, I'm in this solely for the money and the fun factor.

Not sure it is the fun I was looking for though. I spend my time looking at the sky and cursing the weather gods and the inaccurate forecasts spewing from the Met Office which have been horribly optimistic for this corner of England and if I carry on like this for 25 years the men in white coats will take me away.

I would like to get simpler remote monitoring of the Owl variety but they all seem to be a bodge for solar use and the only one I found which caters for solar generation (the Wattson) costs over £100 and takes five watts off the mains, neither being attractive.

jackieblack

jackieblack wrote: »

Jan and Feb have been distinctly disappointing:(

Well, early days yet but so far March is looking towards being a much better month :j

24kWh generated in the last 3 days, almost 1/2 of the paltry 50kWh generated in the whole month of December!

jackieblack

zeupater wrote: »

Hi

Probably better to use PVGIS-4 available here ..... http://re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pvgis/apps4/pvest.php ..... and select the "CLIMATE-SAF PVGIS" dataset as it's more accurate for specific locations.

It will do the hard work regarding efficiencies etc for you and if you select the 'Show Graphs' & 'Show Horizon' options it will give some interesting charts too.

HTH
Z

Hi
've had a go at this, not sure I've done it right though as my results look a bit too good (apart from Feb)!

Predicted output (kWh for 2.22 kWp system)
Nov - 75.702
Dec - 47.73
Jan - 66.156
Feb - 98.124

Actual Output (kWh), % of predicted output
Nov - 77, 101.715
Dec - 50, 104.756
Jan - 65, 98.253
Feb - 71, 72.357

This can't be right, can it? Any suggestions?

zeupater

jackieblack wrote: »

Hi
've had a go at this, not sure I've done it right though as my results look a bit too good (apart from Feb)!

Predicted output (kWh for 2.22 kWp system)
Nov - 75.702
Dec - 47.73
Jan - 66.156
Feb - 98.124

Actual Output (kWh), % of predicted output
Nov - 77, 101.715
Dec - 50, 104.756
Jan - 65, 98.253
Feb - 71, 72.357

This can't be right, can it? Any suggestions?

Hi

Comparing actuals with estimates based on averages I'd say that it's an excellent correlation between the datasets.

What needs to be considered is that weather is not an exact science and that your production will vary depending on the available sunshine. Over the years your monthly averages will probably start to look close to the estimated values.

If you check out the sunshine hours on the Met-Office anomalies maps you'll get an idea how your system should have performed relative to the PVGIS estimate ...... http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/anomacts/ .... as your figures show, February has been particularly dull. Remember, the percentages described on the Met-Office site are direct sunshine hours, not relative insolation, so don't assume that the total insolation is reduced by the percentage shown, just take it as an indication of how the weather should have effected performance.

HTH
Z

jackieblack

zeupater wrote: »

Hi

Comparing actuals with estimates based on averages I'd say that it's an excellent correlation between the datasets.

What needs to be considered is that weather is not an exact science and that your production will vary depending on the available sunshine. Over the years your monthly averages will probably start to look close to the estimated values.

If you check out the sunshine hours on the Met-Office anomalies maps you'll get an idea how your system should have performed relative to the PVGIS estimate ...... http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/anomacts/ .... as your figures show, February has been particularly dull. Remember, the percentages described on the Met-Office site are direct sunshine hours, not relative insolation, so don't assume that the total insolation is reduced by the percentage shown, just take it as an indication of how the weather should have effected performance.

HTH
Z

So do you think those predicted figures might be correct after all?