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

KevinG

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

Are you saying that these 'owl' monitors can't even tell you if you are importing or exporting?

That is true of all similar monitors.

Martyn1981

edwink wrote: »

Hello Mart

Have not had a reply from the e-mail to sma. But, got a bee in my bonnet today as this is beginning to annoy me somewhat.

I telephoned a company called green energy. The guy was so helpful. I could not thank him enough.

He said we should have 2 inverters or 2 mppt trackers - stacker grid master. He said our system would generate fine in the summer. But, in the winter when the sun is low the lower panels would drag the generation down from the top panels. I told him that it is possible that the sunny boy sb2500 was fitted in error because the electrician obviously thought that the inverter was suitable as all 10 panels face in the same direction and that this electricican obviously did not take into account the two different roof levels and shading on the lower panels. He suggested an urgent call to our installers. Immediately after I spoke to him I rang our installers explained the situation and told him that things are not as they should be. I have requested that a proper assessment is carried out and a voltage check done.

He did say that he could see what I meant and would look into it and telephone me back!!
So watch this space!!!

I'll be in touch!!!! Thanks!!!

Hello again, we must stop meeting like this!

Looks like you're attacking this from every angle, you'll be an expert in no time. Please keep me updated. As you've probably realised by now, I like to know the ins and outs of everything. Plus, my system is so similar (2.4 on 30deg & 1.2 on 20deg roofs) that I'd like to know what the tolerances, alternatives etc are. I only raised this concern originally as my installers had a good 'thunk' about my roofs, but couldn't find a better solution than 2 inverters.

Mine is slightly more complex as both roofs have an odd number of panels (never an advantage) and are different sizes 235's and 185's for optimum fit.

Whilst I was playing with Sunny Design I did try to look for an alternative. As I didn't have the exact panels this may be wrong, but the 6 worked well on a SB1200, however I had trouble with the 4 panels as less than 5 seems a bit low, even for a SB1200.

Hopefully the installer will know of a suitable alternative, or a dual MPPT that can cope with the smaller string. That is of course, if there is a problem in the first place.

Mart.

Kernel_Sanders

Cardew wrote: »

The very low heat loss from a well insulated HW tank is something I have been stressing for a long time on MSE. Many people justify getting a Combi on the grounds that they save the 'huge losses' from a HW tank*.

In the 'real world' when a tank isn't at 65C all the time, the daily loss is probably < 1kWh; and that heat isn't 'lost' as it warms the fabric of the house. Indeed I suspect that, depending on length of pipe runs, a HW tank could work out cheaper than a Combi in some properties.

* I do appreciate there are other advantages of a combi, space saved etc.

That saved space is usually a highly desirable airing cupboard, often giving up its heat to the only place it is needed in the summer (the bathroom).
Add to this the ever increasing costs of boiler cover, and the switch to all-electric heating becomes even more viable to those of us with a solar PV installation.

EricMears

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

Are you saying that these 'owl' monitors can't even tell you if you are importing or exporting?

KevinG wrote: »

That is true of all similar monitors.

Not quite all such monitors. The Wattson lets you put individual sensors on generation and consumption leads. Strictly speaking, the sensors still don't actually 'know' which way the current is flowing but intelligent placement of them ensures that they'll show correct results.

Martyn1981

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

Are you saying that these 'owl' monitors can't even tell you if you are importing or exporting?

All of the clamp type monitors, Owl, ENViR etc measure current flow, then multiply by the set voltage. They don't know which direction the amps are flowing.

If it's reading 3kW's and the kettle is on and it's nearly dark, it's import. If it's really nice out, very little is on and again reading 3kW's, it's export. The problem is when a few things are running and it's a nice day, and reading 500W's, is that import or export?

If the main meter is visible, it might have a solid red light when exporting (mine does, but they do vary).

Tricky eh.

Mart.

antonbarac

3.96 Kwp. 30 degree pitch. Leyland Lancashire. South west facing.
No shading.
2011
April 90 (4 days)
May 470
June 500
July 475
August 350
Sept 300
October 180
Nov 120
Dec 50
2012
Jan 100
Feb 115 (21 days)
Too many rainy days in this area. On shore winds bring clouds
and rain. I have noticed some in the south east doing very well
at the moment as a result of the better, drier weather.
Thank you raider for posting your results.

edwink

Martyn1981 wrote: »

Hello again, we must stop meeting like this!

Looks like you're attacking this from every angle, you'll be an expert in no time. Please keep me updated. As you've probably realised by now, I like to know the ins and outs of everything. Plus, my system is so similar (2.4 on 30deg & 1.2 on 20deg roofs) that I'd like to know what the tolerances, alternatives etc are. I only raised this concern originally as my installers had a good 'thunk' about my roofs, but couldn't find a better solution than 2 inverters.

Mine is slightly more complex as both roofs have an odd number of panels (never an advantage) and are different sizes 235's and 185's for optimum fit.

Whilst I was playing with Sunny Design I did try to look for an alternative. As I didn't have the exact panels this may be wrong, but the 6 worked well on a SB1200, however I had trouble with the 4 panels as less than 5 seems a bit low, even for a SB1200.

Hopefully the installer will know of a suitable alternative, or a dual MPPT that can cope with the smaller string. That is of course, if there is a problem in the first place.

Mart.

Hello Mart

Will certainly keep you posted. After all it was you that prompted me to look into this further. I am beginning to know what I am doing!! Ha! Ha! Ha! Well sort of anyway.

I also contacted Eon today and just to let others know they say they are at the moment taking 6 to 8 weeks to process the FIT application forms. They said they do not send out a confirmation that they have received the application. So anyone waiting to hear should just give them a call a check to see if their application has reached them.

I'll be in touch Mart. Bye for now!!!

ED

EricMears

edwink wrote: »

I also contacted Eon today and just to let others know they say they are at the moment taking 6 to 8 weeks to process the FIT application forms. They said they do not send out a confirmation that they have received the application.

ED

A tip my installer gave me - which would be even more relevant now that REC offices are probably rather hard pressed ! - was to scan the form and email it to the company and of course to request a 'read receipt' for that email.

This doesn't replace the paper copy but is a useful confirmation that they know you've made an application. It would also be as well to send the paper copy by recorded delivery and pay the extra fee for confirmation of delivery.

edwink

Martyn1981 wrote: »

Hello again, we must stop meeting like this!

Looks like you're attacking this from every angle, you'll be an expert in no time. Please keep me updated. As you've probably realised by now, I like to know the ins and outs of everything. Plus, my system is so similar (2.4 on 30deg & 1.2 on 20deg roofs) that I'd like to know what the tolerances, alternatives etc are. I only raised this concern originally as my installers had a good 'thunk' about my roofs, but couldn't find a better solution than 2 inverters.

Mine is slightly more complex as both roofs have an odd number of panels (never an advantage) and are different sizes 235's and 185's for optimum fit.

Whilst I was playing with Sunny Design I did try to look for an alternative. As I didn't have the exact panels this may be wrong, but the 6 worked well on a SB1200, however I had trouble with the 4 panels as less than 5 seems a bit low, even for a SB1200.

Hopefully the installer will know of a suitable alternative, or a dual MPPT that can cope with the smaller string. That is of course, if there is a problem in the first place.

Mart.

I agree we must stop meeting like this!!

Hoorah a little progress already. I got a phone call this evening from the installation company They said that the Technical Officer is going to ring me tomorrow with the view of coming round and looking at the shading we have on the lower panels. Thay said they are on the case and will deal with it!!!

Will keep you posted as promised.

ED

edwink

EricMears wrote: »

A tip my installer gave me - which would be even more relevant now that REC offices are probably rather hard pressed ! - was to scan the form and email it to the company and of course to request a 'read receipt' for that email.

This doesn't replace the paper copy but is a useful confirmation that they know you've made an application. It would also be as well to send the paper copy by recorded delivery and pay the extra fee for confirmation of delivery.

Hello there

We have sent the MCS certfificate and the FIT application by Special Delivery so we could track the delivery. A useful service for this type of post. We checked the tracking of it on-line and it got there the following day as promised.

Thanks for the information!!!

ED