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

sly_dog_jonah

zeupater wrote: »

Hi

Something which you would need to consider is the use if the immersion when you're not generating. The higher the temperature is set the higher the background heatloss/day from the cylinder therefore don't heat to the high temperatures if you're not using solar as the source ... best to have the gas-fired thermostat set to normal and the solar temperature set to the higher setting (90C may also be a little high and may lead to a massive increase in limescale buildup in the cylinder if you have hard water), you'll also need to check the spec of the TMV for the max operating temperature. Setting the timer for the gas boiler to heat the water in the evening will ensure that the gas would top-up the cylinder if it's been a dull day ...

HTH
Z

Thanks for the tips. My plan was to have the Gas thermostat at around 45C as now, and the immersion somewhere around 70C. I've checked the specifications of the tank and its very well insulated so heat loss is minimal. Our water is is hard. I realise though that 45C is too low to kill off Legionella bacteria, and the recommended minimum is around 55C, so need to bite the bullet and get a TMV fitted regardless of whether we get an immersion controller.

I agree an early evening boost (if needed) from the gas boiler is the best time, as it is the longest time before the sun may next result in export.

John_Pierpoint

Those using heat pumps, take an output from the scroll compressor at about 50+ centigrade for the hot water, when the rest of the system operates to underfloor at 35.
They tend to have a program to use the immersion once a week to zap any
Legionella bacteria

sly_dog_jonah

I had a reply about the Immersun last night, will keep you posted:

You have made some interesting points which I would like to look into. I am going to look at this over the next few days when I have a little time. We are currently working on a comprehensive PV simulation using historic weather data and hot water demand data to fully understand the savings that can be achieved. We will make our findings public. Also studies will be carried out by the EST and one or two universities.

However, I can answer your questions about the immersun right now...

1. Can the device be overridden to force the immersion on at full power (i.e. use import electricity)? For example in a snowstorm in mid-winter and the boiler packed up and we had no hot water.
A1. Yes it can, this can be manually or on a timed basis.

2. What are the dimensions of the device?
A2. 150 x 140 x 60 mm

3. How much will the wireless sensor cost, if needed?
A3. Hard to say just yet, but we are aiming for around £100

4. Does the display only show energy saved on the current day, or does it have a weekly/monthly/lifetime counter as well?
A4. The displays shows daily, weekly, monthly and lifetime kWh savings and these are battery-backed in case of power failures.

Hobbo2006

sly_dog_jonah wrote: »

I had a reply about the Immersun last night, will keep you posted:

It does look good. You can also program the immersion to come on at a specific time to ensure the water is hot enough come bathtime. If it were £300-£400 it would be a no-brainer (we have warm air central heating so heat water using the immersion). As it is I'm going to wait for the other one to become available before making a decision.

sly_dog_jonah

Hobbo2006 wrote: »

It does look good. You can also program the immersion to come on at a specific time to ensure the water is hot enough come bathtime. If it were £300-£400 it would be a no-brainer (we have warm air central heating so heat water using the immersion). As it is I'm going to wait for the other one to become available before making a decision.

We'd use gas to top the temperature it up if needs be, but as Zeupater suggested we would have the immersion thermostat set much higher than the gas thermostat, so that gas would only be used if the temperature in the tank had dropped very low. It will require a TMV to be fitted to the tank but we need that anyway as even at 45degrees it is a scalding risk to our toddler and it's too low to kill off Legionella.

I spoke to EDF yesterday and the Smart Meters they are currently installing still can't measure export, but that newer meters should be available before long that our suitable for micro-generators.

bestofthebest_2011

Hi, I'm living in council house and I would like to save some energy by installing solar panels. How to get it and what shall I do in order to have it? Do I need to pay for it or can I get my Dudley county to get it for free? Hope anyone can give me some info.

sly_dog_jonah

bestofthebest_2011 wrote: »

Hi, I'm living in council house and I would like to save some energy by installing solar panels. How to get it and what shall I do in order to have it? Do I need to pay for it or can I get my Dudley county to get it for free? Hope anyone can give me some info.

If you don't own the property then the considerable cost of a PV installation would be a big risk. If you are a tenant, ask your council if they have plans or any schemes to 'green' their housing stock.

newbie8

can someone help please, i am looking for the post about where the electric meter goes back and what the consequences maybe if the electric company has not been made aware.

thanks all

sly_dog_jonah

Section 4 of the first post on this thread: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3872445

orrery

bestofthebest_2011 wrote: »

Hi, I'm living in council house and I would like to save some energy by installing solar panels. How to get it and what shall I do in order to have it? Do I need to pay for it or can I get my Dudley county to get it for free? Hope anyone can give me some info.

I'd have thought that, if the council installed it then they would get the payback from the Feed In Tariff, which is the major payback.

The energy saving within the house is a fairly minor aspect and difficult to capitalise on. Certainly it isn't something worth agonising over.

My Mum was offered a 'free' installation and I persuaded her not to take it as the downside is not insignificant.