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

oldandgrumpy

Zenoka wrote: »

Does anyone know if there is a device that can sense when you are exporting and send that electricity to a hot water heater? We would really like to use the surplus to help towards heating our water, DH is good at diy and is already talking about fitting a 500w imersion, but we want a system that will automatically control it for us.

Does such a thing exist? I've searched but not been able to find anything.

Me too, I am urgently seeking a switching system that does the reverse of the security pir sensor.....ie it switches a 1000w heater on only when there is enough solar energy to run it freely. I have experimented with a pir sensing movement of a small reflector. The reflector could be attached to a solar windmill (Amazon) thus switching the pir on only when there is enough sunshine. Very clumsy, but would give a solution.
As for general savings, we us an immersion heater on a timer, have 2 air to air heat pumps and a wood burning stove. Check Bricoman and Castorama in France.....you will be amazed at the price of diy air to air heat pumps and immersion heaters. Well worth the trip and cheap booze into the bargain.

Martyn1981

Hiya O&G, check out the FAQ thread, section 8, there are links to two threads where forumites have come up with DIY solutions:-

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3872445

Mart.

oldandgrumpy

themaverick1953 wrote: »

So I can keep getting paid by British Gas and switch supplier (to npower probably) - that right?

n power told me that if I switch to another provider, I MUST take fit to the new provider. BG say the opposite!

sly_dog_jonah

oldandgrumpy wrote: »

n power told me that if I switch to another provider, I MUST take fit to the new provider. BG say the opposite!

npower are wrong. Once you have a FIT supplier, you can stick with them for 25 years if you so wish. This is irrespective of whether they are also your Elec/Gas supplier. I'm pretty sure this is one of the license conditions imposed on FIT suppliers by the relevant government department (DECC I think).

Martyn1981

sly_dog_jonah wrote: »

npower are wrong. Once you have a FIT supplier, you can stick with them for 25 years if you so wish. This is irrespective of whether they are also your Elec/Gas supplier. I'm pretty sure this is one of the license conditions imposed on FIT suppliers by the relevant government department (DECC I think).

That's my understanding too. The problem being that FITs is still new(ish) and some of the companies / staff are still unclear.

If you leave FITs alone you can move your energy accounts around as before (or like anyone without FITs). But if you try the opposite - leave your energy account alone, but try to move your FITs supplier, then it's slightly more difficult, since the big 6 can refuse to accept your FITs account, if your energy supplier is one of the other big 6. I don't think that is entirely unreasonable.

Mart.

sly_dog_jonah

Going back to the immersun discussion, they have now updated their website with additional information and a manual which explains a bit more how it works.

Interestingly the graph on the above page assumes the immersion's thermostat doesn't kick in before the PV output drops.

I'm still awaiting feedback on the other points I emailed them about.

The_Green_Hornet

oldandgrumpy wrote: »

n power told me that if I switch to another provider, I MUST take fit to the new provider. BG say the opposite!

Looking through OFGEM's Feed-in Tariff Scheme: Guidance for Licensed Electricity Suppliers document the only obligation a mandatory FIT licensee appears to have is as follows:

2.12. A mandatory FIT licensee is obligated, when approached, to register and make FIT payments to:

. Its own electricity supply customers

. An electricity supply customer of a licensed electricity supplier who is not a mandatory FIT licensee

. A generator with an eligible installation on a site situated off grid.

2.13. Notwithstanding its obligation, a mandatory FIT licensee is free to register and make FIT payments to any eligible generator it chooses to offer FIT services to

Feed-in Tariff Scheme: Guidance for Licensed Electricity Suppliers Version 4

So I suppose technically they could be within their rights to ask you to transfer but it is hardly good customer relations.

Hotshot

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

I have a problem with my immersion failing when the solar tank temperature hits 90c.
Anyone know of an adjustable thermostat to cope with >85c or one that has a reset button (not fused) that is easily accessible.
Or any other solution as this is driving us mad!

John_Pierpoint

I think you will find that all immersion thermostats have to have a safety cut out now.

As a user of solid fuel it is only a matter of time before a bit of clinker stuck in the damper or an extra high wind tries to boil the tank and trigger the safety cut out on the immersion.

Fortunately over the years I have kept the failed immersion heaters complete with their thermostats, so for the moment I still have no safety cut out.

nobby1963

Hi All,
Just for info I have today spoken to Immersun direct to ask about their units. They just told me to either call one of their approved installers for supply & fit or one of their distributors for just supply.
I was quoted £450 for supply inc delivery &vat.
My nearest installer had his delivery of the units last week and has so far done one installation and is treating that as a `test` and as such has agreed to call me back in 2-3 weeks time with feedback.
A ball park figure for supply & fit from him was £500 -£600.
We wait to see but my initial reaction at that price for me ( no gas but oil fired heating ) is a definate may be