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

Doodles12

Am I missing something? When I'm generating more than I'm using the meter goes backwards, and forwards when use is more than generation - the cost is the same.

ChopperST

Doodles12 wrote: »

Am I missing something? When I'm generating more than I'm using the meter goes backwards, and forwards when use is more than generation - the cost is the same.

You should notify your electricity provider who will come and upgrade your meter as at the moment you will benefiting from free electricity!

Your installer should of made you aware of this likelihood and what you need to do, did they not?

http://www.which.co.uk/energy/creating-an-energy-saving-home/guides/feed-in-tariffs-explained/meters-running-backwards/

Doc_N

ChopperST wrote: »

You should notify your electricity provider who will come and upgrade your meter as at the moment you will benefiting from free electricity!

Your installer should of made you aware of this likelihood and what you need to do, did they not?

http://www.which.co.uk/energy/creating-an-energy-saving-home/guides/feed-in-tariffs-explained/meters-running-backwards/

Or you could follow the example of a friend of mine who has kept quiet - but finds himself having to 'burn off' hundreds of kWh every summer just to keep his meter readings positive!

Not recommended, but he's happy to take the risk.

ChrisJD

Doodles12 wrote: »

Am I missing something? When I'm generating more than I'm using the meter goes backwards, and forwards when use is more than generation - the cost is the same.

When I filled in the FIT registration document, one of the questions was "Does your meter run backwards?" Once you have notified your energy supplier, it is up to them to act, if they wish, and I would guess they generally will, as they do not want this to happen.

Doodles12

Thanks for the replies. I vaguely remember something about meter upgrade, but no mention of why and consequences!

orrery

Doodles12 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. I vaguely remember something about meter upgrade, but no mention of why and consequences!

As with all these people, the danger is that they will attempt to correct for the error by "estimating" what the readings should have been and charging you for all the free power you have consumed. I'd get it sorted as quickly as possible, or at least have a clear record of having notified them of the problem and expressing your concerns.

kleckas

Hi is it true that you can get cheaper council tax if you have installed solar panels and claims some money back for previous years?
if yes what need to do?

JimLad

kleckas wrote: »

Hi is it true that you can get cheaper council tax if you have installed solar panels and claims some money back for previous years?
if yes what need to do?

No it is not.

zeupater

kleckas wrote: »

Hi is it true that you can get cheaper council tax if you have installed solar panels and claims some money back for previous years?
if yes what need to do?

Hi

I think that the LibDems proposed something along the lines of a £100 annual discount for having energy efficient measures installed a year or so back and it's been talked about by various organisations since before the current FiT scheme was introduced. Considering the likelihood of them playing a significant role in the next government, I wouldn't rely too much on it being implemented soon ...

Various local authorities have funded panels on their properties and/or solar farms using the generation income to offset/reduce the council tax budget for their area so I expect that some clueless journalist could write an article claiming council tax reductions from pv, but that's about all ....

HTH
Z

shavy65

Wondered how anyone else with Solar PV + immersion heater diverter got on this time of year in regards to hot water timers etc.
Do you need your hot water boosted by the boiler daily or are you getting enough via solar? If you are having to use your boilers what timings do you think are best to make most use of the immersion diverter?

I think I`d get enough hot water via solar, but as I have a baby at home I don`t want to risk my wife`s wrath if there wasn`t sufficient hot water for his daily baths! I have the hot water timed for 8am to 8:30, then 4:30pm to 5:30. I feel this would ensure a tank of hot water for any morning showers and for baby bath time but also make use of the free heat. Any thoughts?