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

orrery

Exiled_Tyke wrote: »

The simple answer is that if you have an old meter that runs backwards then you are legally obliged to tell your utility company who will (eventually) arrange for the meter to be replaced by one that doesn't go backwards!

... and I suspect will then back-bill you on an estimated basis for the units that were not metered.

Doc_N

I wonder if this is the big new opportunity for misselling, or am I being unfair?

http://www.solarfusionltd.co.uk/category/pv-battery/

rodee13

Exiled_Tyke wrote: »

The simple answer is that if you have an old meter that runs backwards then you are legally obliged to tell your utility company who will (eventually) arrange for the meter to be replaced by one that doesn't go backwards!

meter going backwards would have been the ideal 'green' solution but the energy companies wouldn't have any of it hence not allowed and hence we have diverters and soon batteries etc. Some states in US does allow net metering I think.

Rheumatoid

Travel kettle for those of you so inclined

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/cookworks-y-600-travel-kettle-cups-6-66-argos-2426620


Not sure of wattage though. ? 416-672Watts

debs2016_2

Hi I'm after some advice if anyone can help. My mam got hanergy solar panels in on the 25/11/14 and uptil 31/3/16 all she has received back £216 from the electric company nothing yet from the government as far as she knows. She got 20 panels fitted. Is there anyone who knows where she can get a review of her system vs money received as she feels that there is something amiss in the amount she has received. Any advice would be greatly appreciated thanx x

zeupater

debs2016 wrote: »

Hi I'm after some advice if anyone can help. My mam got hanergy solar panels in on the 25/11/14 and uptil 31/3/16 all she has received back £216 from the electric company nothing yet from the government as far as she knows. She got 20 panels fitted. Is there anyone who knows where she can get a review of her system vs money received as she feels that there is something amiss in the amount she has received. Any advice would be greatly appreciated thanx x

Hi

The money she receives from the energy company is from the government scheme (FiT), but she will have needed to supply generation readings (TGM) from the solar system to her FiT partner for payment - this is normally done quarterly in which case you'll need to check with her that this is being (/has been) done.

If you can supply rough location of the system, the direction it faces (S,SW,SE etc), details of the 20 panels (rated power per panel or total rated power of the system) from the MCS certificate/initial quotation and whether there are any shading issues then someone will be able to provide you with a rough idea of what generation the system is likely to achieve.

There should be a record of the initial system TGM reading (Total Generation Meter) at installation (usually 0(ish)), so if you can let us know what the reading currently is someone will hopefully provide an idea of what should have been paid to date so that you can compare to the £216 ...

HTH
Z

orrery

debs2016 wrote: »

Hi I'm after some advice if anyone can help. My mam got hanergy solar panels in on the 25/11/14 and uptil 31/3/16 all she has received back £216 from the electric company nothing yet from the government as far as she knows. She got 20 panels fitted. Is there anyone who knows where she can get a review of her system vs money received as she feels that there is something amiss in the amount she has received. Any advice would be greatly appreciated thanx x

On top of the other replies, you should note that solar isn't very productive at this time of year (December through March) - you should see this increase significantly through the summer months.

Just to double check - presumably the £216 is paid by the electric company for the solar generation (Feed in tariff - FIT), and you're not referring to some refund on her electric bill? As she generates power, she will save money on her electric bill as she can use the power generated for free. She must try to use appliances when it is sunny to get the best benefit - and use them one at a time, not all together.

Lilym_2

Hi. I'm new to having solar PV panels as we have just purchased a house with them fitted. I'm finding this thread really helpful!

One question I have: I've just registered us as the new owner with British Gas, the previous owners FIT supplier. They are also our gas and electricity supplier. I know I can change to a different electricity supplier whilst remaining with BG for the FIT scheme and reveive payments from them but I believe that using my appliances in daylight will allow me free electricity and so do I need to choose a new elextrocity supplier who recognises this? Or can I choose any supplier and the meter just doesn't keep running of I'm using my 'free' electricity?
Sorry, not well worded but I hope it makes sense! Any advice gratefully received!

Lilym_2

Agh apologies for atrocious typing mistakes! Distracted by a four year old!

Martyn1981

Hiya Lilym. Don't worry about using your generation. Your household will use generation first, then import any shortfall, so:

If generating 2kW and using 1kW, you'll import nothing and export 1kW.

If generating 1kW and using 1kW, you'll import nothing.

If generating 0.5kW and using 1kW, you'll import the 0.5kW shortfall.

There's nothing for you to do, this is all run by the leccy system. However, to make best use of this, try to run leccy items when you are generating more, and avoid, where possible big leccy users (tumble dryer etc) when not generating much.

Have fun.

Mart.