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

[Deleted User]

We stuck the Eon monitor on the cable in the loft that comes straight out of the Fronius and it showed something like 50 - 72 watts! The Fronious monitor was showing over 2000 watts (but constantly changing). We also tried putting it on the tails in the meter cupboard and again got very widely varying readings (including zero!) - so OH rang Fronius (as we have no paperwork at the moment) and they just told us to go by the generation meter.

It would be nice to know how much things use so as to get used to what should not be switched on with what, but already we have found some of that out this morning with playing with different things.

The meter is running backwards most of the time - we had on the fridge freezer, various digital clocks, a fish tank complete with heater and air pump, 2 computers, house alarm (for the smoke alarm) various other small things and the dishwasher! Boiling the kettle changed the meter to running forwards though so I'll have to cut down on the tea!

We're very happy with it so far and once the scaffolding goes then there will be no shadowing.

jackieblack

Deleted_User wrote: »

We stuck the Eon monitor on the cable in the loft that comes straight out of the Fronius and it showed something like 50 - 72 watts! The Fronious monitor was showing over 2000 watts (but constantly changing). We also tried putting it on the tails in the meter cupboard and again got very widely varying readings (including zero!) - so OH rang Fronius (as we have no paperwork at the moment) and they just told us to go by the generation meter.

It would be nice to know how much things use so as to get used to what should not be switched on with what, but already we have found some of that out this morning with playing with different things.

The meter is running backwards most of the time - we had on the fridge freezer, various digital clocks, a fish tank complete with heater and air pump, 2 computers, house alarm (for the smoke alarm) various other small things and the dishwasher! Boiling the kettle changed the meter to running forwards though so I'll have to cut down on the tea!

We're very happy with it so far and once the scaffolding goes then there will be no shadowing.

If your meter is running backwards then it is totally irrelevant what you switch on when as your net usage is going to be exactly the same no matter when your appliances are switched on.

TCORR11

Hi folks first post looking for advice have just joined the solar revolution on friday i have a 2.2kwh system i live in Scotland ayrshire the weather here has been hellish to say the least and im not expecting miracles from my solar panels and i know my inverter is working have been up the loft to check it was poor over the weekend not getting above 200w and goin down to 50w but to day was brighter and the sun came out for a little while and the inverter went up to 900w now and again but my pv generating meter has not changed it still reads 000000.5 has anyone else came across this or is this the norm i know we are going into winter and i'm not expecting to much but at least .5 of a kwh would give me some hope i've not wasted my money any idea's please and it is south facing

TrickyDicky101

that doesn't sound right. call up your installer and ask them to come back to check the install looksOK

ChrisJD

TCORR11 wrote: »

i know my inverter is working have been up the loft to check it was poor over the weekend not getting above 200w and goin down to 50w but to day was brighter and the sun came out for a little while and the inverter went up to 900w now and again but my pv generating meter has not changed it still reads 000000.5 has anyone else came across this or is this the norm

Can you cycle your inverter display to show total generated power? If so, then it is good to compare it with your generation meter. They won't line up exactly, but should be close enough to tell if something is wrong.

I was able to have my inverter in the garage - much easier to check it out - and I also have remote monitoring. For an investment that big, I want all the toys.

TCORR11

Thanks for the reply's the sun is out just now and have checked my electric meter and it is going backward, so i take it the power is going back to the grid.
Wish i could afford all the toy's Chris.

Just went up loft it's a Fronius inverter it has functions for a weekly total but when i press the button it come's up N/A think i will give the installer a call

lanstrom

TCORR11 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply's the sun is out just now and have checked my electric meter and it is going backward, so i take it the power is going back to the grid.
Wish i could afford all the toy's Chris.

Just went up loft it's a Fronius inverter it has functions for a weekly total but when i press the button it come's up N/A think i will give the installer a call

Is it an IG or TL model ?

Only the TL has the datalogging built in as standard. You can get a data card for the IG but make sure you are sat down before asking the cost !

teachergirl

Well today my panals have been washed, then working full on ,then washed then working full on....................They needed the wash.:D

jennifernil

anselld wrote: »

I can recommend this if anyone wants a cost effective way of monitoring and logging PV output.
Its designed for monitoring usage but it works the same for generation.
Remote monitoring, web interface, iPhone app, etc.
And a lot cheaper than the web loggers from the inverter companies.

So this system allows us to view what our panels are generating via the internet from anywhere by logging into their system?

This is free for the first year?

Then it costs £1.99 per month?

Presumably you can use it as a "personal display" just in the home without paying the monthly fee?

zeupater

teachergirl wrote: »

Well today my panals have been washed, then working full on ,then washed then working full on....................They needed the wash.:D

I hope you only had the washing machine on when the sun was shining .... :rotfl:

Z