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

free_juice?

My solar installer has pointed me at the Wattson meters of which one is designed for for microgeneration and can monitor at the inverter's output and at the start of the domestic wiring. i.e. just before the consumer unit.

My research continues...

Lemoncurd

Equaliser123 wrote: »

I tried an Owl-type monitor but unfortunately it didn't work to calculate the actual production of the PV system. Apparently this is because the wires I tried connecting it to were live AND neutral and it only works when one is monitored.

The other monitor I have is connected by the electric meter. Trouble is that only shows the flow of electricity - in or out (if exporting).

I've just ordered a Sunny Beam monitor.

If you don't mind me asking, from where did you get the Sunny Beam and for how much?
I have seen some for around £130 but can't figure out if that is just for the display unit or includes everything needed to set it up. Does it need any extra components or does it work directly with the inverter?

We already have an Efergy monitor but don't expect that would be as useful.
Thanks!

zeupater

Lemoncurd wrote: »

If you don't mind me asking, from where did you get the Sunny Beam and for how much?
I have seen some for around £130 but can't figure out if that is just for the display unit or includes everything needed to set it up. Does it need any extra components or does it work directly with the inverter?

We already have an Efergy monitor but don't expect that would be as useful.
Thanks!

Hi Lemoncurd

The sunnybeam is a remote display for the sma inverters and connects via bluetooth. Some inverters have the bluetooth capability built in as standard (eg SB4000TL) and others need a communications card upgrade to be installed ....

Which model inverter do you have ???

HTH
Z

Lemoncurd

Thanks for that zeupater, we don't have it yet but are looking at the Sunny Boy 2000HF, have just checked the technical details and it looks like Bluetooth is already there.

I'm not actually looking to buy the Sunny Beam now - it is more to find out a price. An installer has told us that they are £300 but I'd previously seen them for much much less hence why I was wondering if anything else was needed to get it working.

zeupater

Lemoncurd wrote: »

Thanks for that zeupater, we don't have it yet but are looking at the Sunny Boy 2000HF, have just checked the technical details and it looks like Bluetooth is already there.

I'm not actually looking to buy the Sunny Beam now - it is more to find out a price. An installer has told us that they are £300 but I'd previously seen them for much much less hence why I was wondering if anything else was needed to get it working.

Hi

At £300 there is a large mark-up somewhere along the line .....

Get a good quote for your system & when you're happy with the offering/price negotiate a little further .... treat the sunnybeam as being the same as mudflaps or rubber mats on a new car, you'll probably get it 'thrown in' as a sweetener in order to seal the deal, it could save you £300 but cost the installer nowhere near that amount ....

HTH
Z

teachergirl

Very sad person here:o Really excited.It has been my best day ever in the solar production 17.86kWh produced here today.:j I was at work but set my dishwasher and washing machine to go on one after the other with the washing machine at midday because it seems to use the most electricity
Obviously I would hope to do even better in the summer but this is the best since December 17th.

jackieblack

I'm obviously just as sad as you Teachergirl (even posting at the same time!)

Around 9kWh generated today!:T (2.2kWp system)
(Best previously has been 6kWh)


Best day so far, we'll have a few more like this please

teachergirl

:ptee hee jackieblack I'm just glad I'm not the only one:p

Equaliser123

teachergirl wrote: »

Very sad person here:o Really excited.It has been my best day ever in the solar production 17.86kWh produced here today.:j .

Good result. How big is your system? Due south?

Bet you can't wait until summer!

Cardew

teachergirl wrote: »

Very sad person here:o Really excited.It has been my best day ever in the solar production 17.86kWh produced here today.:j I was at work but set my dishwasher and washing machine to go on one after the other with the washing machine at midday because it seems to use the most electricity
Obviously I would hope to do even better in the summer but this is the best since December 17th.

I would be very surprised if your washing machine used more power than your dishwasher.

Even my 8 year old w/machine only uses 0.4kWh or 0.6kWh on most cycles.

My 2 month old A rated dishwasher with all the 'bells and whistles' uses 1.05kWh.


P.S.
Still 'gold star' status:T