Renewables: "talking 'bout my generation"

KevinG

Sirlaughalot wrote: »

However after reading through this thread and others it could be a case where during solar panel production the meter is affected and the meter reading is increased resulting in a higher bill! (Which pretty much defeats the object of fitting solar panels in the first place.)

Is there a list of the make and model of the meters this affects?

This thread is referenced in the Solar PV FAQ in this forum:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3871161

That's the Siemens S2A, I'm not personally aware of others.

EricMears

Sirlaughalot wrote: »

As most of you are aware i have the old type of electric meter(analogue/spinning wheel) Only one installer has mentioned that this could case a problem with incorrect readings he said that the meter would over estimate which would not bother me as i would tell my supplier the problem if that don`t respond that my good fortune.

However after reading through this thread and others it could be a case where during solar panel production the meter is affected and the meter reading is increased resulting in a higher bill! (Which pretty much defeats the object of fitting solar panels in the first place.)

Is there a list of the make and model of the meters this affects?

SL

I can't see any reason why an "old type of electric meter(analogue/spinning wheel)" should over-estimate following SP installation. When exporting, it could only stop or run backwards. The sort of meter that has an anti-tamper function so charges for exports is much more sophisticated than that.

If indeed your meter was reading incorrectly (regardless of direction of error) then it would be the electricity suppliers responsibility to investigate it and if necessary replace it - both without charge to consumer. You might just be charged for meter replacement if you allege it is faulty but it turns out to be accurate - but if you did actually witness the meter going upwards when you know you're generating more than you could possibly be using that wouldn't ne a problem.

zeupater

Sirlaughalot wrote: »

As most of you are aware i have the old type of electric meter(analogue/spinning wheel) Only one installer has mentioned that this could case a problem with incorrect readings he said that the meter would over estimate which would not bother me as i would tell my supplier the problem if that don`t respond that my good fortune.

However after reading through this thread and others it could be a case where during solar panel production the meter is affected and the meter reading is increased resulting in a higher bill! (Which pretty much defeats the object of fitting solar panels in the first place.)

Is there a list of the make and model of the meters this affects?

SL

Hi

I believe that the only meter model having the issue you mention is a digital unit and therefore will not effect you. Most analogue meters are fitted with a ratchet which prevents them from reversing and should have a ratchet symbol printed on the front (looks something like a propeller) therefore meter reversal may not even effect take place on your analogue unit.

Have a look at the meter to see if the symbol is there ... our installer didn't even know what the symbol meant and expected meter reversal until I pointed it out - even then they were a little sceptical until the system was commissioned.

If you have any worries simply make a note of the meter make & model then ring either your DNO or supplier and ask them to provide guidance ...

HTH
Z

John_Pierpoint

My installation probably put the last nail into the coffin of my analogue clock that switched from day rate to economy 7. I don't think it liked the electricity going backwards.
I encouraged it to finally RIP with its clock in the economy 7 section, and my supplier replaced it and the existing small digital supply meter with a combined meter and clock.
[I suggested that the fitter used the redundant supply meter as an export meter, but the suggestion fell on deaf ears]

My new combined meter and clock looks much like the picture below (it has been uploaded to the interweb by someone monitoring the red flashes.) :


Pressing the blue button cycles through -> 7 hour cumulative reading -> 17 Hour cumulative reading -> Time -> Date -> display layout -> rED -> .....where rED indicates that an attempt has been made to feed current backwards through the meter. When this reverse feed is in operation there is a steady red light issuing from both watt flashers - very satisfying.

There is a down side, I used to get 7 hours and 20 minutes of economy 7 now I get exactly 7 hours.:mad::D

The old time clock looked much like this



the old meter was this model, note the red flashing light for each watt.:



You might need to know about this too.

EricMears

EricMears wrote: »

Another very poor day today - just 4.2kWh

Up to MD today, I was expecting to report same again ! A thoroughly miserable drizzly day.

HOWEVER, sun broke through clouds (just after I paid to boil kettle :mad:) and we managed to generate 14 kWh altogether.

Still haven't quite reached the July pvgis forecast but only 1.3kWh behind it so barring an all-day total eclipse am expecting to get there tomorrow.

sly_dog_jonah

The last 3 days have dipped below 20kWh/day for first time since 4th July:

Sat: 17.0 kWh
Sun: 17.7 kWh
Mon: 17.9 kWh

Not as bad as some of you by any means and well above the 13.5kWh needed on average for PVGIS.

We broke through PVGIS (classic*) target yesterday though (417kWh) and have now banked 435.6kWh (19.8kWh average) this month (+4%). Best ever month in absolute terms is May 2013 with 476kWh but we should have no problem beating that and could possibly break 600kWh, which is a little under £300 for FiT and export combined.

* Our PVGIS-Classic forecast is almost identical to the PVGIS-Climate model so I just stick with Classic.

Oscargrouch

Sun broke through following a misty start:- 5.72 O's; back to the results I have recently become accustomed to.

Anyone know how thunder & lightening storms affect PV installations? Can it boosts generation with a full strike or is it time to 'screw me lid down' ? .

Only 5 days this month that have not been in double kWh numbers.....

* We use PVGIS Classic, cos that's the sort of guy I am.....

tunnel

Very surprised to have achieved a tad over 3 O's today. Even more surprised to come home and hear the wife say she'd waited till the sun came out before putting the washer on.

tunnel

Martyn1981

Another good 3 days;
Sat 24.2 - 4.34 Os
Sun 24.9 - 4.46 Os
Mon 25.3 - 4.53 Os

Silly facts:
3rd of July was the last day under target.
July gen today passed PVGIS target with 599.3 v's 592.
If average till end of July, then gen would be 762.3, beating (smashing) previous best, which was last month total of 662.9.
If average for rest of year, then would hit 104% of annual target, at the start of this month prediction was just under 100%.

Quite a shocking month!

Mart.

tunnel

Oscargrouch wrote: »

Sun broke through following a misty start:- 5.72 O's; back to the results I have recently become accustomed to.

Anyone know how thunder & lightening storms affect PV installations? Can it boosts generation with a full strike or is it time to 'screw me lid down' ? .

Only 5 days this month that have not been in double kWh numbers.....

* We use PVGIS Classic, cos that's the sort of guy I am.....

Guess i'm gonna find out very soon as its banging and clattering like hell outside:eek: