Solar PV Peak Output?

Numbnuts

seagull09 wrote: »

That's exactly the problem I've got, unfortunately. But because only 4 panels are facing other direction (and no room for more) it's not enough to operate one of a dual MPPT inverter, so I'm probably going to have to go down the Micro Inverter route. Or remove the 4 panels altogether, rather reluctant to do that though.

Try solar edge inverters , rated 6th best inverter in world

combats shading issues and they claim to produce 25% more than a standard inverter

EricMears

!!!!!! wrote: »

BUT i have never tried this method with any installs as it would be a risk say if the FITS provider gets funny.

IF you were absolutely certain that such a system complies with the relevant scheme rules, there could be no question of the FIT payment organisation "getting funny" nor any "risk" of not getting the full payment.

Numbnuts

This might help the 5 panels


you can turn down the start up voltages of a power one

which will aid the 5 panels to start the system quicker

you can do this yourself

go on to setting on power one inverter

password 0000

go to v startup

you can select the mppt to turn up and down

NOTE: lowering voltages will reduce life of inverter

Numbnuts

EricMears wrote: »

IF you were absolutely certain that such a system complies with the relevant scheme rules, there could be no question of the FIT payment organisation "getting funny" nor any "risk" of not getting the full payment.

There are installers that do this and they win sales by using this method of installation !!!

EricMears

!!!!!! wrote: »

There are installer that do this and they win sales by using this tatic !!!

I'm sure there are - but I think we both agree that there is a risk of the FIT payment organisation "getting funny" and/or of the panel owner not getting the full payment.

Numbnuts

EricMears wrote: »

I'm sure there are - but I think we both agree that there is a risk of the FIT payment organisation "getting funny" and/or of the panel owner not getting the full payment.

that I agree hence why I stated I have never tried this method.

But there is a good argument that fitting a larger system over 4kwp and capping the inverter at 3.68kwp will infact be seen as a
3.68kwp system by a fits provider!!!!!

jamesingram

!!!!!! wrote: »

that I agree hence why I stated I have never tried this method.

But there is a good argument that fitting a larger system over 4kwp and capping the inverter at 3.68kwp will infact be seen as a
3.68kwp system by a fits provider!!!!!

As mentioned on an earlier post , I now do ,
because it's how it should be done.
DNC= inverter AC output
Not my fault most installers haven't looked into definition of various
PV/ofgem/MCs related terms perhaps as much as they should have.

Best to design PV systems to maximize output for given equipment/space/budget.
A few additional panels taking the total panel kWp above 4kW is a small increase in cost relative to the whole install price.

Numbnuts

jamesingram wrote: »

As mentioned on an earlier post , I now do ,
because it's how it should be done.
DNC= inverter AC output
Not my fault most installers haven't looked into definition of various
PV/ofgem/MCs related terms perhaps as much as they should have.

Best to design PV systems to maximize output for given equipment/space/budget.
A few additional panels taking the total panel kWp above 4kW is a small increase in cost relative to the whole install price.

are you confirming that you do install over 4kwp if so

has this ever resulted in a drop in tariff rate ?

if you install a 4.5kwp what do you declare on the MCS cert ???

3.68kwp ???

Martyn1981

jamesingram wrote: »

As mentioned on an earlier post , I now do ,
because it's how it should be done.
DNC= inverter AC output
Not my fault most installers haven't looked into definition of various
PV/ofgem/MCs related terms perhaps as much as they should have.

Best to design PV systems to maximize output for given equipment/space/budget.
A few additional panels taking the total panel kWp above 4kW is a small increase in cost relative to the whole install price.

James, this is something I've heard a few times on various forums, and I've always thought it would be especially beneficial to E/W installs, allowing more roof space, a chance to make up for lower gen than due South, longer and consistent generation, a single dual MPPT inverter, etc etc. In fact E/W installs could end up with even better returns than due South if panel prices drop far enough.

My only concern though would be, is there any chance that DECC, OFGEM or anyone else would in the future be able to 'better' clarify the rules with retrospective effect? I appreciate that I'm being a bit paranoid, especially given recent DECC legal attempts, but some times it's good to be paranoid.

Mart.

grumpyoldsteve

!!!!!! wrote: »

that I agree hence why I stated I have never tried this method.

But there is a good argument that fitting a larger system over 4kwp and capping the inverter at 3.68kwp will infact be seen as a
3.68kwp system by a fits provider!!!!!

Surely fitting more panels just to maximise FIT return from an otherwise less than ideal roof orientation is not a very "green" thing to do?
Surely the best use of the FIT budget is to generate as much power from the least number of panels possible, ensuring the best use of the Earth's resources needed to produce these panels and ensuring that each panel becomes carbon neutral at the earliest stage.