is it legal to self install solar to run the meter backwards

happenstance

Hello,

Really interested in solar although doing my sums and being a low user I wouldn't really gain that much from it but I would like to have some.

Looking at kit like this 680w for about a grand:

http://www.mysolarshop.co.uk/bill-buster-one-p-472.html

Is it legal if I install it myself to have my meter run backwards? I'm a low user and away alot so ideally would like to go to a tariff without a standing charge.

I know in Spain and portugal you are allowed to generate your own and run it backwards but dont know about here,


thanks

HappyMJ

happenstance wrote: »

Hello,

Really interested in solar although doing my sums and being a low user I wouldn't really gain that much from it but I would like to have some.

Looking at kit like this 680w for about a grand:

http://www.mysolarshop.co.uk/bill-buster-one-p-472.html

Is it legal if I install it myself to have my meter run backwards? I'm a low user and away alot so ideally would like to go to a tariff without a standing charge.

I know in Spain and portugal you are allowed to generate your own and run it backwards but dont know about here,


thanks

Highly unlikely your meter will run backward and if it does it's your responsibility to inform your supplier.

Martyn1981

You'll need to notify your DNO (District Network Operator) that you have installed a SSEG (small scale electricity generator) and connected it to the grid. They will need to approve the install.

Some info in this thread see around post#21

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4763784

You'll also need to inform your leccy supplier if your meter does go backwards (assuming it will) so that it can be changed for one that doesn't.

Lastly £916 for 0.705kWp without any fixing kit and DIY, sounds very expensive, compared to an MCS install that qualifies for FiTs, at perhaps £1.5k/kWp (4kWp for £6k).

Mart.

happenstance

Martyn1981 wrote: »

You'll need to notify your DNO (District Network Operator) that you have installed a SSEG (small scale electricity generator) and connected it to the grid. They will need to approve the install.

Some info in this thread see around post#21

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4763784

You'll also need to inform your leccy supplier if your meter does go backwards (assuming it will) so that it can be changed for one that doesn't.

Lastly £916 for 0.705kWp without any fixing kit and DIY, sounds very expensive, compared to an MCS install that qualifies for FiTs, at perhaps £1.5k/kWp (4kWp for £6k).

Mart.

Thanks appreciated.

Sounds like meter running backwards over here is a no no, in other countries it is allowed and just seams much more straightforward than feed in.

Yes I understand that system is expensive for the power, but just want a little system. I doubt any of the offical installers install anything less than 2.5kw

HappyMJ

happenstance wrote: »

Thanks appreciated.

Sounds like meter running backwards over here is a no no, in other countries it is allowed and just seams much more straightforward than feed in.

Yes I understand that system is expensive for the power, but just want a little system. I doubt any of the offical installers install anything less than 2.5kw

Why not? My mother has 6 panels on the garage roof...the return on investment isn't as good but it sure don't look as bad as the houses with 16 panels all over the roof facing onto the street.

The_Green_Hornet

happenstance wrote: »

Yes I understand that system is expensive for the power, but just want a little system. I doubt any of the official installers install anything less than 2.5kw

I have a 1.32 kWp system installed on my roof.

happenstance

The_Green_Hornet wrote: »

I have a 1.32 kWp system installed on my roof.

If you dont mind me asking, how much was the full system and when was it done?

happenstance

HappyMJ wrote: »

Why not? My mother has 6 panels on the garage roof...the return on investment isn't as good but it sure don't look as bad as the houses with 16 panels all over the roof facing onto the street.

I was just thinking its a false economy getting a small system, if your spending on getting a system might as well get 3-4kw, i assumed

Martyn1981

happenstance wrote: »

I was just thinking its a false economy getting a small system, if your spending on getting a system might as well get 3-4kw, i assumed

Yep, I reckon you're right. If you really could just plug a small inverter into a socket, and knock together a quick ground mount frame for 2 panels, then that would be very cost effective, and probably close to 100% of generation would be consumed.

But with all the regs and additional safety kit in the UK (such as warning stickers, isolation switches, notification (free) but requiring certified install etc) it starts to flip the other way.

At that point, especially if scaffolding is needed, it's best to maximise your returns by diluting the fixed costs (scaffolding, internal wiring, certification, switches, TGM and so on). And at this point the additional MCS certification for FiTs approval, can be balanced against a 5% VAT rate (MCS) compared to the normal 20% rate.

So we end up with bigger is beautiful.

As an aside, and going back to your first post, I was sent details of a 'diddy' install and costs by a friend in Spain, suggesting similar to what you said, with a 600W Soladin and a couple of panels. Unfortunately, the Spanish leccy generators have spotted that domestic PV will cost them a fortune in lost sales, so recently a law was past to charge all small PV generators an export fee, based not on actual export but on TOTAL generation ... just in case they need to dump any spare leccy onto the grid (even though they won't get paid for it, and the grid could sell it on). The costs are so high (6 to 8c/kWh) that it's made PV more expensive than import and the fight may go to the EU. If they go off grid and use batteries to avoid grid-tied fees then there is an even whackier situation where they could face an upto €30m fine for stealing sunlight. Yes it all sounds insane!

Click on the little white chevron if you want to learn more:

Martyn1981 wrote: »

It does in Spain! Ok, try to follow this, it gets a little confusing.

Mart.

jimjames

happenstance wrote: »

If you dont mind me asking, how much was the full system and when was it done?

A friend had one done in mid 2011 that was 1.5kWp and the cost was approx £6k. At the time I believe that was a pretty good price but the installers were just starting out and wanted a couple of installations to use as demos.

There seemed to be more small installations in 2010/11 when prices of panels were higher so by cutting output you could significantly drop the cost - say £20k for 4kWp or £12k for 2kWp for example

happenstance

Thanks Mart, that's interesting stuff about Spain - but not surprising! If they were paid to feed in even the new lower uk rate, overnight the energy companies would go bankrupt!