Solar PV FIT, long absences will we benefit?

Flibbertygibbet

I am considering an install of a 4kw PV system with, conveniently, an estimate of 4000kw a year generation. We use about 1000kw per year but it is very sporadic as we are away about 6 times a year for a period of about 1 month each time.

I understand the own use FIT is calculated at 50% so clearly we will lose about 25% unless we have a meter fitted to accomodate this. Our current supplier is Scottish power. Does anyone know if it would be cost effective.

Are there any other drawbacks in this kind of on off useage?

Thanks

EricMears

Flibbertygibbet wrote: »

I am considering an install of a 4kw PV system with, conveniently, an estimate of 4000kw a year generation. We use about 1000kw per year but it is very sporadic as we are away about 6 times a year for a period of about 1 month each time.

I understand the own use FIT is calculated at 50% so clearly we will lose about 25% unless we have a meter fitted to accomodate this. Our current supplier is Scottish power. Does anyone know if it would be cost effective.

Are there any other drawbacks in this kind of on off useage?

Thanks

Unlikely that your usage of 1000 kWh will all be taken from your generation ! Surely you'll use some electricity at nights and there will probably be many occasions when you're using more than your panels generate.

I believe you could ask to have an export meter fitted and use those figures instead of the deemed 50% but even at the latest rates you'll be getting most of the benefit from FIT payments and rather less from exported units. If you have to pay to have an export meter fitted it could take a lot of additional exported units to reimburse that cost.

You might be better off buying a device to divert surplus generation to your immersion heater. Even if you're not in the house, that won't really be completely wasted. At least when you do return home you'll have instant hot water and of course in the winter months the internal heat will keep the house from freezing up.

labp04

Hi, sorry for jumping onto this thread but I'm interested in what you say EricMears re diverting excess generation to an immersion heater. Are these devices readily available here in the UK and, if they are, do you know any trade names I could track one down to? Any more tips re excess generation gratefully received.

EricMears

There's a whole thread about it in this forum.
See: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4152489

also mentioned in several other threads.