On-grid domestic battery storage

Boffinboy24

I am looking at potentially adding an AC couple battery, ideally one that is more visually appealing than a stack of Pylontech with an inverter. Prices being quoted are often at a crazy markup, particularly with such low stock. Does anyone have any experience with the Puredrive AC coupled system that quite a few places seem to be offering? I think I read somewhere it is rebadged Victron kit. I had also read the Huawei LUNA kit can be used AC coupled, anyone aware of someone using it like that, any views on the equipment? Givenergy is interesting, but seems to have enormous supply issues and installer I am working with telling me that wholesalers they use are fed up of the issues they are facing with Giv not being able to scale with the number of batteries they are selling.

orrery

Question: with a AC connected storage system, is there any DNO approval required?

70sbudgie

To get DNO approval, you will need an MSC certificate.

orrery

70sbudgie said:

To get DNO approval, you will need an MSC certificate.

For clarification: I'm talking about an AC connected battery storage system - I have a separate solar PV system, for which an MCS certificate already exists.

So, my understanding is that I need to apply for DNO approval for the battery system connection. Is that right?

QrizB

orrery said:

70sbudgie said:

To get DNO approval, you will need an MSC certificate.

For clarification: I'm talking about an AC connected battery storage system - I have a separate solar PV system, for which an MCS certificate already exists.

So, my understanding is that I need to apply for DNO approval for the battery system connection. Is that right?

Yes, I think that's correct. The AC-coupled system will need its own MCS certificate (or the equivalent from one of the other certification bodies).

70sbudgie

I think you can have up to 7.68kW total export with AC connected battery storage under G98 notification, as batteries with certain prerequisites are exempt from G99. But check your DNO, as I think it is a guidance and not something all DNOs have to allow. (Will still need an MSC or equivalent for the battery installation.)

mparter

So even if you buy your own batteries and inverter, you still need an MCS registered installer to do the install?

I imagine for reasons of costs (I.e. they can’t rip you off as much), they’ll be reluctant to install customer supplied equipment?

I’ve had 2 quotes recently for AC coupled battery installs. Both were for the GivEnergy 9.5kWh battery. Quotes were £7k and £7.9k which I feel are quite high but there aren’t many MCS registered installers in my area.

Coastalwatch

mparter said:

So even if you buy your own batteries and inverter, you still need an MCS registered installer to do the install?

I imagine for reasons of costs (I.e. they can’t rip you off as much), they’ll be reluctant to install customer supplied equipment?

I’ve had 2 quotes recently for AC coupled battery installs. Both were for the GivEnergy 9.5kWh battery. Quotes were £7k and £7.9k which I feel are quite high but there aren’t many MCS registered installers in my area.

Those seem rather high considering the 9.5kW Givenergy battery is available to purchase for a tad under £3.5k incl vat and a 3kW AC inverter at just over £1k, so £4.5k to £5k for parts then a days work at best to install.

Coastalwatch

It will be interesting to see what price this beastie retails as at the right price that's a useful size battery to have. Might it give the Powerwall a run for it's money.

Meritsun unveils 15 kWh lithium-ion battery for residential applications

https://www.pv-magazine.com/2022/09/07/meritsun-unveils-15-kwh-lithium-ion-battery-for-residential-applications/

Alshamal

Hi everyone just starting out on my search for Home Battery Storage so be patient with me 🙏 I’m on on octopus go paying 7.5p-38.65p fixed to24/8/23 my usage for the last 12 months 2860 kw used for EV charging and 2600 kw used for the use approximately 7-8 kw per day! Just had quotes for LUX 6.4 kw @ £4,995.00 LUX 9.6 kw @ £6,365.00 both systems fitted fixed prices for a month. What do these prices look like.any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated 🙏