On-grid domestic battery storage

Martyn1981

Hi QrizB, just as another example, there's also the Oukitel 5000 for ~£1,450 with 5.12kWh. Not grid-tied, but can run some energy heavy AC devices, like an A2A unit.

Qyburn

QrizB said:

If anyone wants to dabble in on-grid battery storage, there are some keen prices on the EcoFlow Stream plugin systems right now. Note these aren't strictly Wiring Regs compliant; they're intended for countries in continental Europe. 

My read is that it's plugging them into a standard socket that's not permitted in the UK.

QrizB

Qyburn said:

QrizB said:

If anyone wants to dabble in on-grid battery storage, there are some keen prices on the EcoFlow Stream plugin systems right now. Note these aren't strictly Wiring Regs compliant; they're intended for countries in continental Europe. 

My read is that it's plugging them into a standard socket that's not permitted in the UK.

Agreed, in the UK they need a dedicated circuit from the consumer unit. I think EcoFlow supply them with a suitable flylead.

Martyn1981

QrizB said:

Qyburn said:

QrizB said:

If anyone wants to dabble in on-grid battery storage, there are some keen prices on the EcoFlow Stream plugin systems right now. Note these aren't strictly Wiring Regs compliant; they're intended for countries in continental Europe. 

My read is that it's plugging them into a standard socket that's not permitted in the UK.

Agreed, in the UK they need a dedicated circuit from the consumer unit. I think EcoFlow supply them with a suitable flylead.

Yeah I was checking that too, they have it in their FAQs with a specific mention to the UK:

The system can be self-installed and maintained. However, in the UK, local regulations require the EcoFlow STREAM DIY Cable to be wired into the distribution board, which must be done by a certified installer or electrician.

Also looks like the install instructions show it simply being plugged into a socket (US I believe) with what looks like a sealed plug, but when looking at the 'what comes in the box' from Ecoflow's UK site, the AC cable has no plug, so ready to be wired in.

Did make me ponder, as I have a full ring main in my loft, but nothing plugged in to any of the sockets, so technically it would be the only device on the circuit (probably need to be wired into a spur, rather than just plugged in.) But I believe that's cheating on the allowance of using an existing circuit with no other devices, as I think it also says no other sockets/outlets on that circuit. 

Edit - and presumably, since it can feed into the house grid, then it would also need DNO approval for its potential export capacity.

Martyn1981

Teeny update on this issue, and really more of a PV item, but the Guardian is suggesting a potential move on the issue of 'balcony PV', in the UK. Typically consisting of a couple of panels, microinverter and plugs into a socket. Germany allows up to 800W, which seems good.

We've got some patio garden railings that would be perfect?

Britons could soon install balcony solar panels in flats and rental homes

The government has promised to consult on the plans to bring balcony solar power from the continent to Britain as part of a new roadmap towards tripling the UK’s solar power capacity, published on Monday.

Qyburn

Martyn1981 said:

Yeah I was checking that too, they have it in their FAQs with a specific mention to the UK:
...
Did make me ponder, as I have a full ring main in my loft, but nothing plugged in to any of the sockets, so technically it would be the only device on the circuit (probably need to be wired into a spur, rather than just plugged in.) 

From what I recall the design principle is that any generation must be on the supply side of any load. That's so if a circuit can't become overloaded by current that didn't pass through the breaker. There are some other requirements like the type of RCD (if needed) and the breaker must disconnect both L and N.

As for whether it "must be done by a certified installer or electrician", that may depend on whether you're in England, Wales or Scotland. 

Johntcroft

Hi, I’ve just acquired a Powervault 3 unit with 2 batteries, both flat and un-recoverable. Powervault say they no longer support the Powervault 3 and will not sell me new batteries. Does anyone know where I can get my batteries re-celled? Thanks? John. 

Netexporter

I remember somebody recovering an apparently dead Pylontech battery by charging the cells individually. Could be worth a try. I doubt the cells will be completely dead, just that the BMS can't "see" them.

Magnitio

Netexporter said:

I remember somebody recovering an apparently dead Pylontech battery by charging the cells individually. Could be worth a try. I doubt the cells will be completely dead, just that the BMS can't "see" them.

Agree. When the cell voltages become significantly unbalanced (or low) it is likely that the BMS won't charge them. Identifying the cells and charging them individually can resolve this, but how easy it is to do this depends on what access you can get to the cells.