Project Solar - Help.

Fairy3200

I've seen multiple posts about this company, but unfortunately had no influence over the decision to use this company.

I reside in a property previously owned by my lovely mother in law. She, a year before we moved in had a solar panel system installed by project solar. 

There are 18 south facing panels, an inverter and battery.

soon after we moved in we noticed a significant increase in our usage. to give an example our bills increased from £30/£40 a month in summer year 1 to £100/£140 year 2.

The App showed we were using all the energy generated, plus drawing from the grid. 

Even when we were on holiday, with just a fridge and freezer in operation our usage was higher than that generated. The operative from project solar was confident we MUST have something on in the house- even when we assured them we were not even in the house! He even asked if there was a 'dishwasher on timer'. 

We contacted project solar at multiple points, but our concerns were dismissed on the basis of the readings they could see in their office base were showing the system was functional. 

Last week I instructed an independent engineer to trouble shoot. The inverter was dangerously hot (a fire risk) and once the inverter was turned off our usage has dropped dramatically. (Presently we are taking daily readings for evidence) 

Despite offering an engineers report the company are still refuting our claims. They say 'if' there is an issue this has only just happened'.
the independent engineer has already contacted the manufacturer of the inverter who has agreed it likely needs replacement, and is under guarantee (the engineer was shocked and how cheap it was in comparison to installations he does).

I guess I am writing this as this company appears in so many posts and I am hoping someone can offer guidance in terms of challenging them. 

It's like ground hog day dealing with them. I've written complaints but strongly suspect I only got a response due to hounding them by phone, social media and by putting a review on trust pilot. Even then they have failed to follow their own compliance policy.

can anyone offer insight or similar experiences? I would be most greatful 

Martyn1981

Long shot, but you seem to be suggesting that your leccy consumption goes up the more you generate. Is there any chance you have a Siemens main meter, as some of these can record export as import.

See section 4a of the PV Q&A's. Link in my signature.

Fairy3200

Thanks for replying, I've no idea if I'm honest but I shall find this out. 

QrizB

You should have a generation meter on the solar PV system. Has it been ticking up as it should?

Relatively few generatino meters are bidirectional, but (if it is) does it give a reading for the electricity consumed by the inverter?