Solar/Battery Quote Questions

bazza2000_2

Hi,

I've received a few quotes, but the latest one seems to be the most realistic.



I've not heard of GreenLinx batteries and there seems to be limited information on the internet.  They also do Pylontech, so I may ask for a quote with them, even if it means waiting longer for them to come into stock.
My other concern is that certain parts of the roof do get shade at various times of the day due to neighbouring properties and some of the roof being on different levels.  Given it may be 3 independent strings of solar panels, would it be wise for me to suggest optimisers or micro inverters? and if so, do anyone have a view if the additional cost is worth it?

94JDH

bazza2000_2 said:

Hi,

I've received a few quotes, but the latest one seems to be the most realistic.



I've not heard of GreenLinx batteries and there seems to be limited information on the internet.  They also do Pylontech, so I may ask for a quote with them, even if it means waiting longer for them to come into stock.
My other concern is that certain parts of the roof do get shade at various times of the day due to neighbouring properties and some of the roof being on different levels.  Given it may be 3 independent strings of solar panels, would it be wise for me to suggest optimisers or micro inverters? and if so, do anyone have a view if the additional cost is worth it?

Actually the price doesn't seem to bad considering the demand and prices that have been quoted - not familiar with the batteries, but I'm sure someone else will comment.
If you're getting shading then I personally would have some optimisers to ensure you're getting the full capacity available from the unshaded panel generation.
There was an article recently which suggested optimisers weren't as necessary due to the improvement on panels but I'm a bit sceptical of that.

bazza2000_2

I can't seem to find any real reviews on the batteries, so I think I go with the safer option and wait for the pylontechs.  As for the article, I've seen a few and I think its all around the design of the panels so that the electrons have more routes on the panel and hence arn't as effected by individual shading areas, however, I'm the same, very sceptical and would like to see at least a quote for the optimizers.  I'm not familiar with any other than enphase or solaredge though.

94JDH

bazza2000_2 said:

I can't seem to find any real reviews on the batteries, so I think I go with the safer option and wait for the pylontechs.  As for the article, I've seen a few and I think its all around the design of the panels so that the electrons have more routes on the panel and hence arn't as effected by individual shading areas, however, I'm the same, very sceptical and would like to see at least a quote for the optimizers.  I'm not familiar with any other than enphase or solaredge though.

A benefit of the optimisers being you can see the performance of each panel with the monitoring software - great to identify any issues with panels in the future.

bazza2000_2

Are there just the 2 types? and does anyone have a view on cost per panel? 

Martyn1981

Out of curiosity, is this a single phase install, and do you have permission for 8kW export, as that's pretty big?

Regarding shading, if it's not too much, and not too long each day, then 3 strings, designed so that all the shading is only on one string at a time, might be OK. If it's more serious and complicated, then you may want to think about optimisers, and maybe a Solaredge system.

bazza2000_2

No permission as yet, I'm assuming that pending me signing up for the quote.
As for the shading, I've had a closer look at the design and it looks like its 3 separate roofs, but connected in 2 strings.  Not too sure which one links to which, but something I will check.  

Martyn1981

Thanks, all interesting to learn. 3.68kW export is normal, above that prior approval is needed, so best of luck, as that's a lovely big system.

Regarding the strings, I looked at the inverter data sheet and it has 2 MPPT's and 3 strings. One MPPT is designed to take twice the power of the other. So one string into the 'weaker' MPPT, and two into the stronger ..... but, you want those two strings to match as much as possible, ideally match exactly, so the same number of panels, orientation and roof pitch.

Screwdriva

bazza2000_2 said:

No permission as yet, I'm assuming that pending me signing up for the quote.

A few questions from me if you don't mind:

1. Why the battery? Are you a heavy evening energy user?

2. Have you considered other panel brands from conglomerates like Hyundai or Sharp, both all black 400W panels? In my view, these would be a safer bet, in every sense of the word.

3. Based on the below 4kW quote for a family member, I'm pretty sure my installer can best your quote while supplying non-Chinese brands. DM me if you'd like an introduction.

10x400w Sharp solar panels, 25 year performance warranty and a 15 year product warranty

10 x Solar Edge S440 Solar optimizers. 25 Year warranty

 1 x Solar Edge HD Wave single phase inverter[Battery ready inverter] 25 year product warranty

  1 x All cable run’s isolators and fitting’s

  1 x Micro generation meter

  1 x System monitoring  

  1 x MCS and G98 Certificates

  1 x Access equipment

Fully fitted price of £5,750.00

bazza2000_2

Martyn1981 said:

Thanks, all interesting to learn. 3.68kW export is normal, above that prior approval is needed, so best of luck, as that's a lovely big system.

Regarding the strings, I looked at the inverter data sheet and it has 2 MPPT's and 3 strings. One MPPT is designed to take twice the power of the other. So one string into the 'weaker' MPPT, and two into the stronger ..... but, you want those two strings to match as much as possible, ideally match exactly, so the same number of panels, orientation and roof pitch.

I'd have to ask the question to the installer, but all roof's are on the same orientation and pitch, however, I don't think the same number of panels on each string would quite work, but I can ask the question.

bazza2000_2

Screwdriva said:

bazza2000_2 said:

No permission as yet, I'm assuming that pending me signing up for the quote.

A few questions from me if you don't mind:

1. Why the battery? Are you a heavy evening energy user?

2. Have you considered other panel brands from conglomerates like Hyundai or Sharp 400W? In my view, these would be a safer bet.

3. Based on the below 4kW quote for a family member, I'm pretty sure my installer can best your quote while supplying non-Chinese brands. DM me if you'd like an introduction.

10x400w Sharp solar panels, 25 year performance warranty and a 15 year product warranty

10 x Solar Edge S440 Solar optimizers. 25 Year warranty

 1 x Solar Edge HD Wave single phase inverter[Battery ready inverter] 25 year product warranty

  1 x All cable run’s isolators and fitting’s

  1 x Micro generation meter

  1 x System monitoring  

  1 x MCS and G98 Certificates

  1 x Access equipment

Fully fitted price of £5,750.00

Thanks for the info, in answer to your questions:
1) Yes, we use around 20-25kwh per day and a lot during the evenings.  I'm also planning to use Octopus Go/Faster to top up the batteries during the winter months and then cover some of the hours usage during the day.
2) I've not considered any other brands as yet, this was just the one that the installer recommended.  There is a caveat that the panel has to be all black (Not for me, but the wife has stipulated requirements ) 
3) Thanks, I'll drop you a DM shortly.  Looks a good price.