Help understanding Solar Panel inverter information 12 September 2022 at 4:30PM in Green & ethical MoneySaving 7 replies 168 views

Tom43

Hi 

We have just had an install carried out via a local authority grant for 10 x solar panels and a Fox ESS F3000 inverter.

Nothing really has been explained to us through the process and I've just discovered that the inverter has an app where I can follow our usage etc.

Now looking at the graph and power flow on the app, to me it looks like any power generated is going straight to the grid.. or am I looking at this wrong?
The panels have been installed for approximately 3 weeks but the inverter has only been connected up in the past hour, so am I jumping the gun and should let it settle first?

Spies

It's not ALL going to the grid, the inverter just lacks the CT that communicates where the power is going. 

It will be used firstly by any house loads then any extra will flow back into the grid. 

Tom43

Thank you for your reply, that would make more sense. 

paul991

if you have got a smart meter you  should be able to see what you are exporting

Ectophile

I wonder if they have forgotten to install the current sensor (the CT mentioned by Spies).  That's the thing that should be clipped onto the live wire coming from the (mains) electricity meter.  Or else, they have clipped it on the wrong way round, and the inverter is confused.

Spies

Only battery inverters come with a CT, they're basically optional if you have PV only.

Other than data collection, they don't give you any appreciable benefit. 

Tom43

I did speak to the electrician regarding adding a battery system, he said he would need to add a CT (along with a hybrid inverter and the batteries), I didn’t know what this was until @Spies said in the post above. So I’m guessing I haven’t got one.

He did say a battery would cost roughly £4500. Didn’t get any info on size of battery etc. or whether it included the hybrid inverter, but at that price il see what my savings are first

ABrass

Batteries are borderline on if they'll pay back in a reasonable time or not. Waiting a while is a very reasonable choice.