Solar repair

Martyn1981

1961Nick said:

Martyn1981 said:

EricMears said:

sevenhills said:

Just out of curiosity, what can be replaced and it doesn't change the original FIT?
Someone mentioned that inverters have a lifespan of around ten years, do most panels and set ups last 25+ years?
I have eight panels that were installed in 2015

AIUI,  the only thing that can't be 'upgraded' is your group of panels  but even they can be replaced 'like for like' if they become faulty or damaged.  Your 'total generation meter' is slightly more complex : in the (very rare) case of that stopping working it would need to be replaced with another 'certified' meter and evidence provided of what final reading of old meter was and initial reading of the new one.

I actually came very close to replacing my old 235Wp panels on the low roof with higher spec ones, but as I have a Solaredge system, the higher power panels would also require different PO's (power optimisers), so not worth the extra cost .... yet!

The problem with having thoughts like that Mart is that they fester until advanced man-maths convinces you that it's a viable plan.

Yep, absolutely spot on. And it gets worse as the power of panels rises, and the prices fall. Ground mount still being planned, just need it to go via a battery, with zero export DNO permission, as my PV is already at max.

PS, the small roof upgrade would be OK with the DNO as the inverter is capped, and part of their approval, but then more man maths kicks is, as there would be some capping. Damn!

1961Nick

Martyn1981 said:

1961Nick said:

Martyn1981 said:

EricMears said:

sevenhills said:

Just out of curiosity, what can be replaced and it doesn't change the original FIT?
Someone mentioned that inverters have a lifespan of around ten years, do most panels and set ups last 25+ years?
I have eight panels that were installed in 2015

AIUI,  the only thing that can't be 'upgraded' is your group of panels  but even they can be replaced 'like for like' if they become faulty or damaged.  Your 'total generation meter' is slightly more complex : in the (very rare) case of that stopping working it would need to be replaced with another 'certified' meter and evidence provided of what final reading of old meter was and initial reading of the new one.

I actually came very close to replacing my old 235Wp panels on the low roof with higher spec ones, but as I have a Solaredge system, the higher power panels would also require different PO's (power optimisers), so not worth the extra cost .... yet!

The problem with having thoughts like that Mart is that they fester until advanced man-maths convinces you that it's a viable plan.

Yep, absolutely spot on. And it gets worse as the power of panels rises, and the prices fall. Ground mount still being planned, just need it to go via a battery, with zero export DNO permission, as my PV is already at max.

PS, the small roof upgrade would be OK with the DNO as the inverter is capped, and part of their approval, but then more man maths kicks is, as there would be some capping. Damn!

How about fitting new panels on the roof & then ground mount the old ones?

Martyn1981

1961Nick said:

Martyn1981 said:

1961Nick said:

Martyn1981 said:

EricMears said:

sevenhills said:

Just out of curiosity, what can be replaced and it doesn't change the original FIT?
Someone mentioned that inverters have a lifespan of around ten years, do most panels and set ups last 25+ years?
I have eight panels that were installed in 2015

AIUI,  the only thing that can't be 'upgraded' is your group of panels  but even they can be replaced 'like for like' if they become faulty or damaged.  Your 'total generation meter' is slightly more complex : in the (very rare) case of that stopping working it would need to be replaced with another 'certified' meter and evidence provided of what final reading of old meter was and initial reading of the new one.

I actually came very close to replacing my old 235Wp panels on the low roof with higher spec ones, but as I have a Solaredge system, the higher power panels would also require different PO's (power optimisers), so not worth the extra cost .... yet!

The problem with having thoughts like that Mart is that they fester until advanced man-maths convinces you that it's a viable plan.

Yep, absolutely spot on. And it gets worse as the power of panels rises, and the prices fall. Ground mount still being planned, just need it to go via a battery, with zero export DNO permission, as my PV is already at max.

PS, the small roof upgrade would be OK with the DNO as the inverter is capped, and part of their approval, but then more man maths kicks is, as there would be some capping. Damn!

How about fitting new panels on the roof & then ground mount the old ones?

Did cross my mind, but already have plenty of summer gen, so looking to maximise winter gen, with new steep, south facing panels, ideally 400Wp+ each.

So, so much man maths involved. 

JKenH

I have a single 330w solar panel mounted on a pallet on wheels that I can manoeuvre to catch the sun at its best angle. The beauty of a ground mount is that you can easily adjust the angle to suit the time of day and time of year.  

Unfortunately for about 4 months of the year it is virtually impossible to find a position where the panel is not in shade. The best position is on the front drive but I am concerned about security there, not so much for the panel but the PPS I use for storing the energy. In the winter months there are some very long shadows from trees and neighbouring buildings so careful planning for siting of a fixed ground mount array is needed. 

Note in photo below the aluminium angle is slotted so the bar supporting the panel can be fixed at different points to the rear “upright” which can be inclined to suit. The adjustment consists of a nut and bolt with a wheel on its end which is easily undone by hand and moved to a different hole in the upright.