In laws new solar panels confusion

Bianchiintenso

The in laws had free solar panels fitted recently by the local council. All working great and are really happy. 

The confusion we have is they were told by the electrician that he had set the meter up and added something to it to export to the grid and they would be getting 5p for anything they have exported. They haven’t told there energy supplier they have had solar fitted, they haven’t received any documentation. Is it possible this could have been all sorted remotely by installers. Or more likely they’ve misunderstood ?

silverwhistle

Many possibilities! Any paperwork? Have you had a look at the wiring, is there an export meter, a smart meter?

There'll be a few more along later to ask questions and give answers, so don't worry. I'm off to the allotment! ;-)

Bianchiintenso

Ahh apologies, should have mentioned the most important point, they do not have a smart meter, your comment re the export meter could be an explanation, but always thought they would have to inform Octopus

Petriix

They need an export MPAN, which is typically from their existing import smart meter (if they have one, otherwise they'll need to get one installed). They will need some paperwork (MCS certificate and DNO confirmation) which the installers should be able to provide. To start the ball rolling they need to contact a supplier to set up the SEG payments. It doesn't have to be their existing supplier, but Octopus pay a market leading 15p per kWh if you're also a supply customer. 

Bianchiintenso

The confusion is they were told by the electrician who installed, he had set it all up to export and they are under the impression they are getting 5p unit for the excess they produce (No battery) So before I go across there I was wondering if this was possible

70sbudgie

When my system was set up, the installer told me that he had installed a generation meter and that I could get 5p/kWhr if I contacted my supplier. 

The documentation that you need from the installer is the MSC, which you need to get DNO approval. Again, my installer applied to the DNO for me, so also provided the DNO approval.

To get the SEG from Octopus, I had to send (electronically) both the MSC and the DNO approval to them.

Bianchiintenso

70sbudgie said:

When my system was set up, the installer told me that he had installed a generation meter and that I could get 5p/kWhr if I contacted my supplier. 

The documentation that you need from the installer is the MSC, which you need to get DNO approval. Again, my installer applied to the DNO for me, so also provided the DNO approval.

To get the SEG from Octopus, I had to send (electronically) both the MSC and the DNO approval to them.

Yes thanks, upon further investigation and more info from them, they misunderstood what the electrician said, they will now await documentation and apply to octopus.

70sbudgie

Don't be afraid to chase your installer for the documentation. After reminding, mine told me he thought he'd already sent it to me. But then said, "but here it is. Sorry".