New Build Solar Install Questions

theblueflash

Hello 

I have just moved into a new-build house that has 5 Viridian panels (1.67kW) and Solis 4G Mini inverter. I had a couple of questions as I'm new to this. 

1. For the Solis inverter, I've been looking at setting up SolisCloud to monitor but can't see a way of adding the actual inverter, the installer is incommunicado - got the app but don't know what to do next, should the installer have left barcodes etc for scanning into app or something like that? 

2. If I decide to add more panels and a battery - do I need a new or different inverter? 

All help appreciated - I have forum and helpguide blindness after looking all afternoon! 

TBF

QrizB

theblueflash said:
1. For the Solis inverter, I've been looking at setting up SolisCloud to monitor but can't see a way of adding the actual inverter, the installer is incommunicado - got the app but don't know what to do next, should the installer have left barcodes etc for scanning into app or something like that?

Does your inverter have a wifi stick poking out of the bottom of it?

If so, the first step is to log in to that stick and give it the details for your home wifi. There are various different versions of the stick  but they all have similar instructions. Once you've done that, you can register an account on the Solis app or website https://soliscloud.com/#/homepage and then set up your system.

If the inverter doesn't have a wifi stick, buying one and installing it will need to be your first step. Make sure you buy the right one, I don't think they are all interchangeable.

(Aside - the current Solis inverter range is the 6G, so your 4G is a couple of generations behind. You should still be able to find the right wifi stick but do double-check.)

theblueflash

Thanks @QrizB - good info on the Solis monitoring.  If so decide to buy a wee battery, do I need another inverter or a different one ? 

On slightly different topic, am I right in thinking that when applying for SEG with British Gas - when they ask for Export MPAN - it doesn’t exist yet as it’s a new install and British Gas need to apply for it - anyone know ? I have the supply MPAN. 

Cheers - TBF

QrizB

theblueflash said:

Thanks @QrizB - good info on the Solis monitoring.  If so decide to buy a wee battery, do I need another inverter or a different one ?

There are two ways to add a battery; AC-coupled or DC-coupled.

AC coupled batteries use their own dedicated inverter and work independently of your solar panels (you can even have one without solar, so eg. you can charge on cheap E7 electricity and never have to pay peak rates).

DC coupled batteries connect to your solar inverter. This is potentially a little more efficient as the battery can be charged direct from the panels, rather than converting to AC and then back again.Your Solis mini doesn't support a battery and so, if you chose a DC coupled system, you'd need to replace it.

theblueflash said:

On slightly different topic, am I right in thinking that when applying for SEG with British Gas - when they ask for Export MPAN - it doesn’t exist yet as it’s a new install and British Gas need to apply for it - anyone know ? I have the supply MPAN.

Yes, if BG are your first SEG supplier they will have to apply for your export MPAN.

This is not always a quick process and patience may be needed.

theblueflash

Thank you again @QrizB - super clear. I have just had the news that the installer may actually have sent the G98 to the wrong distributor and that instead of SPEN it is actually LastMile-UK who are the distributor. I fear this may be a long and arduous process. 

QrizB

Good luck, please keep us updated!