Solar plus Battery Quotes

QrizB

Screwdriva said:

I don't see how the latter would apply to the UK climate but maybe you do?

The NREL study has panels at three locations; Albuquerque NM, Golden CO and Cocoa FL. None of these locations are particularly representative of the UK climate, although all see higher insolation levels than any part of the UK.

From the study you linked:

Screwdriva

QrizB said:

The NREL study has panels at three locations; Albuquerque NM, Golden CO and Cocoa FL. None of these locations are particularly representative of the UK climate, although all see higher insolation levels than any part of the UK.

You're right about UK climate representation. That said, unless I'm reading it wrong, Golden CO is the closest match. (I spent some time in Colorado and will say it can get quite overcast). I'll just leave this here for the OP to decide on how best to proceed.

https://weatherspark.com/compare/y/3318~3539~18784~45062/Comparison-of-the-Average-Weather-in-Albuquerque-Golden-Cocoa-Beach-and-London

Waywardmike

The Jinko's get 'Most reliable solar panel' on the Independent Advisor website, whatever that means:

https://www.independent.co.uk/advisor/solar-panels/best-solar-panels

Honestly, when I bought my panels nearly 10 years ago, like everyone then and now, all I had to go on was predicted degradation.  None of these panels have been around long enough to accurately assess what they will be producing in 20-30 years time.

It's difficult to say whether they've suffered any degradation at all as the years are so variable but I can confidently say they're not at 93-94% of what they were when installed, which is what the data sheet suggests they should be at.  Also, my panels are now old-tech, with an efficiency of around ~14%, which is laughable compared to what's out there now.

*edit* I've just charted up the data of complete years that I have and added a trend line.  It appears my panels are getting better with age (I don't believe this, it's too early to tell).  2018 we had a loft conversion and the panels were covered over summer so data not included.

mickyduck55

Mine have been pretty consistent over the 12 years I have had them installed... grey line is PVGIS expected generation.  The graph actually matches yours as in in 2017 low and 2022 high so the improved performance is just a result of sunnier years.. Im in Surrey. 

Bluebell1000

I'd probably add bird protection whichever set up you go for. We're in the process of getting quotes for retrofitting it to ours 🤦

Waywardmike

mickyduck55 said:

Mine have been pretty consistent over the 12 years I have had them installed... grey line is PVGIS expected generation.  The graph actually matches yours as in in 2017 low and 2022 high so the improved performance is just a result of sunnier years.. In in Surrey. 

Are you telling me that not only have your Chinese panels not burnt the house down after 10 years, but they've also not degraded away to nothing? Hmmm...

mickyduck55

Waywardmike said:

mickyduck55 said:

Mine have been pretty consistent over the 12 years I have had them installed... grey line is PVGIS expected generation.  The graph actually matches yours as in in 2017 low and 2022 high so the improved performance is just a result of sunnier years.. In in Surrey. 

Are you telling me that not only have your Chinese panels not burnt the house down after 10 years, but they've also not degraded away to nothing? Hmmm...

Fingers crossed so far all OK
When I had mine installed there was little discussion about manufactures.. all had the same guarantee so I picked a local "ish" company who had a competitive quote.  TBH I had no idea about panels or inverters but they did install a SMA Inverter recognised as being one of the best available at the time.

paul991

The  earlier inverters had fans in ,which when failed the inverter would overheat .The newer ones have heatsinks which means less overheating increasing inverter life 

TooCautious

Good Afternoon All,

Thanks for all the comments folks. 

I have quotation from my preferred installer for for Givenergy AIO battery.

COMPANY A
14 x Jinko Tiger Neo 435W N Type All Black Mono Panels

Givenergy AIO battery + Gateway

£11900
(this includes MSC certification, G99 application, scaffolding, installation, bird protection)

So an extra £1900. I'm still weighing up if it's worth it for me but does this sound reasonable?

I'm actually finding it difficult to justify. We don't suffer power cuts often at all, so it has to be justified on cost saving grounds and that only works by using a tarriff like Octopus Flux. The specification is certainly better than the Gen 2 9.5kWh battery and hybrid inverter but will I benefit sufficiently?

The AOI has an integrated inverter as far as I can tell, what is the rating?

If I stick to the 9.5kWh battery and ask the installer to fit 2 more panels, making a 6.9kW array will the Givenergy 5kW inverter still be okay?

Thanks in advance.

Netexporter

The AOI has an integrated inverter as far as I can tell, what is the rating?

6kW, in and out. That's how you can essentially run the whole house from battery either in a power cut or during the peak periods on TOU tariffs. With the other battery you'd probably be importing a certain amount, during the peak, if you wish to cook between 16:00 and 19:00.

In the latest saver session, the other day, you could have made £15 exporting for the saving hour.