Solar advice please (quote and options)

nazuro4013

Hello

Would really appreciate some insight into my options please and what would be best to go for:

Option 1:
9 x Jinko 435W panels across SE and SW aspects
Solis 5kw hybrid inverter (RHI-5k-48ES-5G)
1 Fogstar 15.5kWh battery
scaffolding (3 storey), bird netting etc: £10k

Option 2:
As above, but an additional 6 panels (incl optimizers) on the NW aspect: £12.5k

My current annual consumption is approx. 4,500 kWh but we are planning on getting an EV soon and ASHP is on the cards as well, if that helps.

If it's not worth getting panels on the NW, and I go for Option 1, maybe I could reduce the inverter to 3.6Kw and we save on that and the G99 fees too? I can see a problem with the 3.6Kw restriction in Winter when running the ASHP.

I'm also interested in the option to integrate with Octopus Agile (force discharge/charge based on rates). I gather Solis has a new API coming out soon that would allow me to do this via Home Assistant. I know it's possible with GivEnergy but their kit is much more dear than what I'm looking at currently.

Grateful to hear others thoughts on this. Many thanks in advance

Screwdriva

Sorry to say, I believe the quote you've shared is way too dear for what's on offer, given the poor performance, reliability and terrible aftersales of Solis, Jinko.

For perspective, a system with 9 X Sharp 425W panels + 9 X SolarEdge optimizers + a SolarEdge 3680 inverter w/ 20 year warranty will cost you ~ £5700 installed with bird netting, scaffolding, G98, HIES etc. 

(Fogstar batteries are a newly launched, disruptive solution sold at retail for £2.5K, but are still relatively unproven. Unbeatable price though!)

Depending on where you're located, I would lean towards skipping the NW panels as they will yield 40-60% less power. Also, your system will generate 10-20% of the summer peak during the winter months. The smaller inverter will help with efficiency during the colder months. 

Exiled_Tyke

Excellent advice from @Screwdriva .  I suggest you find a company that only installs reputable equipment.  If you tell us where abouts you are someone here may be able to suggest a decent company.

nazuro4013

Hi both, thanks for your advice. I am based in Bristol. The company I am speaking with is actually in Yorkshire, but I sought them out specifically as I was interested in the Fogstar batteries. They could do another Inverter if I ask them to.

In light of where I'm located, do you think it's best to skip the NW panels? In which case, would a 3.6Kw hybrid inverter be sufficient? Or perhaps go for a 5Kw to future-proof as I may want another battery in the future.

Edit: here is the breakdown of cost
9 panels ~ £800
inverter ~ £900
Battery ~ £2500
racking ~£500
labour ~ £900
marketing costs ~ £250
DC Cable and AC Kit - £300
software license/salary/supplier shipping/permit costs/project management/certifications - £1000
scaffold - £1200
~£1500 company profit.

They did a drone survey for me already to properly measure and assess my roof.

Thank you

Screwdriva

As I shared, it's clear to me that you're being overcharged by atleast £1K by the installer and are not getting good component brands despite this. (The quote breakdown highlights the type of the installer you're dealing with- marketing costs? company profit? and labour? all separate line items!!)

If you can convince them swap out the panels and inverter, while keeping the battery as is then I'd proceed. Otherwise, I'd politely moonwalk away from them!

Recommended panels: Meyer Burger, Solarwatt, REC, REA, Hyundai, Sharp, Panasonic or Eurener
Recommended inverters: Enphase/ Solaredge/ Fronius/ Victron or Givenergy 

nazuro4013

Thanks for the advice. If someone else has an idea for another company that could fit my 9 panels, Hybrid inverter and 15kwh battery for less than £10k then I'd be grateful to hear it! I've been doing some more research today and considering swapping the Solis for a Sunsynk, are they any good? Not on your list but I've read good things..

Solarchaser

I'm sure screwdriva will be able to share the company he seems to quote as a price guide, and then you will have a recommended company, as well as what he considers a good price too 👍 

Spies

Could try getting a quote via Heatable? 

Screwdriva

Solarchaser said:

I'm sure screwdriva will be able to share the company he seems to quote as a price guide, and then you will have a recommended company, as well as what he considers a good price too 👍 

To date, I use 3 installers to cover England and E. Wales for friends, family and anyone who needs a quality system quote. # of installations since 2/22 = 121, including several forum members. Average system size 5.5kW and rising.

Which installer I recommend comes down to desired components/ specification, location and budget. As an example, one offers the Powerwall 2 and are registered with RECC, another is with HIES and offers the All in One battery, the third has both + MyEnergi but is limited to the Greater London area.

 I am paid a big fat £0 for any of this, but I insist that installers avoid brands with spotty reputations, and that they pass on savings on marketing and lead generation to the end user. This incentive has worked quite well for all involved, as should be reflected by the quotes I share. Always happy to help anyone who needs it but not here to market on anyone's behalf.

Spies said:

Could try getting a quote via Heatable? 

They offer superb kit (Enphase inverters and Alpha or the All in One battery + REA Bifacial panels.) Really great installer and spec but they are priced at a premium of ~£2K as a result.

nazuro4013

Already got one from Heatable. They quoted 
£13,635.00 for:
12 panels (incl 4 on NW side which I don't think I'll be getting now) 12 × 420W REA Power
Inverter 12 × Enphase IQ7PLUS-72-2-INT · 290W Single phase
1 × Alpha ESS SMILE5-INV · 5000W
2 × Alpha ESS SMILE5-BAT 5.7kWh (5.5kWh usable) · Lithium

£3.5k more for 3 more panels on a different aspect, and 5kwh less battery capacity. 

The question is now whether I go for a 3.6kw or 5kw inverter. 

Screwdriva

nazuro4013 said:

The question is now whether I go for a 3.6kw or 5kw inverter. 

That's an easy one. If you are <12 panels, go with a 3.7kW inverter.  12-13 panels, 5kW inverter. Only exception here is if these are spread across 3+ aspects (E/S/W), which doesn't appear to be the case with your installation.

nazuro4013 said:

Already got one from Heatable. They quoted 
£13,635.00 for:

As expected. Superb quality but at a premium price point sadly.

There is one downside with the IQ7+ microinverter that Heatable specifies - it has a peak output of 290W, which will lead to clipping during summer months, especially with those bifacial panels. I recommend their customers insist on the IQ8H micro inverter instead, which has a more realistic peak of 380W, but this raises the price further. 

If you do go with Heatable, remember to insist they paint the roof area behind your panels white with reflective paint, to increase the Albedo effect that bifacial panels outperform with. OpenSolar, a highly accurate PV design tool forecasts 15% uplift from South facing bifacial panels as a result of this. Heatable does not like to do this but will if you negotiate this into your contract.