Solar Panels - should we connect to grid?

Reed_Richards

My smart meter records export by default; I don't have an export MPAN.

It's perfectly possible to set up solar panels and a battery in an off-mains configuration which is therefore off-grid.  It could to be something like these: https://www.hampshiregenerators.co.uk/anker-portable-power-stations/  

mmmmikey

Qyburn said:

mmmmikey said:

Also, I don't think smart meters are set up to record export usage by default. I know you need to apply to the DNO for an export MPAN, and I believe that when you have this your supplier then configures the meter to record export.

Ours recorded export from the very moment our solar went live, even though it was over a week before the export MPAN was issued.

Thanks, thinking about it I'd had quite a few changes made to my smart meter before I started using it for export and it's quite possible that's why some additional work was needed to set it up - i.e. nothing to do with the MPAN. And they would use the existing import MPAN to connect to the meter so they could add the export MPAN remotely. So it seems quite likely that the check @Robin9 suggests is well worth trying anday give some useful clues about the installation. Apologies for any confusion caused

wrf12345

On the DIY level it is possible that someone has connected the solar system to a separate circuit that has no connection to the grid and its own sockets, which may not amuse insurance companies. 

Qyburn

Aside from some specific and unusual wiring arrangement th inverter almost certainly is connected to the grid. Most likely they just weren't signed up for export, maybe because they don't have MCS certification. More concerning would be if they don't have DNO appoval, ie they just connected it up without telling anyone.

mmmmikey

wrf12345 said:

On the DIY level it is possible that someone has connected the solar system to a separate circuit that has no connection to the grid and its own sockets, which may not amuse insurance companies. 

I have a similar system using a combination of batteries and solar panels (alongside my more conventional PowerVault) except that mine is properly installed by an electrician and tested to all the standards necessary to avoid any insurance issues. The wiring is the same as the wiring you would use if you have a backup generator. Living in a rural area it's fairly common for farmhouses to be wired this way so easy enough to find an electrician to do the job properly. It's also fairly common to see this type of wiring in offices with computers using a centralised uninterruptible power supply. Absolutely not a DIY job in my view - easy enough to make it work but a detailed knowledge of the standards and conventions is needed for safety and insurance compliance.

pete-20-11

Octopus might be willing to sort out SEG for people without MCS certificates. But I think the scheme has a £250 charge to get started. Guess depends on how much it's worth it! 

EnergyBuildingsFood

You're meant to get about 80% self use out of the solar if you have a battery - if it is sized right etc.. So may not be worth it if it costs you a lot of money to install.

HertsLad

Laura2510 said:

We recently bought a home that has solar panels. I know very little about solar panels and how they work however in the buying process we were informed that the solar panels are owned outright and are just connected to a personal battery store for the house - they aren't connected to the grid to "sell back" energy. 

Should we look into doing this? At the moment it's just me and my husband here and we generally WFH so energy consumption is probably above average from the WFH but otherwise low. 

Keen to understand the pros and cons and any insights! 

Sorry it took me 2 months to see this thread. Are you any further forward, now?

I have a solar system which I set up myself and is completely separate from the mains electricity system. Perhaps you could ask someone who understands electrical wiring to check out your system and establish how it's set up.

My hunch is that you may be best off using it as designed, if it's separate. I went to the extreme of turning off my mains electricity at the fuse box, so 100% of my need for electricity came from 5 solar panels when I started, up to 16 panels now. My house is now run with 24v wires, supplying 24v devices as much as possible or through inverters where I have to use devices on 240vac. How many batteries do you have, and what type?

It would never be worth me connecting it to the mains. The days of generous payouts seem to be over. First, I'd need to pay a standing charge again. I'd also need an expensive grid tie inverter and contractors to check it out and sign it off. No thanks!

wrf12345

"It would never be worth me connecting it to the mains. The days of generous payouts seem to be over. First, I'd need to pay a standing charge again. I'd also need an expensive grid tie inverter and contractors to check it out and sign it off. No thanks!"

Well done anyway, only thing stopping me doing the same is potential effect on resale value of the property. Octopus are quite good on payments for solar and battery export and would do a lot more than cover s/c, though how long it would take to get the money for certification, etc back is another matter. Fantastic not to contribute to the energy company vampires, though!

matelodave

Another thread where someone has asked a question and got lots of suggestions from those who want to help but the OP has scuttled off never to be seen again.

why do people do that?  Have they forgotten that they've asked a question or is it just inconsiderate rudeness.