Plug in solar

QrizB

Mad maybe, answers on a postcard

I don't think you'll find a 12V-input grid-tied inverter, except possibly for weird Chinese stuff that's potentially a fire waiting to happen.

Also there's the question of how your Delta Max 2 will respond to the MPPT algorithm in the inverter. It could all work out OK but it might let the magic smoke out and that would be an expensive shame.

TroubledTarts

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81961588#Comment_81961588

Yeah I need some mad scientist to try it out on my behalf lol

tfhnota

If you are plugging into the grid then the inverter will have to be UK certified to be legal,,,

Martyn1981

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81961559#Comment_81961559

Yep, I gave away 5 panels last year. Found a home for them at a small off-grid permaculture farm, that helps to teach folk. Charged them a cup of tea, and a tour, for the service.

They were 235Wp panels installed in 2011. Still going strong, no apparent degradation of generation, at all. But for roughly the same space, I was able to install 440Wp panels.

matt_drummer

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81962040#Comment_81962040

Were the panels installed in 2011 part of a FIT system?

TroubledTarts

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81961467#Comment_81961467

My first foray into solar was second hand 265w panels 3 of them charging my ecoflow batteries. Worked well. Now have two 450w bofacial units on the right hand part of the shed roof and roof for 3-4 more panels.

Bought the 265w panels for £25 each and sole them for £25 each lol.

Leqrney about the panels and voltage in parallel and in series and (not that its difficult) for confident with the cabling.

Martyn1981

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81962101#Comment_81962101

Yep. 5x 235Wp panels on low roof and back door canopy. Plus 13x 185Wp on main roof. The 235Wp could be replaced with no need for scaffolding, so when I built a ground mount ladder store, with PV on top, I took the opportunity to upgrade the easy access panels. The replacements worked out at around £65 each, but of course other costs involved too.

matt_drummer

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81962310#Comment_81962310

How did it work out with your FIT provider?

Were they OK with it and do they apportion the generation payments to your satisfaction?

Martyn1981

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81962321#Comment_81962321

Yeah all good. I'd already checked all the rules about expanding a system, probably 5+yrs ago, but I still asked again, in several different ways, just to get loads of e-mail confirmations that it was OK. Belt and braces!

Also, as I was adding a battery on the DC side that can be charged from the AC/grid side, I had to replace the TGM (total generation meter) with a bi-directional meter, so I can report net generation.

All in (on that side), I went from 3.58kWp via a 3.5kW inverter (with 3.7kW DNO permission), to 6.725kWp via a 3.68kW hybrid inverter, with the battery to prevent curtailment/clipping.

Edit - Sorry, yes, generation apportioned. So FiTs paid on generation x 3.58/6.725. Does that make sense?

matt_drummer

Yes it does