Plug in solar

lohr500

Well, so long as I don't electrocute myself or get knocked out by falling panels, I'll keep you all updated on my DIY kit build.

I'm heading off locally to collect a couple of 400w full sized new old stock panels this afternoon at £50 each.

I plan to use City Plumbing's Hoymiles HiFlow 800 plug in microinverter which they will be selling from 1st July to maximise my chances of building a UK compliant system..

At the moment, I am thinking about pushing the boat out and getting a couple of the Fastensol ballasted plastic bases to use on our flat garage roof which will avoid drilling holes through the roof membrane. A more expensive solution than cheaper angled brackets, but less likely to cause any water ingress through the roof.

Martyn1981

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81966826#Comment_81966826

Same with EV's. Everytime it rains, I have to pull over to the side of the road, and place hands and feet on the specially marked, insulated pads.

Why is it that none of the 'so called experts' ever thinks about all the obvious problems that forum members can imagineer …… every single time?

QrizB

Well, so long as I don't electrocute myself or get knocked out by falling panels, I'll keep you all updated on my DIY kit build.

Please do!

I bought an Ecoflow kit. Currently one panel is propped up on blocks on my patio, making ~400 watts whenever there's a gap in the clouds and ~100 watts when there isn't.

TroubledTarts

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81966958#Comment_81966958

Well done on that price!!!!

They aren't that heavy just cumbersome

TroubledTarts

My two 450w bi facial currently pulling 700-800w on a mixed day north facing shallow pitch shed roof so it's gets the sun early and late.

You can probably guess this battery powers the gym where the tumble dryer is and automatically charges a second delta 2 max to 100% as well to capture 4kwh plus on a good day

QrizB

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

Coming back to this idea from TT, my memory finally delivered the goods ...

The original Ecoflow PowerStream micro inverter (the smooth one, not the ribbed one) had a port to let you connect an Ecoflow Delta power station. If you can find one, this might let you grid-tie your current solar PV system.

Here's a 2023 video from an Australian explaining how it all goes together:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtClcXQ0ulE

Edit: and heres the official Ecoflow setup video (Ecoflow have more videos on their YT channel):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tny5VFMCMrE

TroubledTarts

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81967092#Comment_81967092

I think you are right, nice one, it's just finding one now for a decent price and ideally with the cable.

That would be ideal

lohr500

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81967031#Comment_81967031

The project costs are escalating!!!!

Ordered three Fastensol flat roof mount plastic tubs from City Plumbing this afternoon for local collection in 5 days. These will allow me to place the two panels on top of our substantially built flat roof garage without having to drill through the rubber roof membrane. They fill with rubble ballast to weight them down.

I think some people are just using one tub per panel, but with a 1m x 2m panel in landscape I think one tub at 645mm wide placed centrally isn't sufficient to support the panel. Might be OK in a very sheltered area, but not on top of a garage in Yorkshire.

Expensive at £118 for the three but I don't want to cut corners on the mountings and have panels flying around in strong winds.

TroubledTarts

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81967333#Comment_81967333

Sounds exciting, just a little picture of my mounts on a felt, OSB and the screws go down into the shed roof beems. Then sealed with lots of waterproof sealant.

I can understand you going for a less invasive mount for your rubber roof.

Thanks to @QrizB I have found a seller on Facebook for the solar to battery to plug in option fairly locally to me so hopefully picking that up over the weekend.

I just have to take out a mortgage for the diesel lol

Room for 3 more if they come up at the right price

matt_drummer

That is not plug in solar though is it?