Plug in solar

Vitor

I agree this is already breaking out of the 'leading edge' into 'early adopter' groups as people watch YouTubers explaining the setup DIY Solar Power Made Simple Part 1 Full Instructions For a Basic System Anyone Can Install #ecoflow

tfhnota

Looks like Lidl Germany have tapped into crashing battery prices in China, which have yet to hit retail UK. Hopefully the new sodium batteries will start coming in now they have sorted the production problems (I know one company is already doing it but charging double what production costs would suggest), major advantages other than much lower prices being much less likely to explode and runs at lower temperatures, though they do have to have a different inverter due to voltage profile. The alternative to plug-in being "off-grid" in the sense that it is connected to appliances but not to the grid circuit for which you need a decent sized battery.

cyberhippy

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82006398#Comment_82006398

This is a real worry - it's not only illegal to install your own plug-in solar system right now (unless you are a ualified electrician) but it's also exactly the sort of thing the people trying to get the legislation over the line are worried about. If every Tom, !!!!!! and Harry starts installing their own system without knowing exactly what they are doing - and doing it right, it could lead to domestic electrical faults, fires and more…

TroubledTarts

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82029663#Comment_82029663

Except, the regulations are being changed in essence to just let every Tom,D and Harry just plug in and click to on. That's the beauty and the system adopted in Europe for many years

They are not expecting any electrician involvement whatsoever.

So those plugging in now, what risk are they at from fire that won't be there once this is all pushed through?

Might also be worth stating how many electrical fires Germany has had from their plug in systems in the past what 6 years?

tfhnota

The UK, having come to the party so late, could also choose to mandate payments for export for those with smart meters (which clock the export), which would also encourage people to register with the DNO to get the export MAN, rather than let all that summer solar go to waste.

Scot_39

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82029821#Comment_82029821

Solar panel fire type risk - I think the figure for Germany is already above in this thread - I certainly came across it somewhere in last several weeks - but if not I am sure it was quoted as pretty similar in % of devices terms - and it's pretty small - from many other devices like fridge freezers (but then we all remember the damage what just one of those going wrong can do).

What worrries me is whether the devices being currently installed are properly regulated.

We certainly dont want a repeat of the growing risk of E-cycle and E-Scooter fires - from poor kit or charger choices (and often - just look at many of the cycle courier bikes on your high street - what look like DIY lash-ups - no doubt often of the cheapest kit available )

I dont know for sure - but perhaps might expect the German Amazon and ebay type services - are perhaps better policed than the UK's - where read frequent problems with substandard kit for sale.

But the issue isnt necessarily the actual fire or electrical risk - its the real implications of currently using an illegal device wired into the mains and mounted on your flat block - and that for instance potentially invalidating your insurance, your leasehold agreement or tenancy agreement (owner/renter) - and so in the event of any problem - not necessarily one caused by the plug in solar - zero coverage.

I have certainly seen several flats with balcony solar - on my train rides into nearby city - but you would have to have access to know whether they were plugged in illegally - or wired in legally.

And I doubt theirs anyone officially going around checking.

flaneurs_lobster

I have certainly seen several flats with balcony solar - on my train rides into nearby city - but you would have to have access to know whether they were plugged in illegally - or wired in legally.

And I doubt theirs anyone officially going around checking.

I'm only aware of one installation in my local area (probably my latitude is a factor), mounted on a balcony of an up-market block in a prominent location.

Owner has outed himself on the local Socials, seems that the few objections they have received (so far) are unofficial, from other residents and are concerned about the risk of a falling installation (the roof of the next-door block ended up in the street during a violent storm) and aesthetics.

tfhnota

where I live council enforcement zooms around in a massive SUV rather than riding bicycles so I am sure they will be on the ball…

TroubledTarts

Properties in a conservation area may be targeted I might suggest as well.

Qyburn

So those plugging in now, what risk are they at from fire that won't be there once this is all pushed through?

Depends on what they're plugging in. As far as I'm aware the standard hasn't yet been published, so no way of knowing whether the devices currently on sale will comply.