Plug in solar

Newbie_John

Yeah, Ive noticed that there is so much unknown.

Emailed UK Power Networks as described in a guide i found somwhere, took them two weeks and then got 3 emails with approval saying that I will get export MPAN if i provide comissioning documents which were optional. Then two days later I got the export MPAN without providing them.

Ok, I will leave it there for now, but if things change in the future that I can get paid for export for free (without any extra certification, approvals needed) then will use it.

tfhnota

Octopus and Fuse are supposedly going to pay for plug-in solar export but will be making the rules up as they go along, assume that MPAN came after an electrician wired in the "plug-in" solar and issued certificate to suit?

QrizB

Looking at the ENA database, it's good to see that there are now some type-approved plug-in solar inverters!

Mostly (but not entirely) from one manufacturer.

https://connect-direct.energynetworks.org/device-databases/search-gen?device_type_id=14

tfhnota

If you can get an electrician to supply the much cheaper, non-approved (they are G98 approved), 800W inverter, panels, fixing and cables and have him wire it into the consumer unit then you save the 20 percent VAT (as long as he is VAT registered) - and compare that to the cost of expensive approved kits… it may be cheaper to do it that way, not that it will be sub £500 for a 1000W install. The electrician will have to do the G98 submission but it will still be able to get the export payments from Octopus or Fuse as all they will see is it listed on the database (hopefully, their rules as yet unknown). VAT refund is not dependent on being MCS. At least there should be some viable competition to drive down prices as a 900W kit is currently close to £1000.

Scot_39

From the ENA list had a quick look at the UKSol site - £1199 for a 2 panel system.

Considerably more than the prices quoted above in Europe - and a rather comprehensive pre-checklist many will struggle to comply with

I suspect if thats the norm - a lot of folk are going to think twice.

Even if makes the potential pay back from export more likely.

tfhnota

Cityplumbing is under £1000 inc vat

Scot_39

Down as non compliant on the ENA list

tfhnota

it is uksol if you use that in the search box

Newbie_John

Approved plug in: very limited and very expensive £1000+ payback 10 years..

For the same price you can get Ecoflow all in with battery + electrician fee for hardwiring.

tfhnota

But early days, should be some more products coming to market and more outlets selling them but very disappointing that it has been dumbed down so that people cant legally bung the stuff together and plug in.