Plug in solar

QrizB

I just wondered if the tech / smaller panels at 400W+ existed

The current state-of-the-art for conventional solar PV is around 24% efficiency, so 240 watts per square metre under a standard 1000w/m2 test condition. A 400 watt panel will be 1.7 square metres, not allowing for the frame, busbars etc.

The half-size panels that Octopus are taking about in that video will also be half the power, so you'll need twice as many of them for the same output.

(Higher efficiency panels exist, up to about 40%, and are used for spacecraft where every saved gram of weight is important and cost isn't such an issue. They're not your basic silicon cells but use gallium arsenide and other relatively exotic materials. But to get NASA panels you'd be paying NASA prices.)

tfhnota

A few more compliant kits have come through at

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

Cityplumbing is not showing its approved kit yet, possibly want to clear stock of SolUK kits

xflare

It's been raining here since the 27th August, after months of seemingly non stop sunshine and no rain lol. 🤪

QrizB

A few more compliant kits have come through at

We're definitely in "build it and they will come" territory, with "it" being the legal framework for plugin PV and "they" being compliant equipment 🙂

tfhnota

according to AI, if you buy the octopus plug-in kit then its app will automatically do registration and set-up for receiving the export payment, kit not approved yet and not available until end of September - two panel kit at £650. If non-Octopus but approved kit and properly registered they will not charge their usual £250 fee but you would have to wait until they cross-check the registration before allowing the 12p export. Early days but be interesting to see how pioneers get on, Fuse is an alternative and may do 13p. With the Octopus kit it generates a request for an export MAN but no dosh until the DNO issues it, 1-4 week wait.

Newbie_John

It will definitely come to the point of having EV tarrif without EV situation.

That list of approved items will soon have 100+ similar sounding names, there will be so many mistakes of people selecting wrong ones and i really doubt Ocotpus wants to spend time and money to thouroughly validate customers who may earn £50 a year.. or any other company like Fuse.

The simple suggested way for getting G98 only allows approved systems:

https://myplugin.solar/

But you can get around it and get your export MPAN.

HertsLad

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82005718#Comment_82005718

I strikes me as far too expensive compared to buying similar powered panels yourself and setting up a low voltage DC system , like I have based on 24 volts. You can also power an inverter to provide 230vac, of course. The payback period is far less than 4 years.

Scot_39

Whilst browsing Argos for something for my PC - came across a link - and they have now added UKSOL - so expensive - £859 for twin 890W kit - but £1199 for twin ground mount version - as per UK Sols delivered prices (note the 2 man bit for even the 1 panel kit as comes boxed). The two I checked were on 3 week delivery in any case.

Plug-In Solar Kits & Panels for Home Energy | Argos

But if other retailers are only going to offer such expensive kit - I can see likes of Octopus being a lot busier with their £450/£650 offerings.

Another silly question - but are ground mounted solar panels, cables etc fairly secure from theft - and covered by normal "garden contents" on home content's insurance in case someone's (or two someones) a little more determined.

Swipe

Pointless buying any now anyway with the current lead time. May as well wait for Spring to see if there are better options avaiable.

lohr500

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82120825#Comment_82120825

I guess you could attach the inverter securely to the ground frame to stop casual theft using shear head type bolts.
Mounting the inverter inside some form of secure housing would I suspect prove problematical both from the risk of overheating and possibly blocking the wi-fi signal which will more than likely be needed for the inverter to provide data to any associated App.

The standard MC4 panel to inverter connectors are not secure and can be easily disconnected, and/or the cables could be cut through quickly.