MSE guide: plug-in solar panels

jimi_man

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82122567#Comment_82122567

And thus the panels spec is not the rating of the plugin system, ie. the plugin system in question is an 800Wp

Turning it round the other way, by your rationale you have two systems (890 and 800) that are both 800Wp and yet the 890 one will generate annually consistently more than the 800 one. So on that basis the 890 one is incorrectly labelled.

Martyn1981

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82123016#Comment_82123016

I really don't see the point to your word games. You still seem to be going round in the same circles. [Edit - Is it the 'p' for peak that is upsetting you? And if so, then doesn't that impact all PV systems that have undersized inverters, not just PnP?]

Do you believe the 890Wp system will see any significant clipping? Do you believe that the two systems, 800Wp and 890Wp will produce the same amount of energy over a year? Or are you basing your entire argument on the point that it is possible for both systems to hit an 800W AC max at the same time, even if only extremely briefly? [I described the necessary circumstances for a solar system to hit its full rating (or even above) previously.]

Are you aware that in the UK, it's actually preferable to undersize an inverter in most cases, to boost annual generation? SMA had a report on this back in the early 2010's, showing a 3800TL inverter outperformed a 3600TL but which in turn outperformed a 4000TL inverter when connected to a ~5kWp solar array in each case.

Heedtheadvice

I think it is time to call a halt to this discussion. It is not now adding anything useful and is probably just confusing readers trying to understand the subject.

HHarry

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82123979#Comment_82123979

Agreed. It’s mostly a marketing gimmick - if you feel that strongly let the Advertising Standards Authority know.

But there’s probably a million examples of companies picking the ‘best’ number to market their products, without it being a reflection of real life.

shinytop

What will happen if two 800W kits are plugged into the same house? Someone is going to try it…

paul991

Nothing at all , the power company may pick it up If you have a smart meter but unless your wiring is in a state I

doubt anyone would know,

NedS

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82124922#Comment_82124922

The DNO also has access to smart meter data, so they can presumably tell if properties are exporting more than they (the DNO) have granted permission for, assuming they are monitoring their own networks (they may only monitor when there is a reported issue such as an unexpected rise in voltage).

The DNO can then issue a disconnect notice.

prowla

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82123095#Comment_82123095

Simple question: can a UK plug-in solar system produce more than 800W output?

paul991

A 800 watt system will produce up to 800 watts , if it has more panels it can produce upto 800 watts for longer in the day. other systems can be bought but not legal in uk.

Ectophile

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82124842#Comment_82124842

There's an eFixx video on YouTube where they not only plug in two systems next to each other, but they use an extension lead to do it. It all worked normally, and shut down correctly when the RCD was tripped.