Talk to me about solar panels.

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
I'm considering A2A units in 2 rooms where radiators are an issue, wish I'd done wet under floor when sorting downstairs now tbh.
 

Manorboy

Well-Known Forumite
Torn on advice here. An AC coupled system would mean not touching the current setup, would separate out the two functions and mean they work independently, but would also limit you to the current inverter total for both usage and charge. This means if you're using 1kw then only 2.6kW max is available for charging, but it's not a huge issue. Would mean a G99 application prior to install but should be simple enough and any spark can do the job.

Alternatively you replace your almost new inverter with a hybrid and hang batteries off that, means the batteries charge off DC so can use the full 3.6 max on the home and no G99 so can just do it and tell the power company later, but would need a real solar installer.
Once again thank you for your advice it has been very helpful, I have just found this offer https://lr-renewables.co.uk/product/growatt-6-5kw-battery-storage-bundle/ reviews for the company are good on Trustpilot, my only concern about Growatt is their software is not the best?

Also the company from Derby never responded to me either.
 

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
Once again thank you for your advice it has been very helpful, I have just found this offer https://lr-renewables.co.uk/product/growatt-6-5kw-battery-storage-bundle/ reviews for the company are good on Trustpilot, my only concern about Growatt is their software is not the best?

Also the company from Derby never responded to me either.
Not gonna lie, that feels a little expensive, but it really is a sellers market right now. Stock is a huge issue so make sure they have it available before parting with any money.
 

c0tt0nt0p

Well-Known Forumite
I discovered that Eon quote for solar and battery installations.
Below is what they depart back to me for an 8 panel system and battery. How much more than a "normal/standard" quote would you say it is?
Screenshot_20221007-125858_Chrome.jpg
 

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
Seems very high tbh, what size battery?

A good quote at the moment is 1k per kW of solar or 2kWh of battery, fully installed. Fixed costs like scaffolding mean smaller installations will rarely be as cost effective.
 

c0tt0nt0p

Well-Known Forumite
Seems very high tbh, what size battery?

A good quote at the moment is 1k per kW of solar or 2kWh of battery, fully installed. Fixed costs like scaffolding mean smaller installations will rarely be as cost effective.
Don't know about battery size as not mentioned. They push you to a video call to discuss things further.
 

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
Another interesting one from octopus, 10 second meter readings instead of 30 minutes.

 

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
Install is due Wednesday, but the DNO still haven't said what inverter I'm allowed. Response time is on average 9 weeks, but could be longer, and no way to jump the queue :(


On a side note it seems the eco4 scheme could offer solar panels to anyone whose household income is less than 30k, I'm trying to help a mate with it now. She claims no benefits etc. and is provisionally approved, just waiting on a proper call.
 

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
DNO response! It says thanks for the application, your letter is on it's way...

So still no idea what inverter we're allowed! But aiming to install next week regardless, my installer says they didn't say we can't use a 5kW so ;)
 

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
Last edited:

Manorboy

Well-Known Forumite
Any spark can install batteries, so heater than a solar install. Don't know that inverter, assuming you're aiming for off peak storage to use later?

Edit: you'll need a second earth to use the power cut functionality
Apologies if I am not quite with your reply, my object is to install a battery to harvest any unused power by my panels and import from the grid during the early hours of the morning, is this system not suitable for this. Thank you in advance.
 
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