Solar panels and battery - any real world recommendations?

Those on a Fox system, is the FoxCloud 2.0 app any good? I've also seen the Energy Stats app on the App Store which has good reviews.
I'll set up however the installer recommends, but with a FoxCloud account and an API key you can use either it seems.
 
The FoxCloud 2.0 app is gradually getting there. It's a massive improvement on the original version which has been phased out. Energy Stats is awesome though; simple, easy to use and shows everything you want.

I have both installed for when out and about, but just tend to use home assistant when at home via the modbus as its real time. The apps only update every 5 minutes, though Fox are apparently making it more frequent soon.
 
Interesting, thanks for the insight.

I’ve never dabbled with Home Assistant so that might be a fun avenue to go down eventually, although it appears a little complex to the beginner.
 
A friend has decided to put 12 panels with micro-inverters on his roof, but without battery. He says he can't be bothered managing a battery and doesn't have space for a battery and a string inverter (he lives in 2 bedroom terrace and his consumer unit is inside a kitchen cabinet). Do you think this is worth doing? It looks like most solar installs nowadays include a battery.
 
He could fit an external AC connected battery. Once it's set up there really isn't much to manage, if anything.

I would always recommend solar and battery, but just solar will save money as well, as long as he can get paid for export (MCS install).
 
SkyTerran said:
It looks like most solar installs nowadays include a battery.
Click to expand...
batteries smooth out the peaks and troughs of production and consumption, making the PV system more efficient for self-usage
also allows the home to switch to a time-of-use tariff by allowing the battery to be charged overnight and hence, cheaper leccy overall
 
Last edited:
Lol yep. Zero batteries... so far...


Mailed Scotish Power this morning with a reapplication of my G99, might have put the inverter down as an 8kW one instead of a 5kW one for... reasons. The last one was fast tracked by the installer so it was down rated to 3.68kW, gonna see if I can get it bumped up a bit and lay the ground work for the next phase (of the project, not 3 phase... although... no randal, no more).
 
Anyone have any use for 3 SolarEdge P404 Optimisers?

I picked up 3 whilst I was acquiring parts a few months back, they're used but test out OK. Free to whomever can use them.
 
We’re still looking to get panels etc installed But a couple of questions popped up:

1/Will we require a structural engineer to do a survey + calcs and write a report?
& is this something that is generally organised by the firm doing the installation?

2/ will we need to do anything regards house insurance or mortgage people?
 
Last edited:
Littlenose said:
1/Will we require a structural engineer to do a survey + calcs and write a report?
House was built in the 1970’s.
Click to expand...
no. my house was built in 1968 and installed with no issue. the PV company will inspect the roof (fwiw) to ensure that it looks okay

Littlenose said:
2/ will we need to do anything regards house insurance or mortgage people?
Click to expand...
nope for mortgage, yes to a courtesy call to the insurance company (it won't change your premium though)
 
No and no.

The installer will check the joists and do a rule of thumb. Most pitched roofs meet the spec and the some, only if it’s marginal will a structural engineer get involved.

Flat roofs are more tricky as the panels are weighted down rather than attached using bolts, that’s where far more due diligence needs to be done.

Insurance doesn’t care. They only care about the things on the application form, I’ve never been asked about solar or agree to a statement about solar. If they cared, it would be on that form.
 
Thanks for the feedback.

I was intrigued by this statement in one of the quotes
“We believe your roof is suitable for the proposed installation. You may want to obtain an independent opinion on the condition of your roof for the proposed installation and itis recommended that you pay for a Structural Engineers Report.”

But I’ve also found this in the MCS document MIS 3002:
5.9.4 The MCS Contractor shall ensure that the roof structure is checked by a suitably competent person to ensure it can withstand the loads imposed by the solar PV system.
5.9.6 Where the roof structure is in any way unusual, or there is any doubt whatsoever, a qualified structural engineer shall be consulted.

Also goes on to say for a flat roof:
5.9.13 A qualified structural engineer shall be consulted to ensure the roof is able to withstand the imposed load from both the solar PV system and the proposed ballast.
 
It’s called arse covering, no more no less.

If you’ve ever got a surveyor to look at a house, literally every statement is qualified with words to the effect of ‘we’re not experts you should get someone else to check this’.
 
Last edited:
Exactly.

From my side, all I'm looking for is for them to take ownership of the whole installation.
If they want a engineers report, then they should get it and add it into the price. That way if anything goes wrong then I don't end up with 2 party's pointing the finger at each other shouting "their fault" :cry:
 
Littlenose said:
Exactly.

From my side, all I'm looking for is for them to take ownership of the whole installation.
If they want a engineers report, then they should get it and add it into the price. That way if anything goes wrong then I don't end up with 2 party's pointing the finger at each other shouting "their fault" :cry:
Click to expand...

Are they an MCS certified installer? As much as its a con and pretty pointless thats about all you really need to worry about.

If so then your house insurance will cover you, but may go after them if they deem the install sub standard.
 
Yes, they're MCS certified.

Some of the quotes I received explicitly stated that structural calcs would be included.
I'm trying to keep it local, even if it costs me 5-10% more, but because the standard states "shall" rather than "should" for a flat roof, I feel that I may have to go with a company that states it explicitly.

System I'm looking at is ~£16.5k :
20-25 panels over 3 surfaces (1 is a flat roof)
Sigenergy 10kW inverter (to consider future expansion)
Sigenergy 16kWh battery
Sigenergy 7kW EV charger
10 Optimisers
Additional small consumer unit

includes bird protection, scaffolding, and DNO
 
Does that include a sigenergy gateway for whole home backup?

Considering you have picked by far the most expensive battery system available and the install isn’t straight forward, while expensive, the pricing doesn’t seem out of whack if it includes the gateway.
 
i have my quote for sigenergy in this thread if you want to compare but i didnt have any scaffolding, they just went on ladders.

So far happy with it though just so you know
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom