CliffsNotes - I am looking to build a battery system for my house, then perhaps add a solar array to it later, but I want to do it DIY.. As much as possible....
Background - I have had a couple of Solar quotes recently, and am not impressed with the "Value" they provide. Upon looking up the costs of the parts alone, there does seem be a very significant mark-up being charged, and Labour costs seem somewhat crazy for the work actually being done. Which means that pay-back times are 2-3 times longer than if you were to DIY the system.
We typically use about 8000-10000 kwh in a year, which I think puts us in quite a heavy user bracket.
So, with that in mind, I am planning a DIY option with an Inverter and Battery first with a DIY install. Then later when I have the system up and running, add solar power once I have got things running properly. I can then use a night rate to charge my battery, and use this during the day to offset some of my electricity costs, before then topping this up with solar if I do add it eventually, or add a second battery. This will all depend on how things are going with usage after the first battery is in and I have some data on how it is affecting any overall usage/bills.
I wish to use a battery kit like this:
www.fogstar.co.uk
Which should give me over a 15kwh battery for about £1500.
I believe that I will then need a 5Kw Hybrid inverter, which I am shopping for currently. (I am budgeting as close to £1000 for the inverter+parts+sparky final connection/sign-off)
So, all in costs for the initial system would be around £2500, and the closest systems I can find online are all upwards for £7000 for similar systems without solar. So, pay-back would be much sooner!
Has anyone else got experience with this?
It seems that MCS is not needed for solar installations anymore to qualify for being paid for excess, which is great, so I will look to do that once(if) I go solar, and will also do the G99 (as its over the 3.6 limit for G98) application to the DNO myself before the installation starts, and after I know the manufacturer/models and specs of all the kit I intend to use.
As far as I can tell, the only part of the work that HAS to be done by an electrician is the final connection to the board, provided I follow Part P for anything I do, it should not be an issue! I did the wiring for a shed in my old place, followed part-P and got it all inspected/signed off/final connections done by a sparky, and paid him some moolah to do this.
It does seem that DIY for solar/battery is becoming a lot more common, and the MCS accreditation (now correctly!) not being enforced on applications to providers for feed in rates should mean it is a lot more accessible provided you are willing to do the paperwork!
Background - I have had a couple of Solar quotes recently, and am not impressed with the "Value" they provide. Upon looking up the costs of the parts alone, there does seem be a very significant mark-up being charged, and Labour costs seem somewhat crazy for the work actually being done. Which means that pay-back times are 2-3 times longer than if you were to DIY the system.
We typically use about 8000-10000 kwh in a year, which I think puts us in quite a heavy user bracket.
So, with that in mind, I am planning a DIY option with an Inverter and Battery first with a DIY install. Then later when I have the system up and running, add solar power once I have got things running properly. I can then use a night rate to charge my battery, and use this during the day to offset some of my electricity costs, before then topping this up with solar if I do add it eventually, or add a second battery. This will all depend on how things are going with usage after the first battery is in and I have some data on how it is affecting any overall usage/bills.
I wish to use a battery kit like this:
SEPLOS Mason 280 and x16 Grade B Envision 305Ah Battery Bundle
Our Seplos Mason battery bundle contains everything you will need to create a DIY 48V 14.3kWh battery. As part of this bundle you’ll receive a SEPLOS Mason 280 kit and 16 Grade B Envision 305Ah LiFePO4 cells with the SEPLOS Grade B Busbars.
www.fogstar.co.uk
I believe that I will then need a 5Kw Hybrid inverter, which I am shopping for currently. (I am budgeting as close to £1000 for the inverter+parts+sparky final connection/sign-off)
So, all in costs for the initial system would be around £2500, and the closest systems I can find online are all upwards for £7000 for similar systems without solar. So, pay-back would be much sooner!
Has anyone else got experience with this?
It seems that MCS is not needed for solar installations anymore to qualify for being paid for excess, which is great, so I will look to do that once(if) I go solar, and will also do the G99 (as its over the 3.6 limit for G98) application to the DNO myself before the installation starts, and after I know the manufacturer/models and specs of all the kit I intend to use.
As far as I can tell, the only part of the work that HAS to be done by an electrician is the final connection to the board, provided I follow Part P for anything I do, it should not be an issue! I did the wiring for a shed in my old place, followed part-P and got it all inspected/signed off/final connections done by a sparky, and paid him some moolah to do this.
It does seem that DIY for solar/battery is becoming a lot more common, and the MCS accreditation (now correctly!) not being enforced on applications to providers for feed in rates should mean it is a lot more accessible provided you are willing to do the paperwork!
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