Plug-in solar / Balcony solar / DIY solar

Am I understanding correctly that these "DIY" kits still aren't legal in the UK yet? You could buy and pay an electrician to do the install for you, but you're not yet legally allowed to just plug in yourself?

I guess all the people so far running these DIY kits are just taking the gamble that no problems arise from running them.
 
Semple said:
I don't see the option to select collection only.
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Call them on 0114 698 0583
Collect from: Friars Gate, Sheffield, United Kingdom, S4 5NU

Just ask them when you are ordering when you want to collect, they'll give you a suitable date and time and then turn up. We (me and a friend) picked up 44 panel for his new off-grid setup, but he lives in Lincolnshire.
 
I’ve ordered an Ecoflow Stream Ultra and a couple of 460W panels to go on my garage roof. Hardware wise this is a simple solution. Panels to the Ultra, Ultra into the mains (when legal of course). If the panels cover my base use and charge the battery for use later in the day, I’ll be happy. Once I can freely move to a cheap overnight electrical tariff to further charge the battery, I’ll be happier!

I think the challenge will be getting the software side working correctly either through the Ecoflow app and/ or Home Assistant.
 
BUDFORCE said:
Are there any plug in battery storage systems worth having?

If so how are they controlled?
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Depends on your use case as always. If you use minimal electricity at home then probably not. I’m probably use a bit above average so I’m keen to see if the panels can cover my baseline usage during the day. All the setups seem to be controlled using an app and cloud services. Seems to be a similar set up to Hive for your heating. Use the cloud for remote access and bits and bobs, but all schedules stored locally in case the net goes down. That’s fine to start with but I’ll be looking to set something up for just local access.
 
Journey said:
You seem to have over complicated something really simple, and the price is hardly going to get much lower.

1.) Buy an Ecoflow Stream inverter for £99-129 (or one of their device with battery built in)
2.) Buy 2x Longhi 410W Solar Panels for £55-60 each and place them where sun will shine.
3.) Plug panels into inverter, and inverter to your mains socket.
4.) Profit.
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I’m on this journey. As journey explains.
 
Discover how plug-in solar could transform home energy in the UK as we visit Intersolar Europe in Munich. We explore how plug-in solar systems are already being used across Europe and further afield, what the proposed UK regulations could mean for homeowners and renters, and whether these systems are safe, practical, and worth considering. Featuring insights from industry experts and a look at the options available from manufacturers, this video looks at the future of plug-in solar, battery storage, and renewable energy in the UK.

 
Got all the parts I needs so installed last night onto garden summer house.

EcoFlow stream micro inverter (from Argos) of all places and two JA 460W panels from City plumbing. Unfortunately one panel arrive damaged ( no suprise as the packaging is poor) as corner had been stuck and cracked the glass.

One panel up and running today. Wired into 3 pin for now but will hook to a type C RCBO I’ll add to the fuse box in the summerhouse.

Seen peak of 152W today already so working well and obviously will double once the 2nd panel is replaced and fitted.
 
I’ve bought the same panels which I picked up yesterday. My Ecoflow Stream Ultra is arriving today so I’ll get that set up asap. The two panels will be professionally installed on Tuesday so I’m hoping to finally join the solar revolution then… Its a relatively cheap and simple set up too
 
Replacement panel from city plumbing was also cracked so I’ve got a refund, paid for 1 panel, got 3 and chucked it the roof last night, so the summerhouse has all 3 panels. 2 panels in parrallel so I’m expecting it to limit when sunny and current clips but will be better for most UK days.

Had been doing about 4kWh per day with 2 panels before
 
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Worth picking up for a future project do you think? They've not been this price for a while?

Assuming it becomes legal, if I pick one up, wire on a plug and ensure I've got a Bi-directional RCBO on it that is technically all that needs done?
 
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