Solar Panel Advice - Second system

Ron-ski said:
The original inverter is irrelevant, as you need to leave that system well alone, the OP doesn't want to connect batteries directly to it anyway.

Adding an additional system should not cause the rent a roof system to clip, plain PV systems with a peak capacity within DNO export limits never used to have CT clamps. If that is the case and the DNO limits export, then the new system will have to clip (restrict) it's generation.

Lots to be considered, but should all be doable.
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Comment on inverter was with regards to whether the system will still generate decent amounts in 25 years not in regards to adding or changing, not sure how you got that idea.

And yes my point was that its likely the export wont be controlled as its within allowance and hence right now adding another system will require change.
Cant simply add another system as that will potentially over export, and if export is limited based on the T&Cs its going to need to have export priority.

@Jimmyrn85 I assume from the T&Cs that you do not get the normal export payments at all? IE not FIT (obviously) nor normal export payments?
The T&Cs would seem to indicate that they receive the amounts in excess "any electricity which is not used will be exported to the grid for the sole benefit of the Tenant"
It would seem odd to put that if they are on deemed exports.
 
Ron-ski said:
Just to clarify, it was the bit below, which seemed to imply doing something with the original inverter, so now not sure what you meant by the last sentence.
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The next sentence

Mercenary Keyboard Warrior said:
I can see why they would want to exclude you from messing about with the system but you could install an AC coupled battery that doesn't touch any of their wiring.
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Thanks all, really appreciate your insights etc.

Having read another document I have from the house purchase "deed of variation" it does unfortunately state it cannot be stored:

7. Use of the premises, the electricity and ownership of renewable benefit payments
7.1 The landlord may use any electricity generated by the PV system as it is generated for the benefit of the property and the landlord agrees and covenants (as possible):

7.1.1 that any other electricity will be exported to the grid for the tenants sole benefit;
7.1.2 to comply with any safety procedures and measures that the tenant informs it of in writing from time to time;
7.1.3 that it will not store any electricity that is produced by the PV system; and
7.1.4 that it will do all things reasonably necessary to ensure that the tenant has the benefit of any renewable benefit payments.

8.2 In the event that the landlord wishes to carry out roof repairs and the tenant is required to temporarily remove all or part of the PV system from the premises, then the tenant agrees to do so to the extent necessary subject to the landlord paying the tenant within 14 days of demand:

8.2.1 (if this results in the tenant not receiving its anticipated Renewable Benefit Payments for a period of more than 3 consecutive weeks or more than 6 weeks in total in any 12 month period (or such other period(s) that may be agreed by the parties from time to time (acting reasonably)) (the "Grace Period")) a sum equivalent to the Renewable Benefit Payments which the tenant would have received from the end of the grace period until the date that the PV system is re-installed at the rate anticipated (using Renewable Benefit Payment Records as a benchmark) by the tenant for that time of year; and

8.2.2 the tenant's reasonable and proper costs in connection with the removal and subsequent re-installation (including the price of replacing any part of the PV system which cannot be re-used after removal).

In that same document at the bottom is the buy out price too:

Year of the term during which the break notice is received by us:
Year 11 - 18,720 (excluding VAT applicable at time of purchase)
Year 12 - 18,360
Year 13 - 17,640
Year 14 - 16,920
Year 15 - 16,200
Year 16 - 15,480
Year 17 - 14,400
Year 18 - 13,680
Year 19 - 12,240
Year 20 - 11,160
Year 21 - 9,720
Year 22 - 7,920
Year 23 - 6,480
Year 24 - 4,320
Year 25 - 2,160

I will be speaking to the solar company when I get home, it's proving very useful to get your opinions though thanks. I just hope I can run a second system which won't interfere with the current one somehow, with the idea that it doesn't export too.

The garage doesn't provide access to the house roof panels. As far as I'm aware it is the original inverter, it is a large looking Growatt inverter... Much larger than a friend who has a modern Growatt with a similar rated system.

Nobody comes around, they monitor it all remotely and do nothing.

So anyway, Ron-Ski, I need to check it has a CT clamp when I get home?
 
Mercenary Keyboard Warrior said:
Comment on inverter was with regards to whether the system will still generate decent amounts in 25 years not in regards to adding or changing, not sure how you got that idea.

And yes my point was that its likely the export wont be controlled as its within allowance and hence right now adding another system will require change.
Cant simply add another system as that will potentially over export, and if export is limited based on the T&Cs its going to need to have export priority.

@Jimmyrn85 I assume from the T&Cs that you do not get the normal export payments at all? IE not FIT (obviously) nor normal export payments?
The T&Cs would seem to indicate that they receive the amounts in excess "any electricity which is not used will be exported to the grid for the sole benefit of the Tenant"
It would seem odd to put that if they are on deemed exports.
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Yep I get nothing. It's all for them!
 
You probably won't have a CT clamp as there is basically no reason to fit one.
CT clamp to allow understanding of imports/exports no reason to do so on a simple PV only system.

Those are some hefty payments!

Interesting they seem to get the actual export.

The storing is interesting. In theory charging any device such as power tool batteries, would technically fall foul of that.

Had a thought though, do you have a hot water tank with immersion?
 
Has a Gledhill Boilermate 2000 heat store!
Fed from a gas boiler downstairs. It has emergency immersion backup.

I’m told these heat stores are efficient, but are relatively unreliable. Doh!

So in some ways is it good news with this rent a roof system… if it doesn’t have a CT clamp etc, I can install another system with batteries, and set that to no export and the people who get the FIT will be none the wiser?! Lol
 
Jimmyrn85 said:
Has a Gledhill Boilermate 2000 heat store!
Fed from a gas boiler downstairs. It has emergency immersion backup.

I’m told these heat stores are efficient, but are relatively unreliable. Doh!

So in some ways is it good news with this rent a roof system… if it doesn’t have a CT clamp etc, I can install another system with batteries, and set that to no export and the people who get the FIT will be none the wiser?! Lol
Click to expand...

I only asked as you could in theory get a diverter that sends excess solar to hot water tank.
Your using the elec and hence not storing it.
They aren't cheap (around £300 fitted unless a spark rinses you) but considering your specific situation it could be worth considering.

As opposed to simply not exporting you would want your installer to apply for the combined output from both and see what the local DNO say, you may be allowed to export the total of both anyway.

Oh and if you can't export more than the minimum your allowed by law it gives even more benefit from a solar diverter.

They only make sense when your gas cost is above the export rate or you cannot use all your generating and are export capped. Seeing as your potentially on zero export rate it makes total sense to divert it.

They use a CT clamp. Detect elec flowing out and divert some, then check again in effect. So they will look exactly like house load as thats what they are.
Worth considering I would suggest.

But IMO speak to installers first and get them to apply for export allowance that covers both systems.
What makes most logical sense to do is heavily dependant on that decision from the DNO.
 
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