Solar panels and battery - any real world reccomendations?

That is what I was thinking about with the 2x 9.5kw battery option but my install hopes went from 5kw+ to sub 4 panel install on roof hehehe.

Was going to initially set a 10% reserve so the battery didnt drain completely and -4 hours that batteries wont power house during the 4h period.

Wish I was more well off, would be a lot easier to make decisions.

Those batteries have their own reserve at 4% and have a DoD of 100% anyway so I don't think you need to set your own limit.
 
Those batteries have their own reserve at 4% and have a DoD of 100% anyway so I don't think you need to set your own limit.
indeed, I was just thinking of longevity, whatever I get outside of getting it fixed under warranty IF anything should happen I wanted to make sure I kinda future proofed myself since its a 10 year investment, only thing I want to be doing during that period is adding battery or panels not ditching a whole battery side and buying extra equipment if I have to switch battery types or whatnot.
 
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indeed, I was just thinking of longevity, whatever I get outside of getting it fixed under warranty IF anything should happen I wanted to make sure I kinda future proofed myself since its a 10 year investment, only thing I want to be doing during that period is adding battery or panels not ditching a whole battery side and buying extra equipment if I have to switch battery types or whatnot.

These batteries have unlimited charge/discharge cycles and 10 year warranties, they also actually contain more than the quoted figures, which is why they're 100% DoD.

My 8.2 I think is actually more like a 10, but the 8.2 is the usable space, so they specified them with this in mind already.
 
Is there any way to check with the DNO if a G99 application has been placed on your behalf by a solar installer? - The installer has told me they have but having been let down by a previous company I would like to know for sure things are moving.
 
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My view in regards longevity is that most items degrade with usage and time

As long as your ROI is a chunk under 10 years then get your return and start to reserve a little profit after that for replacement.

The inverter (s) will be top of the list by that point in time and the batteries to follow.
Battery technology could make a decent jump forwards at any point and they do lose some capacity over time.

I suspect the old house batteries will much like car batteries have a decent secondhand value for people with less demanding applications, or who can macguyver something themselves.
 

DO YOU NEED PLANNING PERMISSION TO INSTALL SOLAR PANELS?​

11 MAY 2022 INGRID BROUGH-WILLIAMS
As energy prices increase, people are increasingly looking to new, more economic ways of generating power and heat for their homes and businesses. Solar Panels are still a popular alternative to traditional energy providers.

Do you need planning permission to install solar panels?

Solar panels can be designated ‘Permitted Development’, meaning that planning permission is no longer necessary. There are exceptions to this – see below.
The Government extended Permitted Development Rights, meaning planning permission is no-longer required to install solar PV or solar thermal on non-domestic buildings. It is worth noting that there are sometimes ownership as well as planning considerations to bear in mind when dealing with commercial properties, but in principle you do not need planning permission to install solar panels on a commercial property, as long as you adhere to specific criteria.
In both cases, solar panels are subject to normal building regulations, which involves checking that the roof can support the extra load – your installer should check this for you. There are also some conditions that your solar panel system has to comply with:
  • The system should be installed in such a way that the effect on the external appearance of the building and the amenity of the area is minimal.
  • When no longer needed, equipment should be removed as soon as reasonably practicable.
  • The system cannot be higher than the highest part of the roof (excluding any chimney).
  • The system cannot protrude more than 0.2 meters beyond the plane of the roof slope.

When is Planning Permission Required?​

On flat roofs If you want to install solar panels on a flat roof you will probably need planning permission. The reason for this is that solar panels on a flat roof are usually placed in frames to create an angle towards the sun. This means they typically need to protrude more than 0.2 meters above the roof slope which is contrary to the “permitted development” guidelines.
Listed Buildings Whilst it may be possible to install solar panels on a building that is located within the grounds of a listed building or on a site that is considered to be a scheduled monument. It requires listed building consent followed by applying for planning permission.
Conservation Areas If you live in a conservation area, it may be possible to install a solar PV system under permitted development rights, however a planning application would be required if it is proposed to install a solar PV system on a wall fronting a highway.
It is possible to receive planning permission in these cases, but this is at the discretion of your Local Planning Authority.
Planning can be a complicated beast, so depending on where you live there may be other issues that affect the installation of solar panels, for instance restrictions on your property. It is always worth double checking with your local authority before installing solar panels on your property.

Are Solar Panels Worth It?​

According to the experts from Money Saving Expert, as well as saving you money on your energy bills, solar panels can also earn you cash. And panels can still generate some electricity on gloomy days. But with solar panels costing an average of £6,500, there are a few things you need to understand to work out if the sums add up. Read more in their very useful article: Solar panels – are they worth it? Installing solar panels is generally a straight forward exercise, but there may be a situation where you need the support of a Planning Consultant. Please do get in touch if you have any questions or if you need some advice – CONTACT US.
 
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Solar panels are covered under permitted development, but there are restrictions, fall outside the restrictions and you need planning.
Flat roof is a restriction and listed buildings...the above post is from the planning portal.

So according to the above, no planning is required anymore for solar panels.
 
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So I supposed there is no reason he could not have requested and been granted planning.
Or he hasn't and just gets away with it.

If I was to extend them as far as I would want to cover my side passage they would be too flat I think, so I may as well limit to 20cm and comply with no planning.

I am quite tempted but would need another inverter for starters. Should have a measure and see how many I could realistically fit (same orientation as above picture)
 
Oh stumbled across this, interesting :

The first standalone solar PV installation is considered Permitted Development. Beyond that, any additional units will require planning permission. The solar panels must be sited in a way that least impacts the appearance of the area, and at least 5 meters from the edge of your property.

Above if for off house btw.
 
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This is what I have been going on :

"You need only apply for full planning permission (flats) or householder planning permission (houses) to install a solar panel when any of the following apply: it would protrude more than 20cm from the external surface of the wall or roof slope, when measured perpendicularly."
but perpendicularly is vertical, so that would be horizontally technically.... It's not worse than a car port that could be put in without planning.
 
  • The system should be installed in such a way that the effect on the external appearance of the building and the amenity of the area is minimal.
  • The system cannot be higher than the highest part of the roof (excluding any chimney).
  • The system cannot protrude more than 0.2 meters beyond the plane of the roof slope.

So according to the above, no planning is required anymore for solar panels

Planning is required if they don't comply with the first quote above, which is basically what I said without going into detail, most cases it's not required.
 
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