Buffs

4kw.

OP said he bought a new inverter. Well it was new to me, but it was a used one. I'll take a look at informing my local DNO.

So, I already try to only use the washing machine (dont own a dishwasher and tumble dryer) when the sun is out (haven't seen the sun for a while though). I'm not fully aware of these pv diverterters, but my concern is that if I connect to the existing immersion, will the electricity flow back up into the control box and blow the heat pump control unit. Also, would it require at least 3kw or power to produce heat? I like the idea of setting the DHW to timed at 11am although, my tank had to be the slimline one to fit where I requested. Will have to try this and see how many complaints I get from the family!! @SteamyTea I didnt inform the DNO. The most I've seen it produce is around 3.7kw on a cold sunny day. As I'm not eligible for the feed in I didnt think I had to inform anyone. I was wondering if anyone had some sort of software based system that linked the Smart Meter, Inverter and Heat Pump.

Good morning all. This is my first post so please point me in the right direction if I've posted in the wrong place, asked a question that's already been covered or broken the forum rules. I bought my house around 5 years ago and I have slowly been renovating it ever since. About 3 years ago I had an Air Source Heat Pump installed, as we have no mains gas and at the time, the RHI was generous (it paid for the system). Last winter I picked up an absolute bargain of 4kw solar panels with an inverter for £400. I installed it myself and I am mostly happy with it. Since then I have changed the inverter so I can connect via bluetooth. Recently i have had a smart meter fitted.......... Now that I have the smart meter fitted I can see exactly what the power I'm sending back down into the grid. Actually, I knew this before, but its different when you can see the display 'laughing' at me!!! After the install, I did contact an MSC company and ask them if they would inspect and certificate. They told me, that it was virtually impossible for them to do this as they had to provide proof of where the panels came from. In any case, they said I'd only get about £60 a year back from the one or two electrical suppliers that offer a feed in tarrif (5.5p per KW). So......I was thinking, there must be a smarter way of using my solar and ASHP. I have my heat pump set for 21degrees in the morning and evening and all other times it's set to 18 degrees. There is an 3kw immersion in the tank, but it's only used to prevent legionnaires disease. When the heat pump is on it draws around 1.5 kw. At the moment, the heat pump thermostat/programmer is not wireless and I am not able to connect to it via bluetooth. I was thinking that maybe if the sun was shining during the day and producing over 2kw I could somehow activate the heating to go up to 24 degrees. This would warm the house during the day and therefore require less heating after the sun sets. Obviously, I would need some kind of app or software to run this. My ASHP is a Mitsubishi Ecodan and my inverter is an SMA. Thanks in advance for your replies, Nathan.

My house was put up just after the war. I say 'put up' as it was an pre fab 'Airey' house. In 1991 the concrete panels were removed and the house was rebuilt from the outside and thankfully, they created a cavity and insulated it. Since buying the house I have replaced the windows, added plasterboard and built on a porch to better insulate. In the future, I aim to clad the outside and I will probably add more insulation then. We are not on mains gas in the village and there was an old Rayburn which got us through the first 2 winters. At the time, the RHI was generous enough to pay for the ASHP.

Good morning all. This is my first post. I am an experienced builder and can turn my hand to most of the trades (my plastering isnt brilliant!). I have solar pv, Air Source Heat Pump and catch and reuse rain water. I'd say I'm more tight, than 'green'!! I'm hoping to gain more information on how to tweak my solar system and share my experience of the setup I have. Nathan.