Dillsue

That's an interesting conversation. I've had a similar conversation with Octopus and was told they couldnt accept combined export from both MCS and non MCS PV through the same meter. I just found similar statements to those youve found in OFGEMs guidance for SEG licensees that allow them to pay for non MCS export. I think I'll go back to them and ask again

Never heard of easy PV so just googled it and it seems like it's a midsummer wholesale product and they welcome suggestions for improvement. If it doesnt do what you want, maybe call them and let them know what the issue is. Maybe you're missing a trick??

The batteries would still be charged from an oversized array so total export would still increase aside from efficiency losses and the users ability to self consume more with a battery. Same total kwh with batteries just pushed through the meter at different times?? The risk of it being checked/monitored is hypothetical but fairly easy to do

Adding panels facing any direction still bumps up your generation and if the self consumption proportion remains the same then your export will go up over what a typical 2kw system would do. Whether it's detectable or if anyone even checks is another question.

You do know that youll only get export payments on the MCS registered capacity?? You can add as many panels as you want but if your annual export is equivalent to a system obviously larger than 2kw then its easy for your SEG payer to spot and stop all payments

OPs mentioned "feeding the house first" and repeatedly said grid tied?? Having the PV hooked up just to a diverter seems a waste as theres no where for the PV to go once the DHW tank is hot, or is that not how it works??

Yep, MCS(or equivalent) for paid export. I'm sure someone posted about there being another outfit that does the certification but can't remember the name.

No, you can DIY the lot. I know of a 100% DIY install with a G98 signed off by the DIYer. DNO accepted it. It's not legit as it should have a spark test and certify but it's seems DNO doesnt care/notice. Other DNOs may be more scrupulous but I think they're likely to be pretty appreciative that someone's bothered to notify them regardless whos signature is on the form??

Maybe I missed something but OP has/wants E7, so grid tied??

Why would that stop you notifying your DNO. If you can't fill in a G98 and do a single line sketch, you probably shouldn't be doing a DIY install.....both are straight forward to do

Why would you want to forget? Do it within 30 days of connecting to the grid. It's technically a legal requirement to notify your DNO of any generating equipment being connected. Unlikely to be an issue when selling your house as I dont beleive anyone consults the DNO at the time of sale. No reason not to notify your DNO and it helps them manage the grid

Anything able to push more than 16amps(3.68 kw) needs permission from your DNO via a G99 application. Anyhing 16amp or less just notify the DNO via a G98 notification. All LV electrical work should be done by a qualified spark, but often isnt! Planning as stated above is usually permitted development. Your adding load to the structure so technically you should get building control approval but I dont think many people do!

The Growatt 3600 spec sheet Ive just looked at says you can have 5kw of PV connected, so you may be able to add another 1.4kw ish to the existing inverter without involving your DNO. How much PV can you get on the garage and what direction does the garage and existing array face?

Take the cover off the inverter and leave a fan heater set to cold blowing over the innards to cool it down. Make sure no one can touch the inverter when its powered or for 10 mins after its switched off!! Turning it off for a short while isnt going to cool it much so if overheating is your problem it'll be unlikely youll make any difference turning it off and on. If the inverters duff theres unlikley to be any reason not to fit a modern inverter, the FIT scheme now allows you to change components/system size.

Post a photo of the inverter and its data plate. Do you know the make and model of the panels and how many there are?

Getting over 4kw out of 3.3kwp of panels would make most people pretty happy! Just seen your edit saying youve got 12 panels not 8. Makes a bit more sense now

Get your G99 application in pronto before theres more PV and youre more likely to be restricted.

Worth checking the spec of the inverter to see what the minimum start voltage is for each MPPT input. By splitting the array in half youre likely halving the voltage on the input so just check your 6 panels are going to give a high enough start voltage.

Only you know the value of optimisers as only you know the annoyance of not generating at max. For pure ROI it can vary massively. If you buy at retail prices and pay someone to fit them you may never get your money back if shading is only causing a small loss. On the other hand if youre not in a rush and wait for optimisers to come up on ebay you can buy them at a fraction of the retail price. If you fit them yourself, which is straight forward, then you make more of a saving. Optimisers give you individual panel monitoring so you can see at a glance if and where youve got a problem. I've just moved 4 panels that had partial shading but it was only the individual monitoring that showed how much they were being impacted by a nearby chimney How to quantify "shading" losses is near impossible to determine as shading comes in so many forms- trees, structures, algal growth, dust, clouds, bird s**t etc. Picking them up off eBay and self installing makes it worth while for me, but that might not be the case for you, only you know how you value things!

Hooked the inverter up to a few panels and had another go at getting it going. It seems it takes an age to come out of a "waiting" state and start generating. Left it 20 mins and when I came back it was working. I'm used to Solaredge kit which gets itself up and running in 20 seconds!! Thanks for comments/suggestions.

It's connected to the grid and comes up with a fault if I unplug it, so its seeing the grid ok. It's set up for the UK and not showing any faults but just wont come out of the "waiting" state. If theres a known problem with DC input on smaller units then that's a bit worrying. I'm limited on array size for demo purposes and bought this piddly inverter cos it's spec says 150vdc is enough to get it generating.

Just bought a used SB1200 for a demo rig and cant get the inverter to generate. It powers up ok but sits there with the display showing "waiting". From what I can see it cant start because the start up voltage is lower than the set start voltage which is 120vdc by default. The DC PV voltage is around 150vdc so I guess a previous owner has raised the start voltage?? Anyone familiar with the Sunny Boy and know how to check and adjust the start voltage? Are there any other reasons it would sit there "waiting"??

If youve got ODB enabled for a drainback system then cooling options are disabled!!! See page 34 of the manual. You could increase the max cylinder temp

Not sure you'll get an MCS contractor to provide labour only?? To certify a system they have to install MCS approved kit which they can't gurantee if someone else has provided the kit. See how you get on

Yes. Functionally a meter