Spikeuk

Hi Guys, I'm looking to fitting a solar array myself, to bring down electricity costs. Im a complete noob so please comment / correct me / advise - would be greatly appreciated! I run a computer server storage array which is using 1200w power 24/7 I would like to bring electric costs down a bit using PV. It doesnt have to produce 1200w constantly but just to bring down costs. I don't want to export back to the grid otherwise I have to mess about with telling power company etc- and then only getting paid 5p while still paying 30p per kwh. Off grid - With a off grid system I need to buy some expensive large batteries Lifepo4- which may or may not fail within a couple of years if im cycling them low regularly... from what I can tell this seems really expensive and may not save much money due to battery costs. Grid tie - I don't want to export, I want to use what I produce - I realised you can get grid tied inverters which have 'limiters' - from what I have read do not feed any power back to the grid, theres a C clamp to go onto the mains cable on your house meter which monitors power usage, the inverter then provides as power as possible to meet the demand reading from the meter cable - this way you are using PV power and grid power at the same time without exporting - is this correct? this sounds ideal as I can use power from PV during day when panels are active as its produced and do not need any batteries?, any shortfalls in PV are substituted by grid power? i.e. 700w pv 400w grid for my 1200w load? Do I need to inform power company if its grid tie with limiter as i am not feeding back? or just get qualified elec to install. Also Im looking to install system garage roof, approx 50m from my main meter where the 'C' clamp needs to go for the limiter. (long cable length for c clamp to inverter -not accurate readings) Could I not just use the C clamp on the plug socket cable directly where the 1200w load is pulled from and the PV will try to output upto 1200w? I have smart meter fitted, SMETS2 i think is the type, I read somewhere possible problems with smart meters? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!!!

Hi there, We managed to get our planning approved in 2018 , however we haven't acted - its now getting close to expiring at the end of this year - from reading online the next step is we need to get the 'start works' signed off asap. Planning was for demolition of single story small extension and erection of new two story extension Does anyone have experience of the next steps in the process, reading online I think we need to submit a 'notice of works started' to the building control dept? Looking at our permissions documents we don't have any conditions other than to use the materials proposed in the approved plans. We currently do not have a builder assigned, we had a few quotes and builders round before Covid 19 - but 3/4 never sent quote, or were extortionate/ delayed. Question - what can I do for the council to sign off on works started? For example if I start demoltion works on the single story extension - will that be enough for 'works started'? Any advice or info would be greately appreciated. Thanks!