Barney12 Posted October 4, 2016 Posted October 4, 2016 (edited) I think this is a simple question but one I cant seem to find a distinct answer to by Googling: With a non MCS or FiT solar install what is the maximum array size? I thought there wasn't one but the form from our DNO which you send in after commissioning says that the maximum array is 4kw per phase. Edited October 4, 2016 by Barney12
ProDave Posted October 4, 2016 Posted October 4, 2016 4KW (or actually 16A) is the maximum they have to accept. Any more than that and they can refuse connection if their network cannot handle it.
Barney12 Posted October 4, 2016 Author Posted October 4, 2016 23 minutes ago, ProDave said: 4KW (or actually 16A) is the maximum they have to accept. Any more than that and they can refuse connection if their network cannot handle it. OK thanks.
Nickfromwales Posted October 4, 2016 Posted October 4, 2016 Do you actually need to inform them? Is that done to get a '2-way' meter installed and an agreement for the provider to buy off you and at what rate? Was considering a small array to offset my vampire / parasitic loads throughout the day, fitted flat on my new shed roof, when it gets done . Idea was to add to it over time to increase revenue / run other appliances accordingly.
Stones Posted October 4, 2016 Posted October 4, 2016 Yes, if grid connected you need to inform your DNO. Info here You have to go through all of that so the DNO is satisfied that the equipment you connect is safe and will not feed electricity into the grid of in the event of a power cut so their workers are protected. You won't get paid for any export doing this. As far as I understand it you would have to persuade a supply company to buy the export from you. When I last asked SEE couldn't give me an answer on how I would go about doing this (other than the usual MCS route).
Barney12 Posted October 5, 2016 Author Posted October 5, 2016 As stones said you have to inform them. We sent our form in for the arrays on the sheds but have never heard from them since. I expected them to come and inspect or at least achnowldge it but nothing.
Nickfromwales Posted October 5, 2016 Posted October 5, 2016 15 hours ago, Stones said: Yes, if grid connected you need to inform your DNO. Info here You have to go through all of that so the DNO is satisfied that the equipment you connect is safe and will not feed electricity into the grid of in the event of a power cut so their workers are protected. You won't get paid for any export doing this. As far as I understand it you would have to persuade a supply company to buy the export from you. When I last asked SEE couldn't give me an answer on how I would go about doing this (other than the usual MCS route). Do the inverters 'lift' in the event of grid electric failure ( aka a power cut ) ?
jack Posted October 5, 2016 Posted October 5, 2016 It's all down to what the network in your immediate vicinity can handle. Having other PV installations nearby can affect this. We applied for, and were granted, the right to install an 8.5kW array in an ordinary suburban area. Took longer than expected (something like 7 weeks instead of a month? Can't remember!), but was granted without comment.
Ferdinand Posted October 6, 2016 Posted October 6, 2016 (edited) 15 hours ago, jack said: It's all down to what the network in your immediate vicinity can handle. Having other PV installations nearby can affect this. We applied for, and were granted, the right to install an 8.5kW array in an ordinary suburban area. Took longer than expected (something like 7 weeks instead of a month? Can't remember!), but was granted without comment. Our advice was to go for the max in case they were cutting it down on principle or rationing. Ended up with 9.98 kWP . It took a fortnight. Edited October 6, 2016 by Ferdinand
Alexphd1 Posted March 31, 2017 Posted March 31, 2017 Did you fill out the g59-3 paperwork yourselves or the installer?
jack Posted March 31, 2017 Posted March 31, 2017 42 minutes ago, Alexphd1 said: Did you fill out the g59-3 paperwork yourselves or the installer? The installer did ours.
Barney12 Posted March 31, 2017 Author Posted March 31, 2017 1 hour ago, Alexphd1 said: Did you fill out the g59-3 paperwork yourselves or the installer? Filled it out myself and thrust it in front of my sparky to sign
dogman Posted March 31, 2017 Posted March 31, 2017 Ok we are in the middle of this process with the DNO. If grid connected then they may let you go over 16amps but it depends on the local network being able to cope. Also found out that as we have an array already i cannot claim any fit payments for the new array. If the DNO does not allow you to go over 16 amps you can fit an export limiter. They will want to verify that it is fitted and charge for the visit.
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