How to future proof for upgraded PV?

[Andehh]

We have a very old 3.99kw array we are about to reinstall onto our new build. We cant change the system or we lose the (very good) original tariff...worth £1800 per year for another 15 years.

 

However, if in future we were to replace it & upgrade it I would want to replace the 21 x 210w panels with more modern equivalents. Something that ideally can deal with shade on part of the panels, due to surrounding trees catching some of the panels during spring/autumn.

 

We also have 3-phase being installed.

 

The electrician is going to wire up cables for 8kW...is there anything else we need to get routed to the roof to enable future proofing?

 

thanks in advance

[SteamyTea]

30 minutes ago, Andehh said:

Something that ideally can deal with shade on part of the panels

Fit optimisers on each module, should not affect the Fits.

As you have 3 Phase, you can add extra to the other phases. Not sure how that will work with your phase diversity though, that is up to you how you design the loads.

[Dillsue]

2 hours ago, Andehh said:

We have a very old 3.99kw array we are about to reinstall onto our new build. We cant change the system or we lose the (very good) original tariff...worth £1800 per year for another 15 years.

 

 

 

You can change a FIT system- OFGEM changed the rules a little while back☺ You can change components, add batteries and increase PV capacity. If increasing the PV capacity you only get paid for the FIT accreditted capacity. In your case if you went from 4 to 5kw you only get FIT payments for 4/5 of what you generate/export.

[Andehh]

Thanks Dillsue! That is very good to know.

 

Our budget is shot so my approach is to refit the ''old'' system and run it for another year or two whilst we build up finances again, then look to replace components as & when funds allow it. I will look into that new FIT, I had heard rumours elsewhere they had taken this (sensible!) approach.

[Thorfun]

4 hours ago, Andehh said:

Thanks Dillsue! That is very good to know.

 

Our budget is shot so my approach is to refit the ''old'' system and run it for another year or two whilst we build up finances again, then look to replace components as & when funds allow it. I will look into that new FIT, I had heard rumours elsewhere they had taken this (sensible!) approach.

I understand the budget is shot but if it’s a new build are you putting the panels back in-roof or on-roof? If in-roof would new panels for in the trays? 
 

I just think it’s a shame to not fit in-roof panels on a new build. They look so much neater. 

[Andehh]

Thanks for the suggestion. We have a single ply membrane roof, so the panels are on frames stood off the roof. I prefer it this way to enable future upgraded panels and flexibility in it. 

 

Current panels are 13 years old, but tied to a good FiT so no budget to swap them now, but will look to in future with the permissions on FiT recently changing. 

[RichardL]

I'd Route - Power lines + a couple of runs of CAT6, one CAT6 for a meter one for - who knows signaling/anything - but its cheap and easy to route when things are open .

 

[Andehh]

Thanks Richard, we have Cat6 externally for signal boosters etc if required... Would Cat6 ever play a part in solar panels themselves? 

 

This is what I want to avoid, finding out that the latest generation of panels need some form of low voltage cable or equivalent alongside the big HV cable! 

[Dillsue]

If you want to future proof any cable requirements, you can run a conduit past any areas that will become difficult to pull a cable in the future. Drop a draw wire in to!

[RichardL]

7 hours ago, Andehh said:

 Would Cat6 ever play a part in solar panels themselves? 

 

Hi,
Connectivity between the meter/current detector at your smart meter and the inverter so it knows grid import/export.
Depends on your setup I guess and if the above are close to each other?

I guess not the panels themselves - more the supporting infrastructure.