Secondhand equipment?

[Crofter]

I'm seeing grid tied inverters and other kit on eBay at tempting prices. Other than the usual caveats about buying secondhand, is there any reason not to go down this route? E.g. I guess some installers wouldn't be happy fitting secondhand equipment? If I wanted to sign up for export, are there any standards/certifications that I should be looking for?

[JohnMo]

1 minute ago, Crofter said:

standards/certifications that I should be looking for

For export and being paid it's MCS. Octopus say they will accept you but not really unless you are willing to pay a minimum of £250 sign up fee for the trial (that's a lot of expert to get that money back)

 

Check out City Plumbing first for pricing before you commit to used prices on eBay. Everything is getting really cheap new now.

[Crofter]

2 hours ago, JohnMo said:

For export and being paid it's MCS. Octopus say they will accept you but not really unless you are willing to pay a minimum of £250 sign up fee for the trial (that's a lot of expert to get that money back)

 

Check out City Plumbing first for pricing before you commit to used prices on eBay. Everything is getting really cheap new now.

With the Octopus trial it seems that you have to actually install your system and then send off your £250 and wait to see what they say. I'm not really in a position to make that commitment. 

Are inverters and diverters dropping in price too? I know the panels are virtually being given away these days but I'm probably only looking at a small system.

[JohnMo]

Inverter seem to be cheaper also, not sure about diverters 

[Dillsue]

When I looked at the Octopus non MCS scheme you needed BC sign off that your roof is structurally able to take the extra weight and you need a part spark sign off. Potentially £500+ for those on top of the Octopus fee.

 

Member if youre buying secondhand inverters to make sure they comply with current grid standards,  if you want your connection to be legit

[sharpener]

On 06/05/2024 at 11:40, Crofter said:

E.g. I guess some installers wouldn't be happy fitting secondhand equipment?

 

Too right. They are very reluctant to fit or even connect to equipment they have not supplied, citing split responsibility for warranty issues.

 

I had endless trouble finding someone who would install panels onto my brand new Victron MPPT, they all wanted to fit a grid-tied inverter I did not want. And in the end I am not sure I did not pay for one that stayed in their van.