Comparing solar/battery ecosystems

[lookseehear]

I've had a couple of quotes for solar + battery + associated hardware and have three options on the table. We're looking at a 5kW array and probably a 10kWh battery. The options are SolarEdge or Libbi from one installer, or GivEnergy from another. The main difference that I can see is the first installer is offering a 3kW or 5kW inverter whereas the GivEnergy is 8kW.

 

We have a small EV but we'll likely get a bigger one when all the work is done, so I'm leaning towards the GivEnergy. We're also expecting to put in a 10-12kW heat pump as part of our renovation and a >200l UVC. We're on Intelligent Octopus Go at the moment with a SyncEnergy 7kW charger, which I'd rather not replace but would do if it meant managing the whole system was easier.

 

I'm not really sure how I'm meant to choose between these three options. Are there any obvious good or bad choices here? Ideally I'd like a system that can manage import/export, dump excess solar into EV/DHW and be as future proof as possible.

[JohnMo]

11 hours ago, lookseehear said:

dump excess solar into EV/DHW

Why - you are laying for the system to be installed so it will come with MCS certificate, which means you get paid for export, so why not sell the electric. DHW heating is fine if you don't get paid for export. Gas or heat pump DHW heating is around 6p per kWh, export around 15p on the correct tariff.

 

I would look at a system that doesn't demand internet connection - GivEnergy does require internet, others no idea. 

Edited 1 hour ago by JohnMo

[Dillsue]

A 5 or 8kw inverter will need DNO consent. What does your installer say about that?

 

As JohnMo says you'd be better off charging your EV on the overnight go tariff and let your daytime solar generation run to the grid after you've used what you need. Charge the EV and battery overnight

 

Solaredge doesn't need an internet connection to generate but it does for remote monitoring. I think scheduling of battery charging will need an Internet connection.

 

Why does having a larger EV make you lean towards the larger Givenergy inverter? Our 3.68kw inverter has an integrated 7kw EV charger which charges overnight from the grid so isn't linked to the inverters 3.68kw solar generation capacity