Am I permitted to fit a second solar panel+inverter?
I have an existing 4kWp solar panel+inverter under FiT on my home currently. That's behind its own generation meter and export is on 50% deemed.
I want to install battery storage and will be charged 20% VAT on it. Can I just put in an AC-coupled second inverter+battery with 1-2 panels (I have space for that) to avoid VAT? Will the DNO permit that? It will be grid-side of the existing generation meter to stay-FiT compliant.
As I see it, my smart meter is not being used to measure export under FiT so anything exported from the 2nd installation shouldn't result in unwarranted income either. In the worst case, I suppose could opt out of FiT export payments and go to another export tariff.
As to why I'm on deemed when I have a smart meter, I told my FiT processor when it was installed but they left it be.
P.S. I am aware that there's been a call for evidence to remove VAT from batteries and such like but when VAT policy may change as a result is unknown.
Posted by: @ronin92Can I just put in an AC-coupled second inverter+battery with 1-2 panels (I have space for that) to avoid VAT? Will the DNO permit that? It will be grid-side of the existing generation meter to stay-FiT compliant.
Do you feel up to doodling your intended system diagram and posting it here please @ronin92 ?
You can literally do a pencil sketch on the back of an envelope and take a smartphone photo!
I have the facility to redraw that with relevant graphic icons if we need it to aid our discussion.
You will certainly need consent from your DNO.
Which region are you in?
In adding another string-inverter and a storage battery, your house will effectively have three devices with possible export capability to the grid:
- existing solar inverter
- new PV inverter (which will export if the battery is full)
- the storage battery itself (depending on the mechanism it uses to create the 50Hz sine-wave output)
The DNO would evaluate those three devices, then look at the method used for export-limitation, and issue a G99 approval letter if they're happy.
It costs nothing to make an application for G99.
This can also be done by the householder rather than a professional installer.
So if your strategy is rejected, you can always amend what you've proposed and then resubmit.
The majority of G99 applications are handled using a Fast-Track process.
The Electrical Networks Association issues the following guidance for you to check if G99 Fast-track applies to your site
If that seems like a mess of terminology, then please say so and I'll expand it until it makes sense!
I've deliberately avoided any comment of costs, viability, FIT-payments etc. at this stage.
Save energy... recycle electrons!
@transparent Thanks.
I'm envisaging a system something like that below. I want to add batteries to a MSC-approved solar installation registered on FiT scheme. This installation has a nominal 4 kWp output but I've never seen >2.6 kW because of its E-W configuration.
The only reason my proposed new installation has panel(s) included is to avoid VAT. I'm wondering if it looks like the kind of thing that gets approved.
I've been speaking to prospective installers.
One prefers me to replace the existing inverter with a hybrid inverter+battery as it saves getting DNO approval. I am reluctant to do that as battery round trip losses from panels and grid will be deducted from my FiT generation. Another tells me their lawyers say VAT is not applicable for batteries if you already have a solar installation which is news to me!
Posted by: @ronin92One prefers me to replace the existing inverter with a hybrid inverter+battery as it saves getting DNO approval.
That's because you and he are only considering that new inverter also having grid export capability.
Have a look at this posting from me yesterday.
It has diagrams showing the two main approaches to inverters coupled to batteries.
The description is still valid, even though that topic was started by a member who does not have PV solar panels.
Save energy... recycle electrons!
- 22 Forums
- 2,082 Topics
- 45.7 K Posts
- 12 Online
- 3,370 Members
Join Us!
Trusted Installers
Struggling to find a reliable heat pump installer? A poor installation can lead to inefficiencies and high running costs. We now connect homeowners with top-rated installers who deliver quality work and excellent service.
✅ Verified, trusted & experienced installers
✅ Nationwide coverage expanding
✅ Special offers available
Latest Posts
-
@bart Best of luck moving forward, I look forward to he...
By ASHP-BOBBA , 9 hours ago
-
RE: Renewables & Heat Pumps in the News
By Morgan , 9 hours ago
-
RE: DHW SET UP with Samsung gen 5
Hey I totally appreciate your help and suggestions , so...
By Alfapat , 20 hours ago
-
RE: Ecodan EMP2 kit - is it any good?
Please note: heat meter accuracy at 95+% is as long as ...
By ASHP-BOBBA , 20 hours ago
-
RE: Air Changes per Hour - ACH and the MCS requirement
@jamespa I love going on the tools, I did it yesterday,...
By ASHP-BOBBA , 23 hours ago
-
RE: Flow Rate & Low Loss Headers
Houses with reasonably low loss aren't going to require...
By JamesPa , 1 day ago
-
RE: Help me keep the faith with my air source heat pump installation
If it's running on WC then at night it's quite likely t...
By JamesPa , 1 day ago
-
RE: Jokes and fun posts about heat pumps and renewables
@majordennisbloodnok That’s OK as long as the ‘Terminol...
By Toodles , 2 days ago
-
RE: RDSAP10 effect on existing heat pump EPC rating?
@aaron All features were in place for the last several ...
By AF1 , 2 days ago
-
RE: To relocate or add extra PV panels..advice required
The situation you are currently experiencing is represe...
By apollogrid , 3 days ago
-
RE: I don't need any heating in the summer. How do I turn my Samsung heat pump off?
SmartThings indeed allows remote control over the heat ...
By HCas , 3 days ago
-
RE: Remaining hot water/hot water flow meter
@lakey Hi, I had a quick read through and wanted to see...
By ASHP-BOBBA , 3 days ago
-
RE: I worry I've messed my Samsung settings up somehow
@ecobaker I missed this, sorry So 3031 was set to...
By Joshua , 3 days ago
-
RE: Forum updates, announcements & issues
@old_scientist thank you, and thank you to @Morgan for ...
By Mars , 3 days ago
-
RE: Say hello and introduce yourself
I am a UK based product manager for an energy storage s...
By shawnlee , 3 days ago
-
RE: Thinking of ripping our my IVT Greenline HT Plus C model and replacing with a gas boiler.
That's great and in principle I wouldn't disagree, but ...
By JamesPa , 4 days ago
-
RE: Air source heat pump roll call – what heat pump brand and model do you have?
Mitsubishi 8.5 kW Ecodan Standalone (PUZ-WM85VAA)
By Nell , 4 days ago
-