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!
- 26 Forums
- 2,136 Topics
- 46.8 K Posts
- 24 Online
- 5,662 Members
Join Us!
Podcast Picks
Latest Posts
-
RE: Rodents! A word of warning for heat pump owners
ChatGPT comments: Yes – u...
By Tim441 , 9 minutes ago
-
RE: Sanity check please. Battery storage and inverter sizing.
@old_scientist mainly just add a battery so I can make ...
By AdamK , 2 hours ago
-
RE: Balancing financial efficiency and comfort using the Octopus Cosy tariff
We ran on Cosy last winter and we switched off during t...
By Old_Scientist , 2 hours ago
-
RE: Why so many sigenergi installer recommendations?
It’s a really simple answer, GivEnergy. Installers ...
By SAEnergy , 2 hours ago
-
@editor Something changed in this last 12 months, they ...
By ASHP-BOBBA , 21 hours ago
-
RE: Ecodan & MelCloud scheduling
I put the above question to Mitsu UK at the sme time as...
By DavidAlgarve , 1 day ago
-
RE: Air source heat pump roll call – what heat pump brand and model do you have?
Forum Handle: EGP01 Manufacturer: Samsung Model: 8K...
By EGP01 , 2 days ago
-
Thanks for the heat geek info. I've fitted my own heat ...
By bontwoody , 2 days ago
-
RE: Does anyone have experience of a smart water meter?
Just to give a sense of scale, I've used the CCW water ...
By Majordennisbloodnok , 2 days ago
-
RE: Powerwall 3 or Myenergi or something else?
We have a Tesla Powerwall 3, recently installed, so I m...
By Old_Scientist , 3 days ago
-
RE: Mitsubishi PAR-WT60R-E Wireless Controller installation
@morgan They have been paired once but it was thought b...
By DavidAlgarve , 4 days ago
-
RE: Isolating the system for a planned power cut
A great many ground-mounted local substation transforme...
By Transparent , 4 days ago
-
RE: Heat Pump Servicing & Maintenance – Good Value or Rip-Off?
Having bit the bullet and paid £250 for a service, our ...
By Old_Scientist , 5 days ago
-
New heat pump heating system underperforming in Italy... Advice needed!
hi all, first post! I've just renovated a house in sout...
By robinlawrie , 5 days ago
-
RE: Anyone still weathering it out with Agile?
I went to Agile when I had solar installed July last ye...
By NJT , 6 days ago
-
RE: Mitsu Wireless Controller and MelCloud
Well it has now become obvious that the installation of...
By DavidAlgarve , 6 days ago
-
RE: Say hello and introduce yourself
Whilst you're busy installing services (pipes and wires...
By Transparent , 1 week ago
-
RE: New Vaillant aroTherm Plus in black - When will it come to the UK?
@editor I know it was formally announced at Ish the oth...
By PatrickVito , 1 week ago
-
@moman0311 welcome to the forums. I've received your em...
By Mars , 1 week ago
-
RE: Thermostat for Ideal Logic Air with 3 zone support
No harm at all in plumbing it as 3 zones, I would have ...
By JamesPa , 1 week ago