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[Sticky] Solar Power Output – Let’s Compare Generation Figures

 
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Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
Last Post by Tim441 3 weeks ago
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 Tim441
(@tim441)
Prominent Member Contributor
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 288
01/07/2025 1:25 pm  

@toodles June figures confirm my GivEnergy app AND portal both returning incorrect data 

😬😢

GIVENERGY
Import 579.1
Export 829.3
Solar 747.75

METER readings taken early on 1st june/1st July. Slightly out of sync. Will update with Octopus readings once they're in that app. Usually a day or so later
Import 939
Export 1227

Without doubt true solar prod is higher. Perhaps circa 900.

June 2024 was 853

June 2023 was unknown as inverter outage for 2 weeks. At a guess 800. May 760, Jul 652

June 2022vwas 773

Meter imports & exports seem right as I'm force charging batteries at night and force exporting in day (on IOG tariff)

Ideally would like to install another app to monitor solar in particular - not sure if that's possible without going to effort of installing Raspberry kit or something?

I have an EM115 meter in standalone  consumer unit ... I guess I need to look at those readings. Perhaps the EM115 has problems

Listed Grade 2 building with large modern extension.
LG Therma V 16kw ASHP
Underfloor heating + Rads
8kw pv solar
3 x 8.2kw GivEnergy batteries
1 x GivEnergy Gen1 hybrid 5.0kw inverter
Manual changeover EPS
MG4 EV


   
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Toodles
 Toodles
(@toodles)
Illustrious Member Contributor
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 2009
01/07/2025 2:13 pm  

@tim441 Bearing in mind my 8.1 kWp. array is not ideally orientated and that I do have some issues with part-time shading, my production is fairly respectable I think. I have 5 panels on the house roof (one being in proximity to the chimney) facing SWW, two on the old garage roof facing SE, four on a flat roof facing SE and ten garden mounted facing SSE. From May to September, the majority of panels are above any shade lines by ~09:30 and remain clear until ~18:00. Regards, Toodles.

Toodles, he heats his home with cold draughts and cooks his food with magnets.


   
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Toodles
 Toodles
(@toodles)
Illustrious Member Contributor
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 2009
01/07/2025 2:15 pm  

Oh, and I might add that each panel has its’ own Enphase IQ7A microinvertor. Toodles.

Toodles, he heats his home with cold draughts and cooks his food with magnets.


   
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 Tim441
(@tim441)
Prominent Member Contributor
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 288
01/07/2025 3:00 pm  

@toodles 

My old system is 2kw. S facing. Pitched roof. Solaredge optimisers. Mostly good sun with a chimney that shades 1 panel in particular in the morning.

My newer system is 6kw. E facing on near flat roof. 5 deg pitch. No optimisers- I think panels are supposed to have some "intelligence" meaning optmisers/micro-inverters not necessary. No major shading now neighbouring tree has been reduced in height and shape. Reasonable production in afternoon as sun goes round during pesk months

In my view pitch and orientation are not critical. Possibly reduces my output by say 10% or less. 

Shading is clearly important.

My flat roof panels can be cleaned by me ats single storey. Normally try to do it 4 times a year to prevent build-up. But that means no big difference is noticeable!

 

Listed Grade 2 building with large modern extension.
LG Therma V 16kw ASHP
Underfloor heating + Rads
8kw pv solar
3 x 8.2kw GivEnergy batteries
1 x GivEnergy Gen1 hybrid 5.0kw inverter
Manual changeover EPS
MG4 EV


   
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Toodles
 Toodles
(@toodles)
Illustrious Member Contributor
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 2009
01/07/2025 3:44 pm  

@tim441 I can and do keep 12 of the 21 panels clean with a brush and rainwater; the other 9 are out of safe reach though. 😏 Toodles.

Toodles, he heats his home with cold draughts and cooks his food with magnets.


   
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Toodles
 Toodles
(@toodles)
Illustrious Member Contributor
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 2009
01/07/2025 5:40 pm  

@tim441 I asked Wattson:

 
What is ‘intelligence’ where solar panels are concerned?

“Intelligence” in the context of solar panels refers to the smart technologies and systems that optimise how solar energy is generated, managed, stored and used within your home energy setup. This intelligence helps maximise efficiency, savings and sustainability by making your solar PV system more responsive and adaptive.

Here’s what that typically involves:

Smart Inverters: These convert the DC electricity generated by solar panels into AC electricity for your home and the grid, while managing voltage and frequency to improve efficiency and stability.

Energy Management Systems: These monitor solar generation, household energy use, battery storage and sometimes your heat pump, to intelligently control when and how electricity flows. For example, they can prioritise using solar power to run your air source heat pump (ASHP) or charge your battery.

Smart Controls and Automation: These systems can automatically decide when to store excess solar energy in batteries, when to draw from the battery, or when to export surplus power to the grid. They can also respond to time-of-use tariffs or grid signals to reduce costs or support grid stability.

Data Analytics and Monitoring: Intelligent solar setups provide real-time insights and historical data on energy production and consumption, helping you understand your system’s performance and identify opportunities to save energy and money.

In short, intelligence on solar panels means using technology to create a smart, integrated energy ecosystem that maximises the use of renewable energy, reduces reliance on grid electricity and enhances the overall performance of your heat pump, PV and battery storage system.

If you want, I can explain how these intelligent systems work together with heat pumps and battery storage to create a seamless, sustainable home energy solution!”

So that’s that then! Sounds very much like microinvertor functions to me! Toodles.

 
 
This post was modified 3 weeks ago by Mars

Toodles, he heats his home with cold draughts and cooks his food with magnets.


   
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 Tim441
(@tim441)
Prominent Member Contributor
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 288
01/07/2025 8:57 pm  

@toodles all depends on asking the right questions! And I probably led you down the wrong path.

Shade Tolerance
MPPT on individual cell-strings optimizes energy harvest.

Built-in Cell Optimizer
No additional electronics or hardware required; allows for simple installation.

Listed Grade 2 building with large modern extension.
LG Therma V 16kw ASHP
Underfloor heating + Rads
8kw pv solar
3 x 8.2kw GivEnergy batteries
1 x GivEnergy Gen1 hybrid 5.0kw inverter
Manual changeover EPS
MG4 EV


   
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