My 2.5kW array is only putting out 1kWh in an entire day
My 2.5kwp array is only putting out on a decent day about 1kwp in an entire day. Seems the sun is just too poor right now. I was contemplating doubling that this year but it seems pointless unless I want to balance my costs during the summer months on feed in tariff which is only 15p kWh. I charge my batteries at 7p kWh.
Would I be better off installing another battery than more panels do you think. I then get a little longer when it’s 22p kWh.
not sure where the break even is here, better on panels or another battery.
anyone give some pointers please.
I generated 6.4kWh on Saturday 2.8kWh on Sunday and 7.4kWh yesterday from my south facing 3.65kWp array - Saturday and yesterday were very good days with lots of sunshine.
I've just been considering a similar dilemma - do we add more solar (I could add another south facing 3.4kWp giving ~7kWp total) or do we add a 5kW battery.
We are on the Agile Cosy Tariff, so cheap slots for me are 12.86p and day rate is 26.22p. My average import rate is currently ~20p per kWh, so I figure shifting more usage from the 26.22p day rate to the 12.86p cheap rate may save me around 7p per kWh in winter and maybe less in summer. Very rough back of an envelope calculations tell me I may be able to save £400-500 per year for a 5kW battery system that is likely to cost me £4-5K to install, so likely to pay for itself over it's 10 year lifespan. I don't really see the investment case whilst SEG rates are 15p for exported solar and the difference between cheap rates and my import rate are only 7p per kWh.
Given current pricing, I'd be inclined to add more solar and just export as much excess as possible in the summer at 15p - view this as your annual 'battery' - using this to offset your costs later in the year.
Your economics are different as you already have a battery, and your margin (7p vs 22p) is wider giving you twice the leverage I have as 22p - 7p = 15p per kWh, so more battery storage may be better for you. Even in summer you can leverage the system by charging at 7p and using that during the day whilst exporting solar at 15p.
The main issue I see is that so much can change in the current pricing regimes over the lifetime of these products. The current 15p SEG rates could disappear or massively reduce swinging things towards battery storage to make the most of the excess solar you generate, which makes it really hard to price these long term investments.
Samsung 12kW gen6 ASHP with 50L volumiser and all new large radiators. 3.645kWp solar (south facing), Fox ESS inverter.
Solar generation completely offsets ASHP usage annually. We no longer burn ~1600L of kerosene annually.
@old_scientist no easy solution for this I think, with these battery banks being built to store wind energy I’m thinking as yourself that the FIT might go leaving me with loads of free solar for the grid.
- 22 Forums
- 2,074 Topics
- 45.4 K Posts
- 54 Online
- 3,349 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
-
RE: 5 Star Service from Havenwise
@hcas Excellent service, I have 2 clients about to enga...
By ASHP-BOBBA , 29 minutes ago
-
RE: What’s the modern take on advised types of insulation?
Grant was my local MP before he lost his seat. He was...
By Jeff , 13 hours ago
-
RE: Radiators downstairs are cooler at the bottom after ASHP install
@melonbuffet This is great assuming now the down stairs...
By ASHP-BOBBA , 16 hours ago
-
RE: Commencing on an ASHP Installation Process
@jamespa Thanks for your input into this thread so far....
By Sheriff Fatman , 16 hours ago
-
Pacific Blue reveals ageing Codrington Wind Farm decommissioning plans.
Australia Blue, the first wind farm in Western Victoria...
By Morgan , 17 hours ago
-
RE: Ripped Off: How UK Homeowners Are Paying Gas Prices for Wind Energy
The challenge is who pays, who holds the debt and the i...
By Jeff , 22 hours ago
-
RE: Flow rate discrepancy between ASHP and manifold
That's useful thanks, I hadn't seen that table before. ...
By AshRolls , 2 days ago
-
In principle I agree, @johnmo, but with provisos. The...
By Majordennisbloodnok , 2 days ago
-
RE: Heat pump installation and BUS Grant timings
@jamespa Thats how I understood it too. 🙂
By ASHP-BOBBA , 2 days ago
-
RE: Antifreeze top up for my heat pump - is this a rip off?
@sallyl That sounds about right if they are re-filling ...
By Brendon Uys , 2 days ago
-
RE: Enabling WiFi: Samsung ASHP on Smart Things App
I would switch it off and see if anyone noticed. We use...
By Anonymous 5011 , 2 days ago
-
I wouldn't be so sure about that. Heat pump designers ...
By JamesPa , 3 days ago
-
RE: Jokes and fun posts about heat pumps and renewables
@toodles they're a rowdy bunch!
By Mars , 3 days ago
-
RE: Getting the best out of a heat pump - is Homely a possible answer?
Actually I might try just turning it off and on again…....
By benson , 3 days ago
-
RE: Home energy storage & battery register
@jamespa To a certain extent, by exporting to the grid ...
By Toodles , 4 days ago
-
RE: Forum updates, announcements & issues
@editor Fairy Nuff Mars, I doubt that my ramblings woul...
By Toodles , 5 days ago
-
RE: Confusion about heat pump sizing
We’ve published a deep dive into heat pump sizing, and ...
By Mars , 5 days ago
-
We’ve published a deep dive into heat pump sizing, and ...
By Mars , 5 days ago
-
RE: Kensa GSHP finally installed - now to start the optimisation process
Just had a quick scan of the manual and should be weath...
By Anonymous 5011 , 5 days ago