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Solar PV installation in Monmouthshire, South Wales

Solar Photovoltaic (PV)

Last Post by novemberRomeo 3 years ago

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novemberRomeo

(@novemberromeo)

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Joined: 4 years ago

Posts: 33

Topic starter 18/02/2022 3:53 pm

I've finally made a decision and have selected a supplier to supply and install our new PV system.

The system will be comprised of:

27 x 355 kw black solar panels, split across 3 roofs facing South and South East

Solaredge 8kw inverter

Slate roof fixings

Eddi immsersion controller

10 year workmanship warranty & commissioning

Predicted annual generation: 7,363 kW

Total cost = £13,300 inc VAT (this includes £1,300 of scaffolding, which is more expensive than a standard installation due to the awkward layout of the barn roofs).

I have not yet decided whether to install battery storage at the same time as the solar, or whether to wait for a year and see how it performs without.

We have a fairly high base load usage at home of around 600 - 900 watts. We have a heat pump for all our heating and hot water, and air conditioning units in the summer. We also have two EVs. Annual consumption is predicted to be around 18,000 kW (we were using 9000 before switching to the heat pump and buying the EVs, this is a best guess for now!).

Our barn conversion had Permitted Development Rights removed during the conversion, which means that we've had to apply for planning permission to install the panels. The application has been submitted and we should get a decision in the next 5 - 12 weeks. Hopefully with a swift installation after that, we'll get the panels up ready for the peak generation period of the year.

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batalto

(@batalto)

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Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 1091

20/02/2022 9:43 am

i have an 8.4kw solar system - put in a battery. Mine accounts for around 30%+ of our energy use. At the prices today, 100% get a battery. You can add further value by getting a time of use tariff and filling it over night.

12kW Midea ASHP - 8.4kw solar - 29kWh batteries
262m2 house in Hampshire
Current weather compensation: 47@-2 and 31@17
My current performance can be found - HERE
Heat pump calculator spreadsheet - HERE

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Mars

(@editor)

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Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 3614

20/02/2022 4:53 pm

Great choice by using the SolarEdge inverter. I've forgotten what they're called, but make sure that they install these little devices between each solar panel so that each panel works independently and is not affected by the performance by other panels.

Get a copy of The Ultimate Guide to Heat Pumps

Subscribe and follow our Homeowners’ Q&A heat pump podcast

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Mars

(@editor)

Illustrious Member Admin

Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 3614

20/02/2022 4:58 pm

As you can see for this image, each panel generates a different amount, and this is allowed by having those little devices between each panel. If you don't have them, I understand that your array will only produce the maximum of the lowest performing panel.

Which panel brand did you opt for in the end?

Get a copy of The Ultimate Guide to Heat Pumps

Subscribe and follow our Homeowners’ Q&A heat pump podcast

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novemberRomeo

(@novemberromeo)

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Joined: 4 years ago

Posts: 33

Topic starter 08/07/2022 4:04 pm

The solar panels were installed at the end of May, so we've had about 6 weeks of usage out of them. I am absolutely blown away by how brilliant they are. We've been able to charge both our cars, power the air conditioning, run the tumble dryer and washing machine etc etc and still drastically cut down our grid usage.

In June we generated 1.2 mWh of energy, of which 0.83 mWh was self-consumption. The remainder was exported. We imported 0.32 mWh.

We have ordered a Tesla Powerwall, which is due to be installed in September. Once that is in, we will switch to the Tesla Energy Plan, which will then give us cheap electricity throughout the winter (12.5p / kWh).

I'd highly recommend our installer, Green Park Power, who are based in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire.

This post was modified 3 years ago by novemberRomeo

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