Solar PV installation in Monmouthshire, South Wales
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.
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.
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.
Buy Bodge Buster – Homeowner Air Source Heat Pump Installation Guide: https://amzn.to/3NVndlU
From Zero to Heat Pump Hero: https://amzn.to/4bWkPFb
Subscribe and follow our Homeowners’ Q&A heat pump podcast
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?
Buy Bodge Buster – Homeowner Air Source Heat Pump Installation Guide: https://amzn.to/3NVndlU
From Zero to Heat Pump Hero: https://amzn.to/4bWkPFb
Subscribe and follow our Homeowners’ Q&A heat pump podcast
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.
- 22 Forums
- 2,067 Topics
- 45.3 K Posts
- 43 Online
- 3,338 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: Load Compensation and Weather Compensation
Aren't self balancing valves really designed for multip...
By Johnmo , 2 hours ago
-
RE: How accurate was your heat loss survey?
For me: Two full surveys (each taking 3hrs, one of whic...
By JamesPa , 2 hours ago
-
RE: Nibe F2040 periodic warm water increase fails
Ok. The key point I think you have made is that the er...
By JamesPa , 2 hours ago
-
RE: Air Changes per Hour - ACH and the MCS requirement
@matwin If you plan to commission one it might b...
By JamesPa , 3 hours ago
-
RE: Jokes and fun posts about heat pumps and renewables
In a similar vein, this recent spell of sustained good ...
By Majordennisbloodnok , 7 hours ago
-
RE: Home energy storage & battery register
By the end of next month... 8 kW PV + Tesla Powerwall...
By Algienon , 9 hours ago
-
RE: Enabling WiFi: Samsung ASHP on Smart Things App
@grahamh-uk Yes, I have the same Samsung controller p...
By Old_Scientist , 10 hours ago
-
RE: Various different approaches to battery storage.
I thought I'd share my story/journey and experiences he...
By Old_Scientist , 10 hours ago
-
RE: Commencing on an ASHP Installation Process
It varies by room, but the conservatory is assumed at 2...
By Sheriff Fatman , 14 hours ago
-
RE: Antifreeze top up for my heat pump - is this a rip off?
@editor @sallyl As Mars said, there are 2 different typ...
By Brendon Uys , 1 day ago
-
RE: Renewables & Heat Pumps in the News
Here on the Forum we're going to need to be increasingl...
By Transparent , 1 day ago
-
What I Wish I Knew Before Installing a Heat Pump
I’m putting together the next Homeowners Q&A episod...
By Mars , 1 day ago
-
RE: Planning Update: 1 Metre Boundary Rule for Heat Pumps Has Been Scrapped
In Scotland they still follow the MCS rules, so the noi...
By Johnmo , 2 days ago
-
RE: Getting the best out of a heat pump - is Homely a possible answer?
@johnmo and @benson Thanks! I was aware there was a p...
By MarcT , 2 days ago
-
RE: Is your heat pump insured?
My insurer just asks the question: "Is your home heated...
By AndrewJ , 2 days ago
-
RE: Vaillant & OVO partner up to offer Heat Pump Plus
Slippery slope starting
By Johnmo , 2 days ago
-
RE: Say hello and introduce yourself
@cathoderay Ah yes, that’s the name! The Heat Pimp, It’...
By Toodles , 2 days ago
-
By the way, I also think our industry need to get on bo...
By ASHP-BOBBA , 4 days ago