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.
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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?
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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.
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