Tariff advice and metering for second array

[matt25]

Hi, im after some clarification on the tariffs for a second array please. Basically there is a 16kWp array istalled on a college early last year, the college now want a second 30kWp array on the same building, what tariff rate would they expect to recieve for the second array? Also wondered if there are there any specific metering requirements, i had assumed a second and seperate generation meter would be ok?

many thanks in advance
Matt

 

[Eco-Deal]

The second array would be classed as 30 kwp PLUS what ever size the first system is !

From that you can determine the tariff level

 

[matt25]

For some reason i thought a second array on the same building is only be paid at 90% of the applicable Fit rate, therfore in this case 90% of 13.05p, is this completely wrong then?!

 

[Eco Deal]

I far I I know its 80% if you own 25 or more installations! dont quote me on that ,

 

[Ian-LS]

I far I I know its 80% if you own 25 or more installations! dont quote me on that ,

Sorry I've quoted you on that, its actually 90% of full FIT rate aftere DECC decided 80% was too low but it is for 25 or more installations.

OP - You'll get the FIT rate of 10-50 kW for the additional PV system which is 13.5p/kWh currently and will drop to 13.03 p/kWh after Nov 1st. Also bear in mind that you may need to get an export meter installed is the total capacity is over 30 kW, though again don't quote me on that point just investigate it further.

 

[Worcester]

@Matt25, the reduction only applies if they own lots of PV systems.
The rate for the new systems is as ECO-Deal has answered i.e 10kwp-50kWp band, note this rate is dependant upon the COMMISSIONING DATE of the second array, and the building must ALREADY HAVE ACHIEVED and EPC rating of D or greater, with an EPC issued BEFORE THE COMMISSIONING DATE, hence this array can't be used to achieve that rating. With an extension, the date of the submission of the FIT application form is secondary to the commissioning date for the application of a FIT rate.
You may or may not need a second meter, depends upon how it's going to be connected , often it is simpler just to install a second one. If only one, their FIT provider may apply some kind of pro-rata.

Depending upon the orientation and efficiencies of the two systems, pro-rata can be good or bad - the 'older installtion, may benefit from more at the higher rate if the new install generates a greater kWh/kWp due to how it;s installed

They need to speak to their FIT provider for specific guidance if they want to use one meter. By default we would normally install an additional mater just for the additional system - it makes life simpler

 

[Worcester]

Export is only deemed (at 50%) for systems up to 30kWp, above that if you want to be paid for export it would need to be metered, most systems around 40-50kWp wont recover the cost of metering (HH for export at that size) so don't bother - though sometimes the DNO insisits on metering even if not being claimed.
I don't know how they will treat either the original installation, or the extension in this case - TedM might know!

 

[Ian-LS]

" and the building must ALREADY HAVE ACHIEVED and EPC rating of D or greater, with an EPC issued BEFORE THE COMMISSIONING DATE, hence this array can't be used to achieve that rating "

Where are you getting this from? you don't already need to have an EPC of D or above, as far as I understand you can use the PV to count towards the EPC rating. This would involve a non domestic EPC assessor plugging the proposed PV system into the EPC software to predict the EPC then producing a full one once the installation is installed. With 46 kWp of PV I'd be suprised if the building wouldn't have an EPC of D or above

​

 

[Worcester]

It's specifically to do with extensions.

There's a full discussion about it in the SunLounge, ( http://www.electriciansforums.net/sun-lounge/62043-warning-extensions-epcs.html ) that link won't work unless you are a Sunlounge member, here's the summary:

From the Ofgem Guidance document
http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Sustainability/Environment/fits/Info/Documents1/FIT supplier guidance.pdf

6.8. The original installation will retain its tariff rate and eligibility period, but the extension will have its own eligibility period and tariff rate. The eligibility date for the extension will be based on its commissioning date only, as the application date is that of the original installation. This means that different eligibility periods may apply to different components of an accredited FIT installation. Payments to the extension will accrue from its eligibility date; therefore the start generation meter reading must be captured on the eligibility date.

And the EPC has to be issued BEFORE the eligibility date, i.e. the extension can't be taken into account for the EPC

 

[FB.]

" and the building must ALREADY HAVE ACHIEVED and EPC rating of D or greater, with an EPC issued BEFORE THE COMMISSIONING DATE, hence this array can't be used to achieve that rating "

Where are you getting this from? you don't already need to have an EPC of D or above, as far as I understand you can use the PV to count towards the EPC rating.

Yes, I know someone who was EPC band E before installation and the addition of 4kWp PV bumped them up to low-C, allowing them to claim the higher FiT (21p as it was at the time).
No other work was required, or at least only very minor changes since their first EPC. The PV took their EPC rating from 48pts (EPC dated Feb-2011) to 76pts (EPC dated May-2012).