10KWp system over the phases

[saint]

Hi
I'm about to quote on a 10KWp system, which will be one of the first of my own as i am newly MCS accredited. I'm getting to grips with most of this but i have a couple of questions
If i split it over the 3 phases can i do this install (all 3) as G83? If so then i guess i can do 3x 4KWp. So what FIT bracket does this fall in? <4KW or 4-10KW?


Thanks all

 

[Markc]

You can split it over the three phases if your DNO allows it. The FITs would be at the 4 - 10kWp level

 

[saint]

Thanks for the reply.
So i take it i need to contact the DNO prior to install due to the total size being over 4KW even if splitting?

 

[SolarCity]

G83 allows up to 16A a phase. As far as the rules go, you shouldn't even need to contact the DNO till you've installed it. Having said that, it's never a bad idea to speak to the DNO.

 

[saint]

Ok, as i thought, only need to contact DNO before installation if G59. So i can split over 3 phases and install as per G89. So is it actually 3680W (16A) max per phase or 4KW? This seems a bit of a grey area, or am i wrong?

 

[dansk]

All you need to do mate, is phone the DNO concerned and cover your ---, as discussed before on this forum you may be able to split over the 3 phases and notify under G83, but wouldnt you rather be safe than sorry for the sake of a phone call?

In my experiance the DNO dont bite, and if your unsure of which DNO it is look here National Grid: Distribution Network Operator (DNO) Companies

 

[TedM]

If you do 3 x 4 kWp then you have 12 kWp TIC which will be in the >10 - 100 kWp FiT band at 31.4p per kWh.

 

[SolarCity]

Yes, 3680w per phase is the limit.

 

[SolarCity]

Although DNOs have different ways of dealing with things, most will allow more than 3.68kW under G83.

 

[Markc]

Although DNOs have different ways of dealing with things, most will allow more than 3.68kW under G83.

EDF used to but now they are UK Power Networks the last time I spoke to them (Forget it's the same guy as when it was EDF!!) they will not let it go higher. Think a few installers in the UKPN area may be court out. I have to speak to them again in a few weeks time so it may well of changed again!

 

[SolarCity]

EDF used to but now they are UK Power Networks the last time I spoke to them (Forget it's the same guy as when it was EDF!!) they will not let it go higher. Think a few installers in the UKPN area may be court out. I have to speak to them again in a few weeks time so it may well of changed again!

What have they suggested for >3.68kW systems?

 

[Markc]

what have they suggested for >3.68kw systems?

g59/1!

 

[SolarCity]

That's crazy! They have effectively priced any >3.68kW system out of the market.

 

[Markc]

That's crazy! They have effectively priced any >3.68kW system out of the market.

Yep! I have heard they asked for £120 for a survey and agreed to the installation there and then! So I think it's a money making scam at the moment. Why pay a penny for a visual survey to say yes OK?

As I say things may well change again. For UKPN it's early days.

 

[SolarCity]

As long as the £120 survey is all they ask for then all should be good. If the relays and testing are insisted on then the costs will be ridiculous.

 

[Markc]

As long as the £120 survey is all they ask for then all should be good. If the relays and testing are insisted on then the costs will be ridiculous.

Agreed, but I think £120 for someone to walk on site and say yes is a joke.

 

[SolarCity]

What exactly are they surveying for?

 

[Markc]

What exactly are they surveying for?

Fun, waste time, to gain £120 Quid! I truly don't know. Just seems a bit of a joke. As I say this is what I have heard and not witnessed. I need to contact them in a few weeks and will ask the question.

 

[SolarCity]

It annoys me because there is nothing they can learn on site that they don't already know. The figures are there - and we all know that a 4kW system at this time is not going to need any reinforcement. Like you say, it's just to gain £120 notes.

 

[mac1]

Hi I am also newly registered with MCS and have a 10 kw system to fit, how did this installation go ? Did you use a 3 phase inverter or 3x single phase ones. By the way I know panels are different prices, how much is a reasonable price fitted for a 10 KW system fitted to a large flat roof - Thanks.

 

[edexlab]

g59/1!

Spoke with our DNO engineer this week and they've decided several months ago that they should ignore pv ratings which is what they wanted initially and just use inverter output ratings to size systems ,have to agree this is the way it should have been from the start!
anyway they did'nt feel the need to tell anyone this ,and so they are now overloaded with paperwork and new staff who have'nt a clue ,nothing new there!
this week I've had several applications returned asking me to fill in the attached application form (blank) which i sent back highlighting the fact that i'd already sent it and they never even looked at it .

DNO chap said the main problem was in rural areas of the Uk the transmission is 132kv down to 11kv which meant that they have less control over voltage rises and he said this will ultimately mean any large rural system >4kw per phase could well be designated G59 at their discretion
as the grid is aging and in need of repair / upgrade