12kwp system on single phase meters

[Princesolar]

Hi
i am looking for your thoughts on the following

Barn has a 3 phase supply feeding 3 single phase log cabins. Each log cabin has its own consumer unit, the customer wishes to install 3 x 3.68kwp systems to each roof of the cabins my questions are the following

1. Can I install single phase inverters and generation meters to each cabin, how would the fit work with three meters. Could they be added togeather as there is only one MPAN for the 3 phase meter in the barn feeding the cabins

2. Would volt drop come into the equation if the inverters and meters are installed in each remote cabin if the cabins are using the power ie remote from income R and 3 phase meter

thank you for your replies never had one like this

 

[SibertSolar]

One 3.68kW/16A array on each cabin, or three?

 

[Princesolar]

No just one 3.68kw/16A on each cabin/phase

 

[Princesolar]

Hi
just one array per cabin

 

[SibertSolar]

Ok, I would assume it to be a G83/2 "multiple install" application then, with a 1ph generation meter per install/site. You will treat it as 3 separate installations. Check the DNOs requirements for this type of multi-G83 installation - prob best to actually talk to them before proceeding. I stand corrected though if others have any input.

 

[Gavin A]

it's g83 install on a 3 phase supply, makes no difference if you split it into 3 on site or not as long as it's split equally across the 3 phases and under 16A per phase - ie as long as each cabin is on it's own phase. It's also 1 single install for FIT purposes as it's all fed through the same MPAN.

 

[SibertSolar]

So just a single 3ph kWh generation meter then? Where would you put it, given that each cabin is a point of consumption/load?

 

[BruceB]

I agree with Gavin it will be a single installation for fit purposes. But unless they have doubled up the cabling to each cabin you will need a separate meter for each phase sited in the cabins. Also depending on the load profile you might lose some of the advantage of 3-phase net (across the phases) metering.

 

[Princesolar]

Thank you for your reply, would you add the generation of all 3 meters togeather for the fit reading?
also would I have to worry about volt drop as the supply to the cabins is remote or is it only relevant to the consumer unit in the cabin

 

[Gavin A]

So just a single 3ph kWh generation meter then? Where would you put it, given that each cabin is a point of consumption/load?

3 meters, but one system for FIT and DNO purposes.

DNO interest starts and ends the other side of their meter, how it's split up on the consumer side has nowt to do with them as long as it's evenly distributed.

 

[Gavin A]

you need to consider the volt drop from the incomer as it will impact on the inverter over voltage protection settings, but ultimately you need to be pragmatic so if it's a bit over the 1% then it's not worth having to dig a new cable in. If it's miles over then you'll probably need to consider reducing the generation capacity vs costs of running an entire new cable in.

 

[Worcester]

If you have 3 meters you'll have to register 3 separate MCS installations and submit readings for each of the meters. Though it is one system for the DNO and FiT Purposes. (Do it through Good Energy they are easier to talk to / work with ) - You'll end up with one account and three separate payments.

We've just been working though a similar scenario (3.68kW on house 2 x 3.68kw on Tractor shed, in the end we decided it was better to run separate supplies for load and generation to the tractor shed and then use a single 3 phase generation meter.

If it's a 3 phase import meter, and not individual meters at the cabins, then net metering will be in operation anyway.

You should 'worry' about the total voltage drop from actual point of grid connection, not DB (CU) connection - think it through, you don't want the inverter disconnecting all the time. Hence you are likely to need to re-cable to the cabins anyway.

 

[SibertSolar]

I thought it would have to be 3 meters, didn't realise you guys could have 1 FiT application with 3 separate meter serial numbers...thanks for clarifying

 

[Gavin A]

well, it could end up being 3 fit applications depending on the supplier, but will be in the 10-50kWp fit bracket.