DC-coupled off-grid PV-plant. Meter and FiT.

[krismo]

Hi Folks,

I am looking for a meter for a DC-coupled off-grid PV-plant with a diesel generator to obtain FiT. I spoke to Ofgem. They said there's no DC meter approved but I could try to obtain MID certificate for a device that would incorporate a meter and if the meter passes some tests then Ofgem would approve it and the PV-system would qualify for FiT. Unfortunately, National Measurement Office said that they wouldn't be able to MID certify any DC meter as they just don't do it (there's no legal 'base' for it).

Anyway... I have a question: Has anyone found a solution to the problem with this DC-coupled off-grid PV-system.

I have heard about the two AC meters set-up. The first one would meter the total AC output from the inverter, the second one would meter the energy coming from of the diesel motor. The value of the motor generation could be subtracted from the total, and the outcome could represent PV-generation.

Subquestion: Has anyone tried this (at home) and did the system qualify for the FiT?

Thanks,
K.

 

[Pilar]

Hello Krismo,

I'm in a very similar situation right now. How did you short out your problem?

Regards,
Pilar

Hi Folks,

I am looking for a meter for a DC-coupled off-grid PV-plant with a diesel generator to obtain FiT. I spoke to Ofgem. They said there's no DC meter approved but I could try to obtain MID certificate for a device that would incorporate a meter and if the meter passes some tests then Ofgem would approve it and the PV-system would qualify for FiT. Unfortunately, National Measurement Office said that they wouldn't be able to MID certify any DC meter as they just don't do it (there's no legal 'base' for it).

Anyway... I have a question: Has anyone found a solution to the problem with this DC-coupled off-grid PV-system.

I have heard about the two AC meters set-up. The first one would meter the total AC output from the inverter, the second one would meter the energy coming from of the diesel motor. The value of the motor generation could be subtracted from the total, and the outcome could represent PV-generation.

Subquestion: Has anyone tried this (at home) and did the system qualify for the FiT?

Thanks,
K.

 

[Specialist]

Hi: Unfortunately you may not get a reply, the last time the o/p was seen on the forum was 2015.

 

[solarfred]

Why not AC coupled system? We got FIT on it no problem once we explained to the MCS experts the difference between stand alone and non-standalone! All generated power is then metered as normal.