DNOs and G83 limit

[TedM]

Guys, can I ask you all to reply to this thread with details for each DNO that you have had dealings with and their approach regarding the G83 16A limit - plus any info if you have seen that this has changed over time.

The ENA have confirmed that the correct value to use for the G83 limit is the inverter output figure and NOT the kWp for the panels but I have heard that some DNOs are using the wrong value. So I'd like to gather the info of who is doing what.

I will use this to go back to the ENA in order to find a way to get all DNOs to work on the same, correct, basis.

This is going to become more important as it appears DNOs (I've heard of SSE and WPD) that are now strictly enforcing the 16A limit and requiring anything larger to be handled under G59 - with associated cost implications.

 

[edexlab]

Central Networks are now officially basing the limit on inverter output ,I spoke to one of they're senior Engineers after I read a post by JC/DC and was told different versions by 2 of their G83 admin staff
I suggested that instead of keeping changes to applications quiet that everyone would benefit from a webpage stating the facts

Also received a customer satisfaction call, ie were you satisfied/dissatisfied etc and they scored very low with me the girl was surprised and said they had never had a company critisicised so much just hope somebody takes note

 

[SRE]

Electricity Northwest are using inverter output and have been since we started installing in October.

ScottishPower are a bit challenging, they were fine over the phone and agreed the inverter output but have now sent me a letter after I sent the G83 in saying that an engineer will be in touch to discuss any issues before installation. Bit late, G83 clearly dientifies installation 2 weeks ago Fortunately I emailed confirmation of their telephone conversation to them in January.

 

[claypole]

NOT an installer, but my installer insists that Central Networks only interested in array size. I'm in area 11 East Midlands. He was communicating with Glyn Cartlidge at Castle Donington, and after my provision of various documentary eveidence (I don't know if he passed the documents on to CN) the same answer was coming back, nothing matters but array size. I think last contact may have been beginning of last week so maybe policy changed since then? 3.92kwp array has now been approved under G83/1. I would prefer it to be on Inverter output (4kw) so that I can extend array next year without worrying about connection.

 

[JulianC]

In my own experience, over the last 6 months, Central Networks have gone from inverter output, to array size and back to inverter output. It seemed to depend on who was opening the email at the other end as to which method was used. Seems to have settled (correctly) on inverter output at the moment.

I haven't checked on any discretion allowed in going over the 16A limit but an ex-colleague was told last Autumn quite categorically that anything over 16A came under G59 and no leeway would be allowed

 

[SolarCity]

Just to add to what has already been said, Central Networks now work off inverter output in all my dealings with them.

 

[edexlab]

NOT an installer, but my installer insists that Central Networks only interested in array size. I'm in area 11 East Midlands. He was communicating with Glyn Cartlidge at Castle Donington, and after my provision of various documentary eveidence (I don't know if he passed the documents on to CN) the same answer was coming back, nothing matters but array size. I think last contact may have been beginning of last week so maybe policy changed since then? 3.92kwp array has now been approved under G83/1. I would prefer it to be on Inverter output (4kw) so that I can extend array next year without worrying about connection.

It was Glyn Cartledge I spoke to on weds of last week

 

[solarfred]

UK Power Networks confirm in writing that a G83/1 inverter is a solution for them. They have no interest in what is on the roof.

 

[TedM]

Thanks for all the replies so far. More welcome.

I have been told that G83 issues are now on the agenda for discussion at the next meeting of the Distribution Code Review Panel.

After a bit of digging around I have discovered that the original draft of the ESQCRs had proposed a 5kW threshold rather than 16A.

 

[DomB]

I spoke to UK Power Networks today and they not only said it was the inverter output they're interested in but that they've changed to calculating their 16A over 240V (instead of 230) so we can install 3.84kW under G83.

 

[solarfred]

Absolutely correct! I was told the same thing. However you can "install" 4kw if you want so long as the inverter is rated G83/1 therefore restricted to 16amps. DNC is 3840w. But who knows in this current market.

 

[Noshocks]

I was told by another installer I sub for that the DNO he deals with has told him that form the 1st April there will be a £250 charge for all presubmissions over 16amp, I cant remembre if its Eon or Southern electric though.

 

[JulianC]

Oh, before I forget - heard a rumour recently from a relatively reliable source that at some point this year G83 is going to be extended up to 17kW per phase. Treat this for what it is - just a rumour. Be interesting to see if it comes off though.

 

[TedM]

I was told by another installer I sub for that the DNO he deals with has told him that form the 1st April there will be a £250 charge for all presubmissions over 16amp, I cant remembre if its Eon or Southern electric though.

OFGEM wrote to all DNOs just last November to remind them that they are not allowed to charge any upfront fees for connections - including distributed generation. http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Networks/Co...ts1/upfront charges letter final Nov 2010.pdf

I'm not 100% certain but I don't think this has been changed by any new legislation in the meantime.

 

[claypole]

Absolutely correct! I was told the same thing. However you can "install" 4kw if you want so long as the inverter is rated G83/1 therefore restricted to 16amps. DNC is 3840w. But who knows in this current market.

Don't want to hijack this sensible thread but I feel it's important to highlight that an inverter may be G83/1 certified but still rate higher than 16A. The relaxation to allow post notification of connection requires that the system output is no higher than 16A AND that the inverter is G83/1 compliant, which needs to satisfy various other parameters. If anyone wishes to dispute this can I suggest a 1 line reply linking to a new thread so that we can keep this one for Ted's intended purpose.

 

[Ramjam]

My understanding is that the DNOs have decided or been advised that they can allow upto 17kWp on a single phase under G83 if they want. I was chatting with our DNO Western Power about fitting 10kWp Wind and 10kWp of PV at my place and he told me about the 17kWp allowance on single phase, I don't want to have to pay to get 3 phase if I can avoid it. They tell me that they get so many conflicting memos about SSEG that it's a minefield for them to process. They are crying out for a policy that they can work to, I think the ENO&Ofgem need to pull their fingers out.

 

[edexlab]

I spoke to UK Power Networks today and they not only said it was the inverter output they're interested in but that they've changed to calculating their 16A over 240V (instead of 230) so we can install 3.84kW under G83.

240 v It makes you laugh ,I was talking to a bloke from SPManweb and he kept on about the calcs must be done with 230 v ,even though I told him yes I know, about 6 times, and yes i know why , I think the DNO's are just enjoying the disruption they cause I just wish we could do things the simple way in this country and all sing from the same sheet but ,then thats too easy!

so if I were you I would do it on 230v and you know you're in the clear because the next person you speak to from UKPN will tell you that 240 nominal value on calcs won't count and they will reject them

 

[DomB]

UK Power Networks actually ask for whichever is the lowest figure between (the inverter's AC output limit) & (the array's kWp x the inverter's efficiency).

So if the inverter was 97% efficient you could install a kWP system that was 3.84/.97 = 3.95 kWp - very nicely just below the 4kWp of the feed in tariff

Point taken tho Edexlab, I might try and get it in writing that UKPN now use 240V.

 

[SolarCity]

DomB: I think the FIT threshold is concerned with the kWp of the roof array, rather than what the inverter is capable of producing.

Also, your inverter sum isn't quite right. The kWp of the array should be multiplied by the inverter efficiency, not divided.

 

[DomB]

Ta BiggsSolar, Soz, I probably wasn't clear on my post there:

According to UK Power Networks you can install an array that produces 16A of AC after the inefficiencies of the inverter are taken into account. So the array can be bigger than the 3.84kWp (s'why I divided by the efficiency to see what array would give out 3.84 kW on the AC side after going through an inverter that was 97% efficient).

Just on your point about the FiTs - I see the MCS database asks for "Declared Net Capacity" - which I s'pose is what is declared to the DNO? For UK Power Networks, at least, that is the power on the AC side, not the array's kWp. The E.On FiT application also asks "What is the total installed capacity of your generator" - Is that not the same SSEG that the DNO is interested in, i.e the AC side? Maybe the FiT is not all about the kWp?

Man, I'm confusing myself now!

 

[SolarCity]

Man, I'm confusing myself now!

Ha ha! You're not the only one. There is so much conflicting information out there that it is difficult to know what's right and wrong.

 

[TedM]

I've tried to get OFGEM to issue clarification on TIC and DNC - to write it in words that a PV installer can make sense of - but they are not prepared to do it.

I am still going to try to find more senior people in OFGEM to get this done though.

Reality is that 99% of systems registered for FiTs have TIC and DNC as the same value. But TIC is the phrase used in the legal document that defines the tariff bands. OFGEM then go and use DNC in some other (non-legal) documents and the confusion multiples.

Why MCS only ask for DNC on the certificate is a complete mystery to me. Suppliers ask the owner for both TIC and DNC when they sign for a FiTs contract. The owner is probably the last person who understands the terms.

 

[DomB]

Trying to find some definitions of Total Installed Capacity & Declared Net Capacity. I'm guessing TIC is basically the kWp of the array and DNC is the AC side of the generator?

I notice in the Central FIT Register User Guide, which I understand the suppliers use to register FiT applications, TIC & DNC are both requested, so they are recognised as different.

I'll go ask MCS and UK Power Networks and come back here

 

[solarfred]

I've tried to get OFGEM to issue clarification on TIC and DNC - to write it in words that a PV installer can make sense of - but they are not prepared to do it.

I am still going to try to find more senior people in OFGEM to get this done though.

Reality is that 99% of systems registered for FiTs have TIC and DNC as the same value. But TIC is the phrase used in the legal document that defines the tariff bands. OFGEM then go and use DNC in some other (non-legal) documents and the confusion multiples.

Why MCS only ask for DNC on the certificate is a complete mystery to me. Suppliers ask the owner for both TIC and DNC when they sign for a FiTs contract. The owner is probably the last person who understands the terms.

I just checked the SSE FIT application form off their site as I was going to try and post a copy as I know it only mentions DNC. It does not say TIC at all. I was surprised to see it is a new form which says "Installed Capacity (kw)" now? So it is not even a defined calculation.

Happy days.

 

[Matt iecconnect]

Hi All
I am having the same problem.
No one will give me an answer as to size of array possible under G83.
Elec North west have sent me an email saying anything under 4kw is permitted under G83
As for Scottish power, who i deal with most , after 4 months of speaking to different people i still don't have an answer.
they have sent me a pre application form for any system over 3.68Kw which is headed for a G83 install.
I have 9 forms outstanding without response, The first submitted will be 7 weeks old this Thursday.
Called SP today and as always the person is on leave or off sick. Still no joy
Needs to be sorted ASAP.
How hard can it be to give an answer???????

 

[TedM]

The G83 limit applies to the inverter output. I'm still trying to get ENA to get the word on this out to all DNOs so that everyone has the same answer.

 

[Matt iecconnect]

Having spoke to a Scottish power engineer today, He confirmed that the max output of the array is measured by the max AC inverter output.
So it is possible to install a 3.92 kw system, comply with G83, as long as the inverter is rated less than 3.68kw.
If you require a G59 it will cost £900 + vat to witness test and carry out a network survey.
I have not yet received this in writing but expect to get it tomorrow.

Let the sun shine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

[Jonjolavin]

This is a reply i received from UK Power Networks. This is the first one that has given an answer to so many questions:



Calculation of the size of the SSEG
Some installers appeared to mis-understand the rating of the SSEG as it should be reported on the G83 form. What is required is the maximum output from the SSEG, not the total rating of the solar panels. The calculation should be done, as follows:
• Add the total rating of all of the solar panels. Call this SP_Rating.
• Identify the efficiency of the inverter. Some inverters have charts showing how the efficiency varies with the DC Input Voltage, and other factors, and some just state an 'Average Efficiency'. Call this Inverter_Efficiency.
• Multiply the two figures (i.e. SP_Rating x Inverter_Efficiency). Call this Output_1.
• Compare Output_1 with the maximum rated output of the Inverter. Take the smaller figure. This is the SSEG output which should be reported.
Consider the following worked example:
7 solar panels rated at 235 Watts each, with a Sunny Boy 1200, (rated at 1200 Watts)
7 x 235 = 1645 Watts (SP_Rating)
Inverter Efficiency = 92% (Inverter_Efficiency).
SP_Rating x Inverter_Efficiency = Output_1.
1645 x 92% = 1513.4 Watts (Output_1)
Compare Output_1 (1513.4 Watts) with the rated output of the Sunny Boy 1200 (1200 Watts), and take the smaller figure, which is 1200 Watts.


Our guidance for installers is:

Here is our standard advice to new installers.
The first point to note is that G83 has a fixed upper limit of 16 Amps per phase at 240 Volts (3.84kW), which doesn't quite extend to the 4kW of the first band of the Feed-In Tariff. However, many installers, in talking to customers, who want to hear a big number, refer to the size of the installation according to the DC output of the Solar Panels, whereas we as a Distribution Network Operator, are concerned with the AC Output from the inverter. Please see the explanation below on how to calculate the output to record on the G83 form.
I've attached the G83 Commissioning Notification Form. This should be completed and sent no more than 30 days after completion of a G83 Installation. Although we don't insist that Installers use our form, we find it helps to ensure that the correct information is recorded.
You may find the following helpful in filling in the form
Information required by the form
See the following table. (Most items are self explanatory. Items which require more explanation are in bold.)

Line What is required
Customer supply number (MPAN) The MPAN is on every Customer's bill. Experienced installers collect this when they accept the order.
Property address (inc. post code) The address of the property where the SSEG is installed
Telephone number The Phone Number of the site where the installation is.
Distribution Network Operator (DNO) The name of the company who distribute electricity to the property
* See more information below.
SSEG owner The Customer's Name
Contact person The person who is to be contacted. For domestic installations, this will be the same as the SSEG Owner.
Contact telephone number The Customer's Phone Number.
Manufacturer and model type For PV and Wind Turbines, this relates to the Inverter
Serial number of SSEG For PV and Wind Turbines, this relates to the Inverter
Serial number / version numbers of software
(where appropriate) For PV and Wind Turbines, this relates to the Inverter
SSEG rating (Amps, Volts and power factor or kW - under normal running conditions) 1 This is the AC output from the Inverter.
* See below on how to calculate this
Number of Phases connected to the generation How many phases is the inverter connected to?
Maximum peak short circuit current (Amps at 240V AC) Some inverters indicate that they can deliver a greater output than their maximum rating for a very short period of time.
Type of prime mover and fuel source (For PV, state PV) For PV State "PV"; for Wind Turbines, state "Wind Turbine"
Location of SSEG within the installation 2 For PV and Wind Turbines, this relates to the Inverter
Location of multi pole isolator For PV and Wind Turbines, this relates to the Inverter
Installer The name of the company with the MCS Accreditation
Accreditation/Qualification Usually MCS
Address (including post code) The address of the company
Contact person The person in the company to talk to
Telephone Number The phone number of the person in the company to talk to
Fax Number The Fax number of the person in the company to talk to
E-mail address The email address of the person in the company to talk to
Final copy of circuit diagram Tick box to indicate that the information is provided
SSEG Test Report (Appendix 4) or web address if appropriate (not necessary if already provided e.g. under a Stage 2 connection) Tick box to indicate that the information is provided
Computer print out (where possible)
or other schedule of protection settings Tick box to indicate that the information is provided.
Electricity meter(s) make and model: On the existing meter

Calculation of the size of the SSEG
Some installers appeared to mis-understand the rating of the SSEG as it should be reported on the G83 form. What is required is the maximum output from the SSEG, not the total rating of the solar panels. The calculation should be done, as follows:
• Add the total rating of all of the solar panels. Call this SP_Rating.
• Identify the efficiency of the inverter. Some inverters have charts showing how the efficiency varies with the DC Input Voltage, and other factors, and some just state an 'Average Efficiency'. Call this Inverter_Efficiency.
• Multiply the two figures (i.e. SP_Rating x Inverter_Efficiency). Call this Output_1.
• Compare Output_1 with the maximum rated output of the Inverter. Take the smaller figure. This is the SSEG output which should be reported.
Consider the following worked example:
7 solar panels rated at 235 Watts each, with a Sunny Boy 1200, (rated at 1200 Watts)
7 x 235 = 1645 Watts (SP_Rating)
Inverter Efficiency = 92% (Inverter_Efficiency).
SP_Rating x Inverter_Efficiency = Output_1.
1645 x 92% = 1513.4 Watts (Output_1)
Compare Output_1 (1513.4 Watts) with the rated output of the Sunny Boy 1200 (1200 Watts), and take the smaller figure, which is 1200 Watts.

Generation up to 3.84kW Per Phase
You need to note that G83 allows for up to 16 Amps per phase at 240V AC (i.e. 3.84kW), and there is no flexibility to exceed 16 Amps per phase under G83.

Submitting G83 Notifications
The G83 form needs to be accompanied by a copy of the G83 Compliance certificate of the Inverter and a Schematic Diagram of the installation.
Our preferred method of receiving G83 registrations is by email to the address on the form. When G83 Registrations are made by email, it is sufficient to type your name as your signature.

MPANs
A key item of information for the registration is the MPAN, which is on the Customer's electricity bill. Experienced installers collect this information when the customer places the order.
There is a useful webpage to identify the DNO from the MPAN at:
Meter Point Administration Number - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Generation between 3.84kW and 4.00kW Per Phase
If you are considering an installation which is between 3.84 and 4kW, then you will need to Apply for permission to connect this generation. Please complete our G83 Application form, making plain that this is for a single installation, and send it to the email address or the Fax number:
Email: [email protected] Fax: 08456 500248
The Application from is available at:
http://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/pr...83_multiple_installation_application_form.doc
The application needs to be accompanied by a Location Map.

Larger Generation
For larger generation, please contact me again for guidance on how to connect generation which is in excess of 4kW per phase.

 

[edexlab]

Nice to see something fom a Dno down on paper

although using 240v on calculations is the right way it should be done,as this is the voltage they are supplying, I'm curious why some use 240 and some 230
Dno's are using 230v ie Harmonised values and stating 3.68 kw before an aplication need to be made not 240v /3.84kw
It seems to me that those using 230v must be the right way to size the system (because of harmonisation etc)
the 3.84kw figure does'nt make much sense as 16 w extra to the 4 kw limit is'nt going to make that much difference until everyone has a system and by then they'll have rebuilt the grid anyway
anyone know why? as I'm sure they should all be using the same values in their calculations

 

[TedM]

G83 is quite definitely 16A at 230V for single phase. There is no guidance on how that is to be interpreted at different voltages.

Apparently discussion of G83 is on the agenda for the next meetings of the DCRP - a meeting of all DNOs under the auspices of the ENA. But I am informed that any decision on changes to G83 will take months to come into effect. The last update, from G83/1 to G83/1-1, took about 12 months.

I'll be pulling together all the responses here and feeding them back to the ENA so that they can at least appreciate the issues involved for installers who are getting different advice from different DNOs and even different engineers within the same DNO.

 

[solarfred]

Do you think DNO's could insist on only allowing inverters that are 16 amps limited by the manufacturer being installed into G83/1 installations? That solves the issue for UK Networks and I wonder if all DNO's might concur. That would not require a change in regulations as it is already a requirement that output is maxed at 16 amps. It does not resolve the disparity in voltage calculations though.

 

[Energetic]

Our DNO has, very sensibly, temporarily upped their limit to 17A per phase for G83 for 1 year. This means we can install a 4kw system on a 4000TL and still comply. This also means that national companies quoting here are telling customers they can't have an array above 3.6, which is nice...

 

[BruceB]

Which DNO?
And do you have a link?
Regards
Bruce

 

[solarfred]

Ted knows about these things Quote "G83 is quite definitely 16A at 230V for single phase. There is no guidance on how that is to be interpreted at different voltages.

Apparently discussion of G83 is on the agenda for the next meetings of the DCRP - a meeting of all DNOs under the auspices of the ENA. But I am informed that any decision on changes to G83 will take months to come into effect. The last update, from G83/1 to G83/1-1, took about 12 months." unquote.
So unless the DNO has changed the G83/1 regulation how can they do this?

 

[edexlab]

My understanding is that the DNOs have decided or been advised that they can allow upto 17kWp on a single phase under G83 if they want. I was chatting with our DNO Western Power about fitting 10kWp Wind and 10kWp of PV at my place and he told me about the 17kWp allowance on single phase, I don't want to have to pay to get 3 phase if I can avoid it. They tell me that they get so many conflicting memos about SSEG that it's a minefield for them to process. They are crying out for a policy that they can work to, I think the ENO&Ofgem need to pull their fingers out.

I think that this will depend a lot on your location and what the grid infrastructure is like, I've asked about the possibility of this figure of 17kw on a single phase and was told very unlikely in my area as the grid runs from 132kv straight to 11kv (its a fairly rural area) and Dno's have less opportunity to control voltage rises than with 132kv to 33kv to 11kv systems where apparently its less of a problem.

 

[wozzit99]

Posted on another forum

Hi

This is an email I received from Central Networks dated the 25th March.

Central networks comments are given in blue.

Hope this helps.



"So that I have definitely got this right could you confirm the following"



1. g83 goes up to 3.68kw after which g59 protection settings becomes the standard.

The standard G83 limit is 16A per phase (i.e. 3.68kW single phase or 11kW three-phase). For a single SSEG installation, this can be connected and then you can inform us later, providing all the commissioning documents etc to register for FIT. The standard G83 compliant inverter is acceptable (with upper frequency set to 50.5Hz). For connections >16A/phase, there has been a relaxation in the rules as given below.

2. It is possible to install up to 17kw on a single phase or 17kw per phase on a 3 phase system so long as the protection settings in the inverter are based around the g59 standard therefore negating the use of g59 relays ( this is depending on whether the line can take it )

We will accept a G83 1/1 type connection for a single SSEG installation, provided the inverters used are type-verified, and the capacity is no greater than 17kW single phase, or 50kW three-phase. You must submit an application form first (Appendix 2 of G83/1) to gain consent for connection, or to get costs for any reinforcement that maybe required. A G83 compliant inverter could be used, provided the upper frequency limit is set to 51.5Hz, or a G59/2 relay.

3. I have been quoting for a job where the customer requires approx 9.6kwp on a single phase supply. The intended design is to use 3 separate g83 inverters ,sma 3300 which as far as I am a where are configured with the g83 protection settings. Is it ok to use these inverters with the g83 settings as they individually are less than the 3.68kw limit ? The problem is I can't find a single inverter to use on a single phase which has the g59 protection settings and I don't want to get into the realm of g59 relays.

As above, the G83 protection should be set to 51..5Hz on the upper frequency

 

[wozzit99]

Looking at the protection settings on sma inverters they are set to the country relevent settings and they can not be altered.

How do you change the upper frequency to 51.5hz on a g83 type inverter?


Wozzit

 

[edexlab]

Looking at the protection settings on sma inverters they are set to the country relevent settings and they can not be altered.

How do you change the upper frequency to 51.5hz on a g83 type inverter?


Wozzit

I think it can be done using a communication device and with an authorisation code from SMA

 

[SolarCity]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the standards for G83 inverter a little more strict than a G59 relay needs to be?

 

[BruceB]

Yes, in terms of over-frequency, the G83 limit for GB is 50.5Hz and 0.5s, so I do not understand why Central Networks would say change the setting to 51.5Hz, as it is already within the G59 figure.

Regards
Bruce

 

[wozzit99]

Just a thought,

G83 over freq setting maybe in the range of G59 setting but it is also a full 1Hz below the reccomended limit. So nuisance tripping on larger systems might cause problems with the dno, thats why G59 settings are more forgiving. It does'nt explain why only the frequency limit has to be altered and not the rest of the parameters.

 

[BruceB]

I think you may be right there. Here is a G59 extract:



and also explains perhaps why sma went to the trouble of certifying their tripower range to the g59 standard in Feb this year

Regards
Bruce

 

[wozzit99]

Thanks Bruce

Is it only the tripower range of inverters which are accredited with g59?

 

[BruceB]

Do not know for sure, but just having checked their website for the 3000TL/4000TL/5000TL they only have G83/1 certification on the english page

 

[SolarCity]

Tripower inverters are accredited with G59? Are you sure?

 

[BruceB]

Yes
http://download.sma.de/smaprosa/dateien/1807/G592_STP8-17TL-10-ZEN110610.pdf

 

[claypole]

I was in contact with SMA to query aspects of the 4000TL, and specifically to see if it could be restricted to 16A output. I have copied below a reply I received asking if G59/2 certification would be useful? As a consumer, and having now completed my install, it's clearly of no concern to me but you might like to voice your opinion to the contact details below if you feel that certification would be helpful.

Dear Mr. S....,

currently we are discussing, if it is more usefull to have the G59/2 certificate for all inverters with a AC-current > 16 A. As I understand the regulations it is possible to use Generating Units > 16 A per phase and ≤ 50 KW 3 phase which must be G59/2 compliant. A type verified protection equipment is accepted.
So, would it be more helpful that you have the G59/2 certificate for that inverter ?


mit freundlichen Grüßen
Yours sincerely
SMA Solar Technology AG
i. A. Bernd Krah

Technical Support Medium Power Solutions
Sonnenallee 1
34266 Niestetal
Germany
Tel.: +49 561 9522-3314
Mobil: +49 151 54345943
Fax +49 561 9522-4080
E-mail: [email protected]

 

[Matt_M]

I had a chat with a chap from CE Electric, at the Yorkshire and Humber Microgeneration Project conference yesterday, and he confirmed they use the inverter output for the rating.

I also got it in writing.

 

[daytona600]

bit of confusion lately from board to board
some allow 16amp plus , some stick are rigid at 16amps output
two options
decrease dc Kwp of the system to approx 3.68kwp one less panel or 5/10wp decrease per panel
fit new 2011 sma sunny boys with limited 16amps output , bit of a waste of clients dc kwp output on sunny days
16amps on three phase generally not a problem eg with sma 10kwp STP10,000TL inverters

never had a answer from a dno yet about the answer if you fit a 4kwp dual-axis tracker
increase output by 30-45% compared to fixed systems
with high yield solarworld/sanyo with high effciency sma TL inverter

 

[Worcester]

fit new 2011 sma sunny boys with limited 16amps output

Looking at the current spec sheets where can I find that?

I have a west facing roof which we are looking at using the SMA SB3800 on, and I am looking for the maximum rating so that we can do it without needing to do a pre-install application. (3.68 kw) Only other inverter I can find maximum continuous rated at 16A / 3.68kW is the Diehl Ako 4300S