G59

[Markc]

Hi Guys

After posting a tread on DNO's and dealing with them I read with interest a follow up post stating G59 "Qualifications" and the amount a "G59 Electrician" can charge.

Not one to sit back I've investigated the G59 Qualification and what's required to achieve it. I have copied the email I received back from EcoSkies Ltd. I have posted it for interest and feedback. knowing the investment most have put in or going to put in to achieve MCS it's interesting to see that there is no such qualification (yet)

Your replies are welcome.

Mark

Email:

Hi Mark,



Thanks for your email. There is no set qualification that DNOs require directly relating to G59 grid connection as no such qualification exists. DNOs will in all likelihood want to know that in addition being fully qualified electricians, that you already have experience of several smaller scale installations to an MCS standard (which I’m assuming you have already as I’m guessing you’re as busy as all MCS PV installers at present!). The aim of this course is to familiarise PV installers with the processes, equipment, requirements and expectations of DNOs when planning to install a system that falls outside G83/1 and up to 100kW.



We have brought in 2 outside specialists from 2 contrasting angles relating to G59 grid connection to help in the development of the course. 1 is an installer with numerous successful G59 scale installations under his belt, the other used to work at a DNO and is now working for an organisation that are helping to encourage and facilitate applications to DNOs for larger scale renewable electricity generators. We anticipate that by having input from both sides that this will cover the majority of questions that are likely to be posed when putting a proposal to the DNO. Furthermore, we are building a partnership with an international supplier who bring additional benefits to their customers by helping with the design and verification of larger scale PV systems (generally 50kW +). Having the support of a supplier with these expertise could well prove beneficial when approaching DNOs as it should add further weight to your credibility when carrying out such an install.



The first pilot course is running on 2nd September and there will no doubt be developments and amendments further to this based on trial and error and feedback. There are another 2 fully booked courses following this in which amendments will be implemented so by the time we get to 15th October (1st date with availability) I’m sure the course will be well refined.

 

[poheZ]

It is very tempting to bet on a course like that, but experience tells me that i should wait.

If i have no experience of installing installations to g59 then i know i wont make the most of it and at £400 for a day it can become very expensive!

Let me know if your booked on it, or indeed if you can get booked on it! I know PPL training were trying to put together a course like that aswell, so maybe more training providers will catch on with this lucrative training market!

 

[Markc]

It is very tempting to bet on a course like that, but experience tells me that i should wait.

If i have no experience of installing installations to g59 then i know i wont make the most of it and at £400 for a day it can become very expensive!

Let me know if your booked on it, or indeed if you can get booked on it! I know PPL training were trying to put together a course like that aswell, so maybe more training providers will catch on with this lucrative training market!

I've got to say I tend to agree with you. Pilot course with no formal qualification. It's bound to happen that G59 requires some form of qualification its just a matter of when!

I have a meeting arranged with a project manager with EDF next week for a 8Kw system we are possibly doing. When I spoke to him in the phone today he seemed to think it will just be a new set of forms to fill in and nothing more. As for track history I don't think there are many installers who have much experience at >4Kw.

And by the way it is <4Kw per phase, Per Installation so 2 x 4kw = 8kw system if on same meter point.

 

[Markc]

Meeting with EDF project manager next week is cancelled. He rang me today (very nice chap) it appears that EDF do not require any G59 applications for any system up to 11Kw as long as it can be spread over three phases. No feasibility study or anything, just notify it in the same manner (even on the same form) for a <4Kw system.
Good job they bring these rules in and ignore them from day 1. Good old EDF!

 

[poheZ]

yes but that would be 16 Amps per phase (for 11kw) which is g83, isnt it?

After inefficiencies as well it would probably be 12-3 amps per phase?

what do you think?

On the issue of g59, i think anyone looking to spend alot of money now on a system that requires g59 notification is risking it. What price will modules be in 2-3 years time?

 

[Markc]

yes but that would be 16 Amps per phase (for 11kw) which is g83, isnt it?

After inefficiencies as well it would probably be 12-3 amps per phase?

what do you think?

On the issue of g59, i think anyone looking to spend alot of money now on a system that requires g59 notification is risking it. What price will modules be in 2-3 years time?

It was my thinking also hence why I contacted EDF to ask about "prior consent". I was under the under standing it was 16amps per phase, per meter point. It is 16amps per phase regardless of number of phases. So a three phase system can have three 4Kw systems without asking prior consent. Mental I know but it's their rules not mine.

I've now read it on their web site aswell now I know where to look!

Their only other criteria is it has to be ballanced across phases. No shock there then!

I'm just happy I have it in writting and I can go ahead with the 8Kw system I have an order for.

As for anyone wanting a system which falls into G59, I'm not going to be one to refuse the job. Their money after all.