Tariff advice and metering for second array

[Worcester]

See this also re meter:

6.10. If the original installation and extension share the same generation meter, a pro rata calculation from the generation meter reading taken on the extension‟s eligibility date should be used to determine how much electricity generated is assigned to each part. The CFR contains details on how generation payments should be split for multiple installations using the same generation meter.

6.11. If one of the installations sharing the meter becomes ineligible for FITs, for example because the eligibility period of the original installation has come to an end, the extension must have a separate meter installed to ensure that it remains eligible for FITs.

 

[Worcester]

Just to reiterate,

My comments related SPECIFICALLY to EXTENSIONS to existing installations

New installations are different, and the PV can be used.

 

[TedM]

Ian, I know it's ridiculous isn't it. But it is OFGEM official guidance from http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Sustainability/Environment/fits/Documents1/FIT generator guidance.pdf The Eligibility Date of an extension is to be the same as the Commissioning Date (something I don't agree with from the purely legal pov and the document is internally inconsistent on this as well).

 

[Worcester]

Quote from TedM (it needs to be the same day... )

So OFGEM are telling suppliers that an extension must have an Eligibility Date the same as the Commissioning Date - there is no legal definition in FiTs that supports this.

The upshot is currently that an extension will need to have an EPC dated the same day as the Commissioning Date in order for the customer to get the higher tariff. If it is dated the day after or later then suppliers will put them on the 7.1p tariff as they will not have shown that they had an EPC 'D' rating on the relevant date.

 

[Worcester]

Just to add, it seems that this was all initially highlighted by an application that went in to EDF - see other thread about EDF and returning an application....

 

[Ian-LS]

Just to add, it seems that this was all initially hihlighted by an application that went in to EDF - see other thread about EDF and returning an application....

Thanks for the heads up regarding this, I wasn't aware that extensions needed to have an EPC of D or above before the PV was installed and that the PV extenion can't be included in the EPC. To be honest I and a lot of other installers are sick of the constant moving of the goal posts by Ofgem and DECC. An extention to a PV system is still a PV system and so the same rule should apply across the board.

I think I might bang my head against a brick wall in the office, grrrr

 

[matt25]

Many thanks to all for your advice, i am glad i aksed!

 

[matt25]

For your info I also emailed ofgem at the time of making my original post, their response is as follows

Dear Matthew,

Thank you for your query.

I refer to Feed-in Tariff: Guidance for Renewable Installations V4. Any extensions to an existing accredited site using the same technology will be assessed as a separate eligible installation. If successfully accredited, the extension will be assigned a separate eligibility period and separate tariff code based on the aggregate TIC of both the extension and existing FIT installation. Both installations will, however, share the same FIT ID on the Central FIT Register (CFR) - the register on which all installation details are stored. The previously accredited FIT installation will continue to receive the tariff it was initially assigned when it was accredited.

As administrators of the FIT scheme we are obliged to assess and, where appropriate accredit, applications that have been made to us in respect of renewable generating stations. We assess such applications on a case by case basis, based on the supporting evidence submitted with the application and the circumstances specific to the generating station in question. The information provided in your email is only a part of what we would consider when assessing an application. There are a number of eligibility criteria that have to be met if a generating station is to be granted accreditation under the FITs. You should ensure that you are familiar with these criteria by referring to Ofgem’s ‘Feed-in Tariffs: Guidance for Renewable Installations V4’ in advance of making an application to us.

As our guidance documents sets out, in terms of eligibility and tariff questions such as these, we cannot provide any formal comfort prior to an application for accreditation being made to us and our remit as administrators of the scheme is not to provide legal, financial nor technical advice. We would always encourage stakeholders to seek such advice independently as appropriate and put proposals forward to us on application for accreditation.

Kind Regards