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Author Topic: Solar Advice - plz  (Read 7336 times)

tetrahedron

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Solar Advice - plz
« on: October 05, 2012, 05:55:13 PM »
I am new to solar, tho i have seen a device which seems to bring solar easier to your home.

after seeing peppermints all in one direct solar panel it got me curious to see if solar energy was easier to implement these days.

I figured on a monocrystalline panel hooked directly into a grid tie inverter like this one found here
The question is can someone explain what happens in this clip (see time code 4 secs to 24 seconds, and then  from 1min 39 seconds
The guy plugs the panels into this mini inverter, and directly into the mains plug socket.
When he plugs it into the mains, is he now selling back to the grid? or is the 95watts he shows on screen only being circulated and distributed evenly over the house energy supply available to to other appliances?

I have a British Gas electricity token meter, i fill up with a refillable keycard from the local store which i then insert into my home meter and get £10.00 of electric.
If i used this setup would my meter register it and give me credit?  or would the 95watts just remain within the home circuit, as it hasnt had to travel thru the meter. if it does travel to the meter would it balance out the watts i``m generating against the watts i`m using.i`m unsure on this clip what the guy does with the surplus energy.

If this is all i need to generate some solar, then solar is looking really easy to setup.
Appreciate any tips. thxs,

gadgetmall

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Re: Solar Advice - plz
« Reply #1 on: October 05, 2012, 06:59:19 PM »
The grid Tie you are speaking of feeds current back to the light company . You can subtract what it puts in from what you are using . So if you have say an electronic device that takes 95 watts to run but your grid tie is putting out 95 watt then you are running for free.

I have several and also solar and wind generator  I constantly feed power back . I can run my meter (Digital) backwards when the current i use is less than the grid tie puts out . I have watched  it and it helps on your light bill subtracting your kiliwatts from the  meters . .
They sell grid ties that need no electrical contractor to wire it up . Simple plug it in after you hook up your panels /batteries.

the are cheap and can range from less that 100 us dollars to several hundred . They have a feature called Island protection which stops the flow of electricity back into the grid when a power outage occurs . this is so the light man don;t get killed because he dont; know you are feeding current back thru the  power lines/ thus you won't get sued for killing anyone .  .

tetrahedron

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Re: Solar Advice - plz
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2012, 11:58:29 AM »
Thxs appreciate the reply, however `ive just discovered that british gas require a bunch of documents before they pay you for the electricity produced.

Copy of your MCS Certificate/Number.
Copy of your Final Paid Invoice (or proof of payment and ownership of the installation).
Copy of your Energy Performance Certificate† (EPC) (for Solar PV installations) or non-relevant building letter if EPC Certificate cannot be issued.
A signed and dated multi site and energy efficiency Solar PV Declarations (new installations and extensions) Form.
Looks like DIY wont qualify:(

I suppose i have 2 options

1. Buy the panels and grid tie inverter with island protection etc myself, and hopefully ring around to a find a certified solar company who will install my pre- bought kit.

2. Look at battery storage. According to a site found here  they recommend Gel or AGM battery bank.

Ideally Option number one would be best. Has anyone bought a kit and got a solar company to install it for them?
Did they encounter any issues with solar companies insisting you install their product over yours etc to qualify for proper certificates?


If i go for battery bank, how many batteries would i need to run and store1 or 2 , 240 watt panels?

If anyone has advice or an opinion please feel free to leave a response. Thxs