Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

Considering a Lot (100+) Solar Panels on a New Build. Have a Few Questions!

2»

Comments

  • #32
    bobbyy gee
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,306 ✭✭✭bobbyy gee


    No power buy back

    https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/news/esb-ends-scheme-for-homeowners-who-want-to-sell-power-30706655.html


  • #33
    graememk
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 7,052 Mod ✭✭✭✭graememk


    bobbyy gee wrote: »
    No power buy back

    https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/news/esb-ends-scheme-for-homeowners-who-want-to-sell-power-30706655.html

    That article is from 2014.

    There is EU regulation (I think) that means that a new feed in tariff needs to be introduced by next year.


  • #34
    air
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,837 ✭✭✭air


    The pragmatic approach here in my opinion would be as follows:
    Apply for a new connection with a 29kVA 3 phase supply (the current sweet spot for minimising standing charges).
    Install a 3 x 100A rated main board to allow for a future capacity upgrade if ever required.
    This gives you a decent supply capaciy with enough single phase current to avoid appliance issues.
    Then install as much PV as you want but limit export to 11kW to keep within the domestic realm.

    There are input voltage limits on inverters but in practice you can put multiple strings in parallel without isdue.
    The maximum input current limit will clip the output on sunny days.
    The ideal would be an 11kW 3ph inverter or a larger one with export limiting.
    The latter would allow you utilise any excess above 11kW in your house when available.
    Personally I wouldn't install more than 30kW of panels (~100) and would just wire them in parallel strings to a single inverter of 10-11kW capacity.
    Simple, effective, relatively inexpensive & within the rules.

    If an attractive FIT ever became available you could break out the strings & increase your inverter capacity to take advantage of it.
    You might require an MIC upgrade at this point though.

    A possible twist would be to request & install a 45kVA supply at the outset & immediately request a downgrade post connection.
    This would give you the low standing charges & make an upgrade a paper exercise if ever required. Unfortunately there may be a charge for the downgrade due to your location, it's normally free.

    I would consider an in roof panel mounting system. They are more expensive but this is offset by the saving on the cladding not used & the appearance is far more attractive IMHO.

    Engage a competent electrical designer at the outset or you will be at the mercy of the contractor who is unlikely to be very experienced with much of the above.


Advertisement