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"Pre-wire for solar" - what does it mean?

  • 24-01-2023 01:06AM
    #1
    magformer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11 ✭


    Hi

    Currently doing a substantial refurb project and ultimately want to install solar PV. The specification for the project referred to doing preparatory/pre-wiring work for solar which I had understood to involve everything except PV panel install. The logic at the time was that the contractor wasn't SEAI registered and we'd get a specialist to install to avail of grants, though reading through the quotes threads here I'm beginning to question that logic/value of panel grants and whether a non-registered install of panels while the work is being done might be more cost effective.

    In any case, the project is supposed to be "pre-wired" but not entirely clear to me anyone knows what that means now. My question is whether it would make sense to run cables now/whether a specialist installer would be prepared to work with those later.

    Ultimately I want to achieve PV panels + inverter, option for battery, Eddi diverter (have had a separate immersion element specced to that end), and car charger (maybe also the MyEnergi product but TBD).

    Obviously I am not sure what I am doing! Would be following make sense for "pre-wiring" with the other electrical work or should it all be left to a specialist installer? I'm thinking at a minimum it would involve:

    • ESB meter to support feed-in.
    • Some kind of duct or cable grommet for DC cables to roof through attic to ultimately connect to panels. Can that be just one line for a single array?
    • A DC run from attic cable route to location for an inverter, and an AC run from there to the ELCB. I have the option to locate an inverter in the attic or near the fuse board.
    • Wiring to support a diverter.
    • Wiring to support a battery location.
    • Wiring to support a charger.

    Anything obviously missing from the list? Does any of this make sense at all without doing an actual panel install?

    V grateful for any advice!



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