Author Topic: Our Solar Panels go Live (Read 7290 times)

henchard · « **on:** February 10, 2012, 09:43:16 am »

Our 3.9 kw solar panel system was installed this week and produced 12.5 kw on the first day here in Wales.

The decision was prompted by the fact that P.V. panel prices have now fallen and that we could still get the higher FIT if the government loses it's court case. Full info on our blog here

http://lizburton.co.uk/wordpress/work-on-the-smallholding/the-pv-solar-panels-are-fitted-to-generate-electricity/

Greenerlife · « **Reply #1 on:** February 25, 2012, 05:09:38 pm »

Mine went live today! 1.71 is my meter reading - how exciting! Mine is mounted on a frame on the ground and I now have to take down a tree that is in it's shadow!

kingnigel · « **Reply #2 on:** February 26, 2012, 09:03:19 am »

we ended up with 3.75kw system, cock up by the installer, were blasting it out up to now, way in front of the predicted targets, my leccy bill has dropped massively. well impressed, and to top it all its green, fab

Small Farmer · « **Reply #3 on:** February 26, 2012, 08:44:19 pm »

We're coming up to the first anniversary and it will be interesting to see the actual output compared with the forecast. Last year our best month for generation was April. Every month after was less than the previous right the way to December.

Dan · « **Reply #4 on:** February 27, 2012, 07:49:50 am »

There's a really useful site here that lets you upload and compare your output with thousands of other people with PV:

http://pvoutput.org/outputs.jsp

ScottishSmallholdersAssoc · « **Reply #5 on:** March 09, 2012, 01:35:05 pm »

Your solar panels look great. Apparently in accordance with the Climate Change (Scotland) Act those of us with energy efficient homes or a green installation like solar or wind can be eligible for a Council Tax Rebate for having an Energy Efficient Home. Worth calling your local Council Tax Office. The rebate is based on Energy Efficiency. It may be the same nationwide but I`m uncertain, work a call to find out

bazzais · « **Reply #6 on:** March 11, 2012, 07:23:23 am »

Is it normal for my electric meter to spin the wrong way round and turn the meter backwards? I'm not complaining as I also had £390 back last quarter and a tiny electric bill

I am very pleased with my panels

kingnigel · « **Reply #7 on:** March 11, 2012, 01:32:55 pm »

kingnigel · « **Reply #8 on:** March 11, 2012, 01:37:30 pm »

sorry that went in wrong, no not on ours but ours is a digital meter so it cant, i know it does happen but it shouldnt.
how can leccy company know what usage you have if your meter has gone in reverse.
not sure i would be in a hurry to report it though. lol
trouble is when they find out they will be chasing you for money back

bazzais · « **Reply #9 on:** March 13, 2012, 08:56:15 pm »

We have another meter recording the amount we produce before it gets fed back in the house mains.

I didnt think it was right as I have heard people doing all their washing and drying in the day to use up the excess electric produced by the panels. Whereas I can just sit out in the sun and watch it come straight off my electric bill - awesome

Anyone else got an old spinny disc electric meter and have the same happening?

(edit)
awe just noticed it only turns the red bit backwards and not any further - bummer
(edit)

Plantoid · « **Reply #10 on:** March 19, 2012, 10:19:50 pm »

Quote from: Small Farmer on February 26, 2012, 08:44:19 pm

We're coming up to the first anniversary and it will be interesting to see the actual output compared with the forecast. Last year our best month for generation was April. Every month after was less than the previous right the way to December.

Do you need to clean the panels with a non mineralized water and cleaner solution to keep the output up or are your panels self cleaning glass ?

Small Farmer · « **Reply #11 on:** March 22, 2012, 08:58:03 pm »

No and dunno.

Much as I'd like an access platform OH doesn't, so we've made do with the mark one hosepipe from the ground. These days i stick to low muddy fooling about rather than high wobbly fooling about up ladders.