What to ask before having solar panels installed

[JohnD]

but a smart meter is an essential part of that.

I haven't got a smart meter.

There is a separate meter (belonging to me) on the inverter output.

My scheme is paid on the assumption that 50% is exported.

When the installation was planned, the electricity co fitted a new digital meter (some old meters do not work correctly with generation) free of charge.

 

[5oysterman2]

Yes, I think I heard that the average installation is between three and four Kw nominal output.

Depends how big your roof is.

Actual output depends how sunny it is.

Efficiency is higher when cold.

Plenty of sun in Cumbria lol

 

[StephenStephen]

Have a look for relevant threads here: https://www.speakev.com/forums/power/
You have nothing to lose, and potentially a lot to gain, by getting a smart meter.
Have a look into Time of Use (TOU) import and export tariffs
When you get more specific information about the offer (eg; panel kW rating, inverter kW rating, output forecast, whether you or the installer own the exported energy) then post it in a forum for feedback.

 

[Murdochcat]

I'm delighted that you are willing to pay £250 of your own money for a device that is no use to you.

Well done.

You are wrong, but don’t let the facts get in the way.

You come across as Notch7 and vice versa

 

[ajrtd]

I'm delighted that you are willing to pay £250 of your own money for a device that is no use to you.

Well done.

You have previously stated that you bought one. I guess you deserve a well done too.

 

[Munroast]

@JohnD seems to be on an older deal where smart meters were not needed to get paid (sometimes very handsomely) to export

You will need a smart meter now to export (get one they are free) I am with Octopus and we get paid 15p per unit exported back to the grid (we have exported £500 worth since our solar system was fitted in may (we have 20 panels)

The other stuff that john was telling you seems quite accurate, the inverters are quiet, but they are big and get very hot when the sun is shining and you're exporting at 6Kw (measuring temperaatures of 50°c above the inverter)

 

[foxhole]

So only installation is free?

 

[5oysterman2]

So only installation is free?

According to the council, everything is foc

 

[foxhole]

According to the council, everything foc

OK