A circuit is an assembly of electrical equipment supplied from the same origin and protected against overcurrent by the same protective device(s). But this produced a problem, a ring
final circuit. A final circuit arranged in the form of a ring and connected to a single point of supply. If it is a final circuit, then we can't take another radial circuit from it, so another name was found
Spur. A branch from a ring or radial final circuit. Which is fair enough, but really a fused spur is a radial from the ring final, but can't have a final final circuit, in the same way as saying the "very end" is wrong, the end is the end, no point in the word very.
So as
@JohnW2 says, it is an English problem, not an electrical problem. But we can all work out what they are trying to say, only one plug in solar per 16 amp or greater MCB/RCBO at the consumer unit.
this is the new law but it is more aimed at the manufacturer/retailer and what they need to include is in the
preamble to the new law and what the instructions with the kit must say.
““plug-in microgenerator” means a source of energy which—
(a) generates electricity from the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity;
(b) has a maximum rated alternating current output not exceeding 800 watts;
(c) is intended for connection to a low voltage consumer’s installation by means of a standard plug and socket;
(d) is designed to operate in parallel with a distributor’s network; and
(e) is not designed to import electrical energy from a low voltage consumer’s installation for the purpose of storing energy for later supply, other than for control or auxiliary functions permitted by the Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification;
There has been a lot of talk about batteries not included, and needs to be supplied as a whole kit.
Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification Version 2.0 said:
Only one plug-in solar product shall be used per household final ring circuit to ensure the currents flowing through the electrical connection to the consumer unit remain within safe levels.
statement that a maximum of one (1) inverter of up to 800 VA may be plugged in per household circuit Note While this specification permits one device per final circuit, GB network connection requirements may restrict this until corresponding amendments to Engineering Recommendation G98 are implemented
It talks about "final circuits" many times, but final ring circuit is only talked about once.
So we are trying to use English comprehension skills, not electrical, and I would read it as saying only one unit per final ring circuit, but with radial circuits there is no such limit. But later on it misses out the "ring" and just says final circuit, and the "note" makes it clear new law allows one unit per circuit, but the G98 allows only one circuit per household.
But as yet the G98 has not been rewritten, so when that is done, it may allow more that one per household.
What we have is a temporary connection, using a 13 amp plug can never be considered permeant, even if the fridge is rarely unplugged, and the G98 is at the moment designed for a permeant connection. So saying one needs to submit it within 28 days of connection or disconnection does not really fit in with a 13 amp plug.
If I fitted one on my balcony, and used the outside double socket, each time I wanted the socket for other things, I could simply unplug it, and if not left plugged in for 28 consecutive days then it would zero the time to register each time unplugged, so clearly it needs rewriting.
What one assume is hoped, is to get the second MPAN number, and be paid for export, people will want to register their plug in solar. Since batteries not included, unless paid for export one could be loosing rather a lot.
The 4 panel and 2 kW limit for the panels, but 800 watt on the inverter does mean panels can be larger so start producing a reasonable output earlier and stop latter, I can see how a 1 kW panel with an 800 watt inverter would make sense, my 6 kW panels and 5 kW inverter, in real terms rare to see the system top out because panels producing more than the inverter can handle. But 2 kW does seem to be over kill.
However, it has to be sold as a kit, so unless the kit has grossly over sized panels, there is nothing you can do about that. So the maunfacturers have to assemble their kits, and get them approved, and all talk about what we can do, is down to the kits put on the market. And the changes to G98, or maybe they will be a special one for solar.
So the manufacturer can assemble the kit, but as it stands, he can't complete the paperwork. The pre-law releases have had copies of the G98 with half the details pre-filled in. So buyer only needs to add address and some meter details. But this will only be finalised once the new G98 is published.
It seems others are questioning batteries not included,
and point out, batteries, solar, and off-peak tariffs work in harmony with each other.
....
