CASE STUDY

Existing Feed In Tariff and Adding new Solar

Solar Installation in Findern

Welcome to a sunny tale of our latest solar installation project, nestled in the heart of Findern, Derby. Recently, we had the pleasure of working with a homeowner ready to embrace the power of renewable energy. Their existing solar energy system was just the beginning.

The system we introduced included an additional 2.46kW of power, six robust JA Solar Panels, a robust 5kWh PureStorage II Battery system, and an ultra-efficient 5G RHI Hybrid Inverter. Interestingly, we used a 5KW inverter despite having only 2.5KW of solar, to ensure the battery charge and discharge rate would be a steady 5KW.

Let’s dive in and explore this installation a bit more!

Powering Up With JA Solar Panels

The JA Solar Panels JAM54S30-410/MR 410 Watt panels were the stars of the show in our Findern project. Known for their high efficiency, these panels are some of the top performers in the market. They carry a reliable product warranty of 12 years and an impressive linear performance warranty of 25 years.

Annually, these additional panels generate about 1,787kWh

2 Solar Installations Side by Side

Efficiency in Overdrive: SOLIS 5G RHI Hybrid Inverter

To ensure the new and existing solar panels’ energy could be efficiently used in the home, we installed a SOLIS 5G RHI Hybrid Inverter. This clever device converts the DC power from the solar panels into usable AC power. It offers a standout maximum efficiency of 98.3% and comes with a 5-year product warranty.

Maximum Efficency
98.3%
Product Warranty
5 Year

Night & Day: PureStorage II Battery

The PureStorage II Battery system was the cherry on top. This 10 kWh system was designed to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use during night-time or low-solar periods. One of the great features of this battery is its scalability. As the homeowner’s energy needs evolve, the system can be expanded, offering a flexible solution for the future.

Working With An Existing Feed In Tariff System

For this particular project, we had an interesting challenge on our hands. The homeowner had an existing solar panel system. Our job was not only to incorporate new panels but also a state-of-the-art battery system, all the while making sure everything worked seamlessly together.

The battery system, a key component in this installation, had the crucial role of charging from both the existing and the newly installed solar system. This allowed for maximised energy capture and use, ensuring no potential solar power was wasted. It also assured that the homeowner could store excess energy produced by both sets of panels, providing a reliable source of power even when the sun wasn’t shining.

Our choice of inverter played a critical role here. Although we were adding just 2.5KW of new solar panels, we chose to use a 5KW inverter. This decision may seem counterintuitive at first glance, but it had a very specific purpose: to facilitate a 5KW charge and discharge rate for the battery. By doing this, we ensured that the battery system could work at full capacity, thus enabling maximum energy storage and efficiency.

Preserving the Existing Feed in Tariff

Another crucial aspect of this project was ensuring the existing Feed In Tariff solar system maintained its Feed-in Tariff (FiT) payments. The FiT scheme, previously introduced by the UK government, provides homeowners with payments for the renewable electricity they generate and export back to the grid. Although the scheme has closed for new applicants, homeowners with existing arrangements can still benefit.

Therefore, it was imperative to integrate the new system in a way that the original one continued to qualify for FiT. We achieved this by having the new and existing systems work independently in generating power but cooperatively when charging the battery. The result? A sustainable energy solution that truly delivered the best of both worlds, preserving the homeowner’s FiT income while enhancing their home’s renewable energy capabilities.

Through careful planning and the right choice of hardware, we managed to devise a system that not only expands the homeowner’s solar power capacity but also ensures that they continue to receive their well-deserved FiT payments.

Reaping the Rewards: Energy Savings and More

This homeowner was not only looking for a way to reduce their carbon footprint but also to save a bit on their energy bills. And guess what? They got both! By generating their own solar energy and using the battery storage system to store excess energy, they significantly reduced their reliance on the grid. Coupled with the Octopus Go tariff, which offers a discounted rate for electricity used during off-peak hours, the homeowner is now set to enjoy impressive savings.

Join the Solar Revolution!

Are you feeling inspired by this Findern homeowner’s solar journey? Perhaps you’re considering how a similar setup could benefit you. We’re here to help! Our team of solar energy experts can guide you through assessing your energy needs and designing a bespoke solar installation system that meets your requirements. Get in touch with us today. Fill out our contact form or call us on 01332 498130. Let’s work together to embrace the power of the sun!