Addition of PV Panels but not official

Leccy_learner · May 18, 2014

Evening guys,

this is just a question really that was thrown up in a conversation and therefore it isn't something to put in to practise.
It's also worth noting that I'm not in the solar industry.

My friend has a 4kw system but was talking about installing his own panels on another roof, installing inverter and isolation switches, etc. but then went on to say that the output would drop in to a junction box/block after the current inverter (before generation meter). Therefore increasing both production and FiT income.

firstly I doubt this is legal? I also think that should his energy company find out, it would void his FiT contract?

really trying to get facts etc to talk him out of doing something that is going to go all "Pete tong". Thanks in advance.

TedM · May 18, 2014

You are right. The meter readings are monitored for 'reasonableness' given the declared size of the panels and if the extra generation was significant enough to stand out then he would almost certainly get an audit. Any un-notified panels going through his FiT generation meter would get his FiT payments stopped (he might have to repay anything he has already received) and possibly a case of fraud pursued against him.

Gavin A · May 18, 2014

as above, it's fraud, and they won't have permission to connect to the grid either.

Leccy_learner · May 18, 2014

Thanks, pretty much my line of thinking.

i would have thought that a 4kw system producing, say, 3kw per year, then trying to 'top up' (eg 500w) with this stupid idea would still be subject to an audit so some sort. As the companies would hold statistical information for similar installations locally.

i will pass on your comments, cheers

Worcester · May 19, 2014

But what does he have to lose by doing it legally? Not a lot if you add it all up. Best to do that that way.

Leccy_learner · May 19, 2014

I don't know how much it would cost for a proper installer and legal installation, but he is as tight as a ducks .....

i have shown him this thread and I think he's now realising its stupid to go down that route. So, thanks for the info.

But I found out his father has a pv system (professional install) and runs his own system along side which charges batteries and uses some sort of converter that simply plugs in the wall? But from my understanding it just reduces his bills (no FiT).

Gavin A · May 19, 2014

a plug with pins that remain live for a few seconds after they're unplugged from the socket is commonly referred to as a widow maker for fairly obvious reasons.