Connection to the grid - questions for the veterans ;-)

[Martin Dawes]

I'm installing my first PV system this week (if my builder pulls his finger out and finishes the sodding roof....) and there are still things that I'm not sure about.

What effect will my PV system have on my existing meter? Will it try to turn it backwards? Will it damage it?

How are FITs paid? Who reads the meter? Who, directly, pays the FITs?

I'm embarrassed to be even asking these questions having been an NICEIC electrician for the last 18 years, and especially after doing the NICEIC course a few weeks back.

I would appreciate any help from those of you that are already doing your PV installations.

 

[Martin Dawes]

Also, do I need a generation meter if my inverter is easily accessible?

 

[Noshocks]

1. You always have to fit a generation meter (assuming you want fits), and it needs to be easily accesible, next to consumer unit for example, full list of approved meters has just been produced by MCS as a revision.

2. Yes array will turn meter backwards depending on type fitted, you need to contact supplier and get it replaced if required.

3. If your using the system as a test install then you need read up some more, G83 etc, go to the NICEIC site and look at the literature required for registration for MCS.

 

[Martin Dawes]

Thanks for the reply, Noshocks. I was told elsewhere that a generation meter wasn't required if the inverter had the data on it. I'm trying to remember where I was told it and I seem to remember it being asked during the NICEIC course.

How can you tell if the meter will run backwards? Does this mean that an array can not be switched on till this problem is rectified?

I do have G83 and a few other documents but they're not entirely clear on everything.

What about the FITs payments? How does it work? Does someone come and read the meter?

Thanks for your answers, Noshocks ;-)

 

[Markc]

Hi Martin

Generation meter is required on all installations wanting to claim FITs. (don't know any that wouldn't!) Inverter is not a means of registering accepted under DNO requirements.

Not knowing what area you are under ie EDF etc then your DNO should have information on registering a SSEG. You will need to inform the DNO of an installed SSEG within 30days.

I have seen a meter turn backwards. (Its quite a sight!) Some meters will turn back and have no issues. Some have a back turn lock built in. These might need changing but notification to DNO should be enough. The third are the newer digital meter they do nothing other than record what's going into the property and so pose no problem at all.

I don't know of a way to say if the meter will turn backwards but like I said it didn't pose any problem other than the client getting a "surprise" meter reader turning up one day!

When you register the system on the MCS web site you will need to serial number make and model of the meter YOU install as well as serial number of inverter and MCS cert number of panels. Once registered the client gets an emailed certificate which they can take to ANY supplier for them to pay the FITs. It doesn't have to be their current supplier either, anyone of them will pay it. Jury is out on who reads the FITs meter. I seem to think it will be the customer in the main with a annual check by the DNO but once the Smarts are out who knows as meter readers are out of work at that stage.

And never be embarrassed to ask any question. NO ONE knows everything. If you don't ask you don't get! Now where's the wife?

 

[Martin Dawes]

Thanks for the info, Mark.

Our DNO is E-On Central Networks and I'm going to give them a call in the morning and ask them about my meter. Looks like I'll have to get myself a generation meter too.

With my change in insurance details, crimpers, testers and courses, this venture is getting very expensive. Hopefully it'll pay off.

 

[Noshocks]

Martin, i have dealt with Eon, when you need to register install you need the following email, [email protected] the person who deals with it is Kelly McLaughlin, it took me six phone calls to get the contact information, got response same day and she mailed customer and cc'd me the acceptance of installation, very efficient. Dont waste your time phoning anyone else, from experience.

I am not sure about the metering side as customer usually deals with it, they wont know what you are talking about with regard to the 'total genreration meter' that you fit so be warned!

 

[Martin Dawes]

Ah! I can't thank you enough.

I'm sure my experience of DNO's and suppliers is no different from the rest of you. It takes you an age to get through to the right department.

I'll send her an email this morning.

Thanks mate.

 

[Markc]

At least Eon get back to you once its registered to say they have accepted it. EDF (Effortlessly Deficient F**kers!) have never replied to one of our notifications. Not to us or the client. I now put a copy of the notification sheet in the handbook just to show the client I have at least sent it in. Poor show really as if someone wanted to hold back a payment until they receive conformation there's little I can do to prove it. Still that's EDF for you. Sounds as if Eon has it sorted. Can I ask what areas Eon cover? I've a couple of installs in the smoke (London) coming up so will be registering possibly via a different DNO to our normal. Be good to know what others do. EDF also get shirty with the client when they claim their FITS if its from them. They like to reject every application for a decimal point out of place! Good job we can get the MCS certs amended easily.

 

[Martin Dawes]

E-on (or Central Networks) cover West and East Midlands as far as I know.

The DNO in London is EDF and as far as I know, that's not changable.

Can you register your system for FITs with any supplier or do you have to go with the DNO?

 

[Martin Dawes]

Incidentally, I spoke to E-on today and they were spot on - a rarity for the services (I'm also dealing with National Grid for a seperate project and they are simply shocking)

 

[Noshocks]

Eon cover right down to North of Bristol, then its Western Power Distribuition (WPD) they are very good as well, seems lucky for me both the DNO's I deal with seem to be the exception to the rule!

 

[Markc]

Can register FITs with any supplier. It just turns out that some of our customers have EDF as the DNO and as supplier! Not many clients go else where for the FITs payments. Most seem to go automatically to there existing supplier.

I thought EDF was London but was hoping it wasn't!