G83/2

[TedM]

As if everyone didn't have enough to cope with at the moment the ENA have suddenly decided that G83/2 is ready to be launched.

Currently they are saying from June 1st - but with a 15 month transitional period when G83/1 will continue to be valid.

I'm currently trying to get them to get manufacturers and DNOs all aligned with this - hence posting in here rather than openly as things are not completely settled just yet. They had some strange story that protracted MCS accreditation would affect the timing but I don't know where they got that idea from.

So expect the unexpected and that DNOs may be putting G83/2 documents on their websites from 1st June and that inverter manufacturers will take some time to catch up before they start issuing G83/2 certificates for their products. I've asked that DNOs should continue with availability and acceptance of G83/1 documents until the end of the transition period - but ENAs approach sounds a little unclear and rushed at the last minute.

But everyone should be able to continue with G83/1 at least until September 2013 by which time all new inverters should be coming through with G83/2 certificates.

If you have a large stockpile of G83/1 inverters (!) you will want to start getting rid of them now. How many makes/models will be dual G83/1 and G83/2 compliant I don't know.

 

[TedM]

Now I'm hearing that inverters may need to be MCS accredited - hence the link in with G83/2. Many DNOs are unhappy with the quality of inverters being used apparently and want more reassurance that only top-notch products get installed. I assume that MCS would have to run with this as a consultation process first before any changes could be made.

This, of course, would reduce availability of makes/models of inverters and increase costs.

 

[solarsavings]

This, of course, would reduce availability of makes/models of inverters and increase costs.

What a surprise! add to that the fact that we will soon have to use mounting system that are module specific and our install prices will have to go up and work will.....................................oh ffs

 

[TedM]

Just to correct what I said:

there is no specific link between G83/2 and MCS accredited inverters. Just that my ENA contact happened to mention them in the same email. They haven't started discussions on the subject yet but the DNOs are rumbling about it.

And the launch date for G83/2 is dependent on OFGEM giving the go-ahead. Once G83/2 is launched there will be new guidance documents on the ENA website.

 

[Gavin A]

thanks for posting about that Ted. Any idea what changes they're looking at?

 

[SolarCity]

ER G83/2 draft for public consultation - The solar PV blog » The solar PV blog

 

[TedM]

OFGEM have got their hands on G83/2 and have made some changes to it. This means another round of consultation before it gets released so more delay.

You can find a copy of the latest version of G83/2 here: http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Networks/Te...-07-12 inc Ofgem comments - clean version.pdf

along with the consultation docs here: Connection of Small-Scale Generation

If you want to make any comments then you can submit them to [email protected] by 28 September 2012.

 

[Worcester]

Just had a run through it, unless I've missed something significant, the processes and forms seem to make life a little easier for the installer.

The upper and lower voltage limits have been changed and are possibly a little more lenient. (max 262.2 @1.0 sec and 273.7 @0.5 sec )

They do seem though to be making it clear that >3.68Kw - 16A @230V (not just 16A ) will be a G59 application, whereas some DNO's have untill now (and some still are..) allowed the relaxation to install G83 up to 17kW / phase.

With the relaxation in voltage tolerances in G83/2, they are going to have to do something similar to G59 - currently upper limit of 253 V - perhaps that will be upped to the old G83 of 264V .... Otherwise they are going to have to go out there and drop voltages at transformers everywhere..

So these changes might cause problems on older G59 installations as voltages creep up - perhaps they may allow a reconfiguration on those sites?

Current Parameters are:
G83/1-1
Over voltage 264V 5s

G59/2
Over voltage Stage 1 253V 1s
Over voltage Stage 2 264.5V 0.5s

Proposed G83/2:
Over voltage stage 1 262.2V 1.0s
Over voltage stage 2 273.7V 0.5s