G83/g59? 3.6kw/4kw

[Maff]

I have been reading the threads on the forum regarding conecting 4KW on a G83, and have wondered has anyone had a DNO order a dissconection for doing this. I did a client visit/survey this week and ascertained that due to orrientation and shading of part of the roof he could get 3KW, but he insisted that another firm had assured him he could have 4KW (@43p a unit). When I explained that 4KW was outside of G83 (not to mention that nearly a quarter of the roof was permantly in shade) he was nonplused, and said that the other firm never mentioned this. As having only just got MCS we dont want to risk breaking any rules especially as there are repeated whispers of a tightening up of the regulations.

 

[SolarCity]

Speak to the DNO, Maff. They'll be able to tell you what you can do/what they expect from you.

 

[solarcat]

Please do speak with you DNO ASAP. Western Power are usually very strict on this, although in some cases they can agree to a 4 kWp system installed under G83 if the local grid has aready been modernised.

Even if the DNO say that you cannot, you could still find an inverter that limits the current output to 16 Amps (e.g. Fronius IG TL 3.6, Aurora Power One 3600) and can be compatible with panels reaching 4 kWp. This will normally need to be explained carefully to the customer as it can be seen as "paying for 4 kWp but only being able to make 3.6". We all know that undersizing the inverter is good practice considering the average UK weather...but your Client may not be aware of this.

 

[MorganPVI]

Ignore the DNO, it will take time and money to get approval for an overspec'd SMA4000tl.

Fit Aurora 3,6 or a Fronius - it's our standard offering for any WPD area customers.

 

[dansk]

I do 4kwp allday long, as Morgan says just use a inverter that's capped.

 

[SolarCity]

Ignore the DNO, it will take time and money to get approval for an overspec'd SMA4000tl.

Fit Aurora 3,6 or a Fronius - it's our standard offering for any WPD area customers.

As long as it's the indoor Aurora!

To be honest, we are getting very quick responses for our >16A applications so it is not generally an issue.

 

[moggy1968]

does anyone know contact details for SSE for this. rang their general number, spent 2 hours on the phone, non the wiser!!!
they are rubbish!!!

 

[Noshocks]

Biggs, is there something wrong with the outdoor version of the PVI 3.6 that i'm not aware of, we fit lots of them, as well as the indoor version?

 

[SolarCity]

No, theres nothing wrong with it as far as I am aware. My point is that the outdoor 3.6 would need prior DNO permission.

 

[BruceB]

I do not think it needs prior permission. Although the maximum current is a touch over 16A, the maximum continuous current, which defines the TIC and DNC, I have derived from the 'nominal' output which is 3.6kW and therefore within Stage 1 range. I have so far simply declared them as a Stage 1 connection and not had a comeback.

I acknowledge some DNOs might get stuffy about it which is probably why the Power-One engineer at the Wellington Segen Conf said to me that inverters shipped since June were going to be current limited to a maximum of 16A. I do not know whether that has happened OK, or whether there is a particular firmware version or serial number from which that applies. Perhaps Aurora Service can comment?

Regards
Bruce

 

[moggy1968]

I have seen a memo from SSE saying they will accept the lower output of either inverter or panels as evidence of compliance with G85, so a 4kW array on a 3.6kW inverter complies. other DNOs may differ.

 

[Noshocks]

Our standard system is a 3.95kw array with a PVI-3.6-OUT inverter, not had any problems with WPD to date using the G83 commisioning form.

 

[Aurora_Service]

Folks,

We are in the position to confirm that all PVI-3.6–OUTD-UK will be clamped to 16 amps in line with the tightening DNO requirements. The enforcement by the DNOs remains inconsistent but my acting now we shall have product in place to meet the tightening demands.

In terms of serial numbers all 3.6 OUTD Inverters with a serial number greater than 621395 will be clamped. The first production came off the production line on September the 23[SUP]rd.[/SUP]

1. We shall circulate the new G83 certificate for the PVI 3.6-OUTD-UK no later then Friday October 14[SUP]th[/SUP]
2. The Power-One Stringtool Designer Software shall be altered so that the choice will be available to use the new UK variant.

Regards

A_S

 

[BruceB]

Helpful update, thanks A_S

One more for you as you are on a roll. When we as installers notify the DNO under G83/1-1 Stage 1 following commissioning, we are meant to confirm that the protection settings of the inverter have been set correctly. With an SMA inverter that is easy to check using Sunny Explorer. It is also necessary, as sometimes my wholesaler seems to deliver European market inverters to us in strange colours with unusual labels on them and defaulting to elsewhere. How are we meant to do the check with the Auroras? Unless I missed it, on boot up the display does not mention UK or G83. The currency defaults to EUR rather than GBP so that had me worried on the first one I installed. Are we meant to trust you, or is there some setting we can check for G83?

Regards
Bruce

 

[BruceB]

Rather sad that Aurora_Service has been banned. He was providing useful, factual information in answer to our queries and was not over-promoting Aurora or rubbishing competitors. What's going on mods?
Regards
Bruce