Off Grid solar - EPC and FIT advice please

saint · Jun 8, 2012

We are quoting our first small off grid solar project which I am really keen to get. A couple of questions though...
I understand the client can claim the generation part of the FIT, but what is the current rate for off grid?
Is an EPC needed? There is no mains supply obviously, and no heating yet. Although we are looking at cost of getting a wood burner installed.
The installation is on a timber framed building to be used as a learning center at a nature/ wetland center.

many thanks

njcuk · Apr 10, 2013

Have any DC meters been MCS accredited for off-grid use yet?

njcuk · Apr 17, 2013

njcuk said:
Have any DC meters been MCS accredited for off-grid use yet?

anyone???

Earthstore · Apr 17, 2013

Do you not still use an inverter to change DC to AC, the another inverter to change stored DC back to AC?
I can not see you wanting to put up to 1000v DC through a meter and also into batteries.

Not sure if this is correct, but if it is then surely you would use a standard approved AC meter.

njcuk · Apr 17, 2013

Earthstore said:
Do you not still use an inverter to change DC to AC, the another inverter to change stored DC back to AC?
I can not see you wanting to put up to 1000v DC through a meter and also into batteries.

Not sure if this is correct, but if it is then surely you would use a standard approved AC meter.

I generally don't know. Not an electrician, but have been asked (down to grid capacity being taken) the customer wanted to know the feasibility. He would use all of the generated electric.

Thank

Earthstore · Apr 17, 2013

Google SMA Sunny Island, you should find all the information you need there.

TedM · Apr 18, 2013

Meters are not specifically subject to MCS approval. There used to be a separate list of OFGEM-approved meters but now they just have to be MID approved (an EU regulation) to qualify as useable for FiTs.

See MID approved electricity meters | Gas and electricity meters | BIS for more detail.

ExtremePV · Apr 18, 2013

There are no DC kWh meters that are OFGEM approved.

What size of system are you looking at? Best solution is SMA Sunny Island inverter and suitable SunnyBoy for the PV. Give me a call and I'd be happy to discuss. Power Inverters | Solar Inverters | G83 Inverters

Ken

SibertSolar · Apr 18, 2013

Wow, a whole thread where no-one actually answered the OP's question......

I believe that stand-alone/off-grid FiT rates are currently 7.1p/kWh to end April, 6.85p/kWh from 1st May to end June. No EPC required as far as I know.

Earthstore · Apr 18, 2013

SibertSolar said:
Wow, a whole thread where no-one actually answered the OP's question......

I believe that stand-alone/off-grid FiT rates are currently 7.1p/kWh to end April, 6.85p/kWh from 1st May to end June. No EPC required as far as I know.

The OP's thread was nearly a year ago, my guess would be he has sorted it by now:wink_smile:

It was just resurrected in a different form.

SibertSolar · Apr 18, 2013

Aha! Holy thread resurrection batman! ;-) I should pay more attention...

TedM · Apr 19, 2013

And your answer was wrong as well, Andy!

Off-grid FiT rates are the same as on-grid and EPC still applies.

The stand-alone rates only apply where the grid is being fed where there is no building on site with an electrical supply, e.g. a solar farm.