PV Help

[thrashuk]

Hi,

I am about to install a PV system on a bungalow roof and another system on a detached garage. The power to the detached garage is fed from the main house. Where do I install the generation meter to ensure it registers all power that is generated?:helmet:

 

[SolarCity]

Hmm, a pretty basic question. Are you PV trained? I'm not trying to be difficult, I'm just asking as there may be issues with installing on a detached garage which you may not be aware of.

The generation meter should be installed on the AC side of the inverter.

 

[thrashuk]

Yeah but never done one like this. I know the meter should be installed on the AC side, but my question in basic is i know I cannot install 2 meters, but where is the correct position to install the one?

 

[SolarCity]

Next to the inverter?

Be careful if the garage is fed from an RCD as this will need extra consideration.

 

[thrashuk]

I have two inverters? And the garage is fed from an MCB. This is what I was trying to explain, sorry for being confusing...

Normally, one gen meter next to inverter and then off to the CSU, I know that bit. However, garage fed by house CSU on an MCB. So therefore I need an inverter in the garage, and one in the house, BUT I can only install one gen meter. How is this configured?

 

[SolarCity]

Ah, I suppose that should teach me to read posts correctly!

If you're going to install the garage PV system on the existing supply then you will need two meters as far as I can tell.

 

[thrashuk]

I thought that, BUT there is only one space on the G83 and I have read that only one gen meter can be installed, which confused the hell out of my little cells.....If 2 are installed the customer just gives readings for both added together then I assume?

Have you done one like this??

 

[SolarCity]

No, I've never done an install that needed 2 meters before.

I know the garage is detached but is there any scope for running a new circuit in?

 

[GaryM]

Would it not be classed as two separate installations at the same address so 2 notifications to DNO and two MCS certificates?

Excuse me if I'm talking rubbish. Did my C&G2399 but never got around to installing so haven't dealt with the DNO or MCS.

What's the rating of each system?

 

[moggy1968]

you also need to check the size of cable feeding the garage. 99% of the time it won't be big enough.
how far is the run and what size is the garage system?

 

[yellowvanman]

Hi,

I am about to install a PV system on a bungalow roof and another system on a detached garage. The power to the detached garage is fed from the main house. Where do I install the generation meter to ensure it registers all power that is generated?:helmet:

You probably need to run a new cable down to the garage for the inverter there and then bring that into a new Garage DB with the other inverter, then take this through the meter.

 

[thrashuk]

Garage is fed from 6mm SWA and is only 5 metres away so is fine I would have thought

 

[thrashuk]

New cable not necessary or possible. I was only asking about 2 gen meters not re-wiring supply.

 

[GaryM]

yellowvanman suggested supplying both PV systems from a 2 way consumer unit then supply the consumer unit from the feed side of a single generation meter and finally onto your main consumer unit in the house.

That wouldn't be possible without an extra dedicated cable to your garage PV system due to other existing circuits in the garage.

 

[BruceB]

There is no reason not to have x2 generation meters if that is more convenient electrically. Otherwise the outputs of the 2 inverters need to be combined somewhere before any power is drawn off and a meter put after the join before it feeds into the house electrics. If you already have a cable to the detached garage and there are sockets or lights in that garage, then unless you run another cable you will need x2 meters.

Edit: Gary got in before me with much the same point