Renewables

[Earthstore]

thanks that makes perfect sense!!!! but why would you fit a small 2way consumer unit if there are 2/3 spare ways in the DB not knowing the rcd will trip when its all installed with the voltis unit

Because then the PV would be connected after the Voltis, so any export would be trying to go back through the Voltis unit, which it can not do.
I believe it is quite clear in the instructions about fitting PV with a Voltis (I may be wrong).

You would not fit your 16a PV MCB on the RCD side just because there was a space, would you?

I hope this helps.

 

[sedgy34]

Because then the PV would be connected after the Voltis, so any export would be trying to go back through the Voltis unit, which it can not do.
I believe it is quite clear in the instructions about fitting PV with a Voltis (I may be wrong).

You would not fit your 16a PV MCB on the RCD side just because there was a space, would you?

I hope this helps.

i have a voltis unit on the van i will wire it in my house this weekend i also have a 4kw system on my roof i will see if your correct on your assumptions i will report back monday on this (im intrigued) as voltis manufacturer say otherwise

 

[JulianC]

Johnny Ball reveals all:

http://savepowerathome.co.uk/sites/default/files//Voltis%20Home%20with%20PV%20system%20-%20DOC00177.pdf

 

[Earthstore]

https://elementshop.co.uk/downloads/products/Voltis_PV_1.pdf

Have you seen this?

Add. Julian beat me to it!

 

[Glen Powell]

The way I see it is yes the system reduces voltage which works great for lighting although they be a bit dimmer, some loads surly will not work as well, a couple of our electricians have been sent on the vphase course but they are not convinced either way.

Lighting is the biggest consumer of electricity in most households and I am sure this is where the biggest saving is made, your new TV / computer monitor with less voltage will reduce bills but maybe with less brightness within the screen.

Other loads will require the same energy no matter what, the only difference is you reduce voltage and the current increases, Wattage in these scenarios will be the same or am I missing something.

 

[sedgy34]

Johnny Ball reveals all:

http://savepowerathome.co.uk/sites/default/files//Voltis%20Home%20with%20PV%20system%20-%20DOC00177.pdf

spot on!!!l
ooks like ive inherited a voltis unit lol

 

[sedgy34]

The way I see it is yes the system reduces voltage which works great for lighting although they be a bit dimmer, some loads surly will not work as well, a couple of our electricians have been sent on the vphase course but they are not convinced either way.

Lighting is the biggest consumer of electricity in most households and I am sure this is where the biggest saving is made, your new TV / computer monitor with less voltage will reduce bills but maybe with less brightness within the screen.

Other loads will require the same energy no matter what, the only difference is you reduce voltage and the current increases, Wattage in these scenarios will be the same or am I missing something.

as im aware the voltis does everything through the mains the v phase you have to take circuits out and put them in that unit and connect back to the DB

 

[Glen Powell]

as im aware the voltis does everything through the mains the v phase you have to take circuits out and put them in that unit and connect back to the DB

The results will still be the same in my opinion, you cannot create electricity that is not there, instead you will reduce the perfomance of some items to save money, in other words an eleven watt bulb may work at 9 watts (buy a 9 watt bulb), a hover working less efficiently (buy a brush).

Basically these systems are sold to us without us thinking, there is a consiquence in these systems and the laws of physics says so, if you are reducing your electricity consumption you are reducing the performance of the product that require that electricity.

 

[Earthstore]

Glen, up to a point you are correct.
However, if your mains power is coming it at 245V or even up to 253V, then you are wasting power.
If you reduce that power to 220V everything will work fine, your motors and bulbs should last longer too.
The only electric item that will not save you money though is a heating element, like a kettle, because for the water to reach a said temperature it will have to run for longer, therefore using the some amount of electricity.
PS the VPhase goes into bypass at 20A as the Voltis (much easier to install) goes into bypass at 60A, which makes it more suitable for domestic use.
Make sure to get the HD version though.
I hope this helps.

 

[sedgy34]

The results will still be the same in my opinion, you cannot create electricity that is not there, instead you will reduce the perfomance of some items to save money, in other words an eleven watt bulb may work at 9 watts (buy a 9 watt bulb), a hover working less efficiently (buy a brush).

Basically these systems are sold to us without us thinking, there is a consiquence in these systems and the laws of physics says so, if you are reducing your electricity consumption you are reducing the performance of the product that require that electricity.

maybe depends how you disect it, but with voltage optimisation all uk appliances dont need 230/240v to work they will work on 220v but without any voltage optimisation unit installed the appliances will automatically draw maximum voltage thats there,hence dropping the voltage and saving an extra on electricity

 

[Glen Powell]

OK so I have 1 guy with a voltage into his home at 261v and in this case I can see the benefit although we got the DNO in and changed it to 239v free of charge, I do understand that if you are at 249 then you will not be given this service as it is within permitted range.

We now talk about the fact that the reduced power input will save appliances (I to a point agree) however on other threads people have been stating they are oversize the panel array to give better yeild in winter, this does not compute.

Lowering voltage works in certain aspects, but I like my bright light, the fact that they are LED does not hinder my energy consumption or lifecycle of them, rather than promoting the voltage reduction systems I would prefer to offer low energy products with longer guarentees.

Totally apart from my retoric, I have also found that people installing these systems will usually buy other energy efficient systems within the same year period be it a fridge that has reached it 20 year service medal or swapping the CRT TV for a LCD/LED, it is only when you are aware of bills you make changes, I slashed mine by over 50% (electricity) before thinking about PV, however it cost a fortune to do so.

 

[Earthstore]

It is all a matter of opinion here really, I like the fact, that by fitting a unit I can save around 10% (18% claimed) on an electricity bills, also the appliances should last longer too.
The grid can be from 216V-253V, and everything will and does work even above and below this range, but what is the ideal for all?
My opinion is 220V is perfect.

Just because your car can go 120MPH you do not drive it everywhere at that speed (apart from mums on the school run), the best and most economical speed for a car is still 56MPH, so its a similar thing really.

 

[cogsey133]

Glen, up to a point you are correct.
However, if your mains power is coming it at 245V or even up to 253V, then you are wasting power.
If you reduce that power to 220V everything will work fine, your motors and bulbs should last longer too.
The only electric item that will not save you money though is a heating element, like a kettle, because for the water to reach a said temperature it will have to run for longer, therefore using the some amount of electricity.
PS the VPhase goes into bypass at 20A as the Voltis (much easier to install) goes into bypass at 60A, which makes it more suitable for domestic use.
Make sure to get the HD version though.
I hope this helps.

I have no preference of one system over another as i feel it is up to the client to decide which system they need; after giving them some advice on price, looking at their needs etc. I was just wondering however is the 20A bypass figure you quote for the VPhase vx1? Also do you have any information on their vx2 and vx5 models as i cannot seem to find anything on them

 

[Earthstore]

No sorry, I can not help you on that.
After spending too much time researching these units, in my opinion, although the Vphase was a cheaper unit, the extra time to install, and the fact it went into bypass at 20a, I thought that the Voltis was a much better unit.
I am working on a 3 phase system at the moment, and have been in conversation with marshalls about this.

 

[sedgy34]

No sorry, I can not help you on that.
After spending too much time researching these units, in my opinion, although the Vphase was a cheaper unit, the extra time to install, and the fact it went into bypass at 20a, I thought that the Voltis was a much better unit.
I am working on a 3 phase system at the moment, and have been in conversation with marshalls about this.

you may find the payback on a 3phase voltis outweighs the outlay costs