SMA Inverter

[Veryhandyman]

Can anyone tell me are SMA3600tl/20 capt at 3600 and is the SMA 4000tl capt at 3600 or is it 4000 Watts
is it also right that the grid only allows 3600
Please let me know asap.

 

[Gavin A]

3600TL is capped at 3680W AC output, which equates to the G83 limit of 16amps per phase, or 3680W single phase at 230V nominal grid voltage.

4000Tl isn't capped as standard, but can be limited by the installer, then password protected to prevent the user from altering it, which should comply with G83 requirements, although some DNO's occasionally try to argue the ---- on that point (all have backed down with us so far).

 

[Veryhandyman]

Thank You very much Gavin 1[SUP]st[/SUP] Class answer,
What the solar Co have done they have fitted the 3600tl20 and not a 4000tl
with 16x250Watt Panels (Suntelitte)4000Watts in the summer would it reach or go higher?
(They sold me a 4KWatt system and I take it its only a 3.680 system)
They even connected the Livewire to the consumer unit to the the feed on the sockets so if I had turned off the trip on a nice sunny day I could have had a belt) They have since fitted a 16amp mcb there was 2 spare places for them even that was a Wilex and not MEM so had to file buzz bar it was to wide.
Should I report them and if yes who to reiga?
Thanks Mick

 

[Gavin A]

it's fairly standard to sell 4kWp systems on inverters limited to 3.68kW AC output, though we're pretty specific about it in our quotes.

In reality 4kWp of panels would very rarely kick out 4kW AC output even when totally unlimited, and even then only for a few minutes at a time until the panels heated up, due to performance loss of ~0.45% per degree of temperature above 25 deg panel temp, plus inverter losses of 5-6%. So a 3600Tl is basically perfectly matched to your system.

Wiring to your socket circuit however.... very naughty, but if they've swiftly resolved this I suppose there's not much to be done about it.

 

[Veryhandyman]

Once again Gavin thank you very much for getting back to me,
that’s all I need to know.
I have been moaning at the sale's rep and he's having a word with his boss to see if it can be changed to 4000
You have put my mind at rest and it cant then that will be ok,
Thank you Mick:blush5:

 

[BruceB]

If you want to change to a 4000TL and not have it limited, then you will need advance permission from the DNO.

 

[Veryhandyman]

Thank you for advise
Should I or the Compamy that installed it in the 1st place let the DNO know?
Thanks Mick

 

[Earthstore]

If the Inverter is less than 3.68 kw and under16 amp,(as the TL3600) as the Inverter if G83 approved it can be installed under G83 rules, IE install first then you have 28 days to inform the DNO that you have connected to the grid.

If the larger TL 4000 is used it is over 3.68kw, so this is installed under G59 rules, which means you have to get prior permission from the DNO before installation, which, they could refuse (very rare) or insist on you paying for upgrades to their system.

Also some DNO's will except a TL4000 that has been restricted to 3.68kw by the installer, but some will only except factory set G83's.

It is your installers that contact the DNO (well they should do), you will have no knowledge of this, you could ask the installers if you are concerned.

I hope this helps

 

[Earthstore]

PS. I would have the TL3600 over the TL4000 on your system, over a year it would probably produce more kwh

 

[babba]

We install 4000 tl under G83 no problem there are some DNO not restricted to the 3.68..

Who is your DNO..????

 

[Gavin A]

We install 4000 tl under G83 no problem there are some DNO not restricted to the 3.68..

Who is your DNO..????

when you say this, do you mean you have permission from the DNO to install up to 4kW as standard under G83, or just that you've got away with doing it every time so far?

 

[babba]

Under uk power networks you can install 4kw with a 4000tl they dont have a problem under G83..been doing this for 2 years..

 

[Veryhandyman]

(DNO) Distribution Network Operator
www.nationalgrid.com/uk/Electricity/.../DistributionCompanies/
Thank you all for the informatation

 

[babba]

look at your electricity bill that will tell your Mpan..you can who is your DNO by this..example of how your Mpan looks below...

National Grid: Distribution Network Operator (DNO) Companies

You are here: Home > MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number)
MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number)

An MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) is a unique number to the property. It is found on the electricity bill issued by your supplier. This is sometimes called a Supply Number but it should not be confused by your customer reference number
The full MPAN is 21 digits in length and should be printed in the format below on a recent electricity bill.

If you wish to find out your MPAN you can call your local electricity supplier - whose telephone number you will can see at MPAN Requests.
If you ask for their MPAS department they should be able to either tell you the full 21 digit MPAN or arrange to send it to you.
For a detailed explanation of your MPAN see the following:

 

[danesol]

PS. I would have the TL3600 over the TL4000 on your system, over a year it would probably produce more kwh

Could you please enlarge on why this is possible as that doesnt make sense to the average layman ??