Solar Feed in Tariff

[Kryten]

Since commissioning my 40 KwH solar system I have used British Gas as my electricity supplier and I also have my FiT contract with them. My electric contract is nearly up and I can get cheaper electricity from elsewhere. Their Feed In team have been fine and never given me cause for concern.

My question is 'If I change my electricity provider, do I also have to change my FiT provider; or are they simply two different deals?'

 

[chickens and wheat]

separate , just change supplier no need to even mention the solar

 

[mikelaluz]

Hi Kryten
No you do not - There is no advantage to changing FIT supplier as they must all pay the going rate. However if you a 40 kWp system with half hourly metering you can shop around for the best Export payments.
Regards
Mike

 

[Kryten]

Thanks to you both, I don't bother with export as I believe with what I have spare and after expenses and tax I would just about break even. I can get on and sort my supply out now :O)

 

[Exfarmer]

Thanks to you both, I don't bother with export as I believe with what I have spare and after expenses and tax I would just about break even. I can get on and sort my supply out now :O)

Many meters will actually read the export, if you know how. Check your meter type and Google the instructions. It is often a matter of pressing buttons. If you are exporting more than 10,000 units per annum it may well be worth doing it.
However to gain the export the meter must be of the half hour type

 

[Kryten]

Thank ExF, I can see the export element on the meter and I'm just under the 10000. So frustrating - if the system was sub 30 it would be easier but we all know life just isn't like that!

 

[Mwf]

What prices are being charged for half hour meter readings? Who is cheapest?
How much does the export cost/payment vary?
We have a 50 kw roof and I am weighing up the options for export.....

 

[Exfarmer]

Hopefully you are in a Western power area which is reputed to offer some of the best deals.
Here in Npower territory I am paying £375 annually which is a complete rip off as that means the meters earn approx £750 a year both sides and they cost about £200 to buy!
The other thing to consider about export. Is that to get best returns you need to include the Lecs and Regos but this is fiddly reporting each month and you may not consider worth the extra .5 - 1 p a unit worth it on a 50kw set up

 

[mikelaluz]

What prices are being charged for half hour meter readings? Who is cheapest?
How much does the export cost/payment vary?
We have a 50 kw roof and I am weighing up the options for export.....

Hi Mwf

As per ex farmer cheapest and most hassle free option for installing is Western Power Smart Meters £275 to install and £45 per year maintenance.

But Data Collection and aggregation by say Stark (WPSM data collection partner) will cost £300 per year

It's all a rip off but in the end it's the maths that will make the decision. But you also need to factor in potential price rises in the wholesale cost of electricity as you always have the option on who you sell your export to. At present the smaller distributors are buying below the DECC 4.77p level but just a year ago they were 1 - 1.5p more than the Big 6
Kind Regards
Mike Smith

 

[Mwf]

Thanks, its a bit of a minefield.