Solar panel questions

[jerseycowsman]

Hi guys, I’ve bought a farm with an array of panels on the dairy roof. I’ve got the FIT payments successfully transferred to me. But that’s about all I know. It looks like there’s a meter to measure how much is generated, will that just get knocked off what I use? Or how does it work. How many kWh do you think an array like that in SE Cornwall will generate?

 

[Doing it for the kids]

@Exfarmer will give you a Precise predicted spreadsheet For your next 12 months and second....

he will need to know how big the array is, Lehrer Pannel numbers or total kw’s rating

 

[upnortheast]

Way they usually work simple explanation - the feed from the panels is connected direct into your supply after your mains meter. Because the solar inverters send the power out at a slightly higher voltage (pressure ) than mains the solar leccy is used first, so you mains meter doesn't turn.
The meter in your pic is recording your solar production regardless of how it is used. Bigger arrays may have a extra export meter.
You are paid fit on all your production. If array is under 30kw they assume you use 50% so pay export for 50% If over 30kw you will have an export meter. and paid on that reading.
You also benefit from the solar power you use on site which means your leccy bill will be less.
Do you know the size of your array. ? Each panel will probably be about 1/4 KW the orientation , angle & any shading are relevant when predicting output

 

[An Gof]

Hi guys, I’ve bought a farm with an array of panels on the dairy roof. I’ve got the FIT payments successfully transferred to me. But that’s about all I know. It looks like there’s a meter to measure how much is generated, will that just get knocked off what I use? Or how does it work. How many kWh do you think an array like that in SE Cornwall will generate?

Pelynt area?

 

[Exfarmer]

Hi
northeast has given a good basic explanation
however, i think that meter pictured, is your import meter, but I could be wrong.
You need to be registered with a FIt provider.
you will need to provide fit readings every 3 months
do not worry if you miss a reading as it will be credited next time.
The FIT production had nothing to do with import and you can be registered with totally different companies for the two
it does lokk like you have a sub 30kw install so exports are 50% of FIT production
any help please shout
dont believe anything that DIFTK says about me

 

[onesiedale]

Apologies for hijacking thread but some more solar q's
We have a south facing roof 90' x 20'
Underneath the roof is a cold store. Is it a simple job for solar panels to power the fridge?
Would it be economically viable?
Do FiTs still exist?
What would be approx cost of installation and potential savings/returns?

 

[Exfarmer]

Apologies for hijacking thread but some more solar q's
We have a south facing roof 90' x 20'
Underneath the roof is a cold store. Is it a simple job for solar panels to power the fridge?
Would it be economically viable?
Do FiTs still exist?
What would be approx cost of installation and potential savings/returns?

On this roof you should be able to get about 40 Kw of solar panels
it is most definitrly not possible to directly power fridges.
you will need a mains connection and the solar will assist the supply.
There are no longer any FIT payments.
if you are running a large fridge, it will most definitely pay to install
cost will be in the order of £35-40 K
savings will depend on usage

 

[upnortheast]

Be a good start to get your sparky to put a temporary meter on your cold room supply a then read the meter every week. Then you will have some actual numbers to calculate viability of spending ££ on panels. @Exfarmer has a lot of data on seasonal variations of solar production . I suspect there will be better roc looking at heat recovery from your cold store compressor