Do I need an approved installer to add components to my system?

At the start of this year, I had two GE AIO 13.5KW batteries fitted and a GE Gateway. I'm over the moon with the system and it's saving me a fortune on electricity, just by charging during the cheap hours available on Octopus Go. However, I want to get solar panels fitted to further increase the benefits. The issue I'm having is that my installer doesn't appear to be available to carry this work out. The power cable and data cable for solar panels to the Gateway was run to the attic at the same time as the batteries were installed.

What I would like to know was, do I need an approved GE installer in order to get the solar panels connected to the Gateway or would any solar panel installer be able to do it since the cabling is already in place.

I'm sure I'll be able to get a hold of my installer eventually, but I'd like to maximise the summer months as much as I can so I'm considering using someone else.

Who is your supplier? Try Octopus.

Roy124 Octopus haven't used GE kit for a year or so now.

Vestas ah, I was just thinking as a Solar installer not Givenergy specifically. I came to Givenergy via a bucket shop which folded just after my certificates had been finalised. My Brother in Law recommended them but the gave him a different system.

I don't have an issue finding another installer locally who can fit solar panels. My only concern was the ability to get the panels connected to the Gateway in order to talk to the system. I wondered if that would require an approved GE installer to do that?

Kevo1 try asking the local installer. Now I have no idea of my actual fitter's situation except he mine was his first Givenergy installation and he needed to 'phone a friend' to work through the setup and calibration. I recall he had to return the following morning.

Of course mine was all fitted at once, Canadian panels, Givenergy inverter and battery.

When I had EPS added to my inverter, the local electrician did the installation and took the GE online course so they could connect it to the inverter without affecting the warranty. My original GE installer then had to come along and recommission the system.

alan_johnston ah ok. Sounds as though I would be best to just wait on the availability of my local GE installer. Will definitely save a lot of hassle down the line. I also want to get the GE car charger fitted. All cabling in. Again though, just need to get a hold of the installer. Guess I'm just impatient.

Kevo1 The only difference between straight PV and via the Gateway is that the PV is fed into and metered via the Gateway. If the wiring is all in place, it should be relatively simple to put your PV in. The Gateway should already have the CT installed to measure solar output and probably the installer already put in the MCB required in the gateway too. Open it up and have a look. A competent sparky should be able to work it out.

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My installer was happy for local electrian to do the leg work and they just come along and update the system at the end. Was probably cheaper too.

Ultima357 that was what I initially thought. As far as I know, everything was put in other than the panels themselves. He even put in the wee counter thing in the Gateway to measure the solar input. I'll speak to the installer first to double check if he'd be happy for me to use someone else. Even if he's not available, I think it wise to let him know at least. Just in case there is something he needs to do.