I am negotiating with my DNO for additional solar PV via a G99 application.
Is it possible to set the a.c. coupled battery inverter so it limits export to the grid and satisfies the DNO via the G100 approval. If so how is this achieved. (I have a hard wired EM115) This would free up potentially another 3kW for PV generation.
T.I.A. Pete
Guzz Not sure about restricting export from the GE inverter but your PV inverter could be limited further. Can I ask how much solar you have now? I have had quotes to extend my systems from 7.02kw to 9.42kw and have been restricted to 3.68kw on previous export and apparently I will not need to make another G99 application.
Hi I have at present 3.68kW of panels feeding a 3.3kW inverter which is within the G98 requirements.
I also have a Givenergy ac coupled 3kW inverter (with 2 x 8.2 kWh batteries).
I have applied to the DNO with a G99 application to increase my PV and they have come back with a cap of a 6.5kW export limit. So with the Giveneregy 3.0kW and the 3.3kW existing PV inverter it leaves little headroom.
I have specified the proposed additional P.V.inverter would comply with G100 and could be limited to zero export if required, their response is they will look into their policy on this, so any additional leverage on my part would be welcomed, thus the question on restricting potential export from the batteries.
I would like an additional 5kW of solar if possible.
I hope this makes sense!
Guzz Thats a nice cap. For me my installers set all the limits at point of install. So 7.02kw solar and 3kw output from the battery capped export to 3.6kw. So the DNO should allow it but your installer would need to limit total export to 6.5kw. But they will do all that for you.
Which DNO?
Guzz ? Isn't your solar panel installer doing your G99 applicaiton? Your installer will set output caps on any and all inverters to keep you to 6.5kw. You will not need to anything yourself.
I am installing myself
Guzz Do you need export then? Can you get a MCS cert by self installing? But as mentioned the ge inverter will only export from the battery if told to do so. So you could tell your local DNO it will be set to zero grid export.
I'm not interested in export, I'll be using every Watt! so mcs certification is of no concern. I can restrict export in the software/app, however the DNO will need it to locked at the install so it cant be changed by the customer, I'm not sure how this will work in my case!
Guzz Indeed. I am not an installer but wouldn't know. However if you installed your own pv inverter I am assuming there is instructions for limiting the export? You could limit the pv inverter or vers to zero export leaving just the possible 3kw from the battery. That should be enough for your local DNO. Though technically as you installed it, and set it, you would also know to how unset it so effectively not locked. Difficult one!
I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
All software locked server side on commissioning by GE (which is the point really) - Based on your EM115 feedback to the inverter.
Stops "have a go heroes" being able to change it locally defeating the whole point of export limitations.
Info Here
(there may be a newer one somewhere but you get the idea)
Hi Hoggy, Thanks for that, yes I've read that, I was unaware that my ac coupled inverter was compliant with G100, it was only after digging deeper i realised i could cap the export. I was hoping that this could help with my G99 application with my DNO. So are you saying this can only be changed during the commissioning process?
The meter has an integrated RS485 port hard wired to the following inverters: GIV-AC-3.0, GIV-HY-3.6, GIV-HY-5.0.
So if it's one of those it should be. Mine notes G100 compliance on the inverter label. If you have yours already you can check.
The ELS may be programmed with a site export limit in W and is can only be set by engineering level access to prevent system owner override. The limit can also be set to zero, upon which the inverters output relays will open circuit the inverter to give a true zero output.
This rightly should NOT be user adjustable by anyone other than GE to stop unauthorised changes (& to hold up your end of the contract with your DNO.) Even under local control this should not be changeable.
If your self installing you will need to go through the GE commissioning training program anyway which will no doubt cover what information you need to give them.
Hi Hoggy, thanks for that explanation. I do have the Givenegy certificate for installation, is there a different course for the commissioning?