Small 2.8k array into a Fox F3600.
Hi, I’ve recently inherited this solar PV and I do not have a clue.
At present, I have no tariff in place to sell (if it’s worth selling) back to the grid, no smart meter and no idea! From what I’ve read, I do not have the CT, just Panels, Fox and Meter.
The app suggests everything generated is going to the grid, and none to load.
Can anyone explain to me in simple terms how this system works.
Not a clue !
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Dave Foster
- Posts: 1742
- Joined: Thu Oct 13, 2022 7:21 pm
The F series is a solar only inverter (no battery) and so it outputs everything to the house which will be used up by any house load and if there is any surplus it will go to export.
For this type of system you really need to arrange with you energy supplier a tariff so that you can get paid for export.
The previous owner should have had an export MPAN which allows you to tell the energy supplier which meter to read so that they can pay you for any solar used.
Hopefully there should also be some kind of information pack with the system, you would normally expect to see -
- an MCS certificate (this confirms that an installation meets safety and quality standards)
- a G98 DNO approval (this is an approval from the energy infrastructure provider that authorises you to connect the system to the grid)
- Possibly a Building Regulations certificate for the electrical works carried out.
For this type of system you really need to arrange with you energy supplier a tariff so that you can get paid for export.
The previous owner should have had an export MPAN which allows you to tell the energy supplier which meter to read so that they can pay you for any solar used.
Hopefully there should also be some kind of information pack with the system, you would normally expect to see -
- an MCS certificate (this confirms that an installation meets safety and quality standards)
- a G98 DNO approval (this is an approval from the energy infrastructure provider that authorises you to connect the system to the grid)
- Possibly a Building Regulations certificate for the electrical works carried out.
Should I ignore the app when it notes the generated power is going to the grid and not load? For example, yesterday the solar was generating 0.8Kw and it was all going to the grid despite having the immersion heater on. These is what was causing the confusion.Dave Foster wrote: Sun Feb 09, 2025 12:07 pm The F series is a solar only inverter (no battery) and so it outputs everything to the house which will be used up by any house load and if there is any surplus it will go to export.
I'm awaiting on all the documents, As no smart meter is fitted , I'm assuming it was all used for load?
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Dave Foster
- Posts: 1742
- Joined: Thu Oct 13, 2022 7:21 pm
Unless an optional CT clamp is fitted the F series doesn’t have any way of measuring load in the house so everything it is generating is shown as output - what the app is saying is that is that it is producing 0.8kW and sending it to the grid connection, but house load always comes out of that first.RobM wrote: Mon Feb 10, 2025 10:14 amShould I ignore the app when it notes the generated power is going to the grid and not load? For example, yesterday the solar was generating 0.8Kw and it was all going to the grid despite having the immersion heater on. These is what was causing the confusion.Dave Foster wrote: Sun Feb 09, 2025 12:07 pm The F series is a solar only inverter (no battery) and so it outputs everything to the house which will be used up by any house load and if there is any surplus it will go to export.
I'm awaiting on all the documents, As no smart meter is fitted , I'm assuming it was all used for load?
You can fit optional meters or CT clamps which will let you see how much is house load and any surplus will then be shown as going to export.
If you have a smart meter fitted to the house as well as showing import there is also an export counter, if you have an older rotary meter they often spin backwards when exporting.