Hey everyone, I'm new here and looking for some advice! I've just moved into a house with a big south-facing roof, and I'm considering installing solar panels. I'm thinking about 9 Longi 425wp panels for around 3.8kW output. I'm not a pro electrician, but I'm familiar with building regulations and safety measures. I'm torn between opting for a grid-tie system or going off-grid with battery storage. I want to know if it's worth it to connect to the grid or if I should focus on storing energy since I plan to add an air source heat pump in the future. Any recommendations or insights would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
Just so you know, to actually get paid for exporting energy, you'll definitely need a proper sign-off. I’ve heard some people manage to collect tariffs without MCS certification, but those cases are really rare! For DIY grid-tie, remember you'll still need an electrician for key tasks like consumer unit adjustments and to fill out the G98 or G99 form for your inverter—it’s all about keeping things above board. I made a video on navigating this if you're interested!
If you can get net metering or some export credits, going grid-tie could definitely be the way to go, especially with a hybrid inverter. It makes the wiring simpler since you won't have two separate systems, plus you won't have to stress about depleting your battery charge.
Does that need to be installed by a professional, or can I DIY it and then just have a qualified electrician certify it?
Random question: could I get a hybrid inverter without having a grid tie?
Thanks, that’s exactly what I was looking for!