Battery storage can be an excellent addition to an existing solar PV system. It allows you to store surplus solar energy, increase self-consumption and reduce your reliance on the grid.
However, if your solar system receives Feed-in Tariff (FiT) payments, adding a battery is not always as straightforward as it first appears.
Many homeowners assume that a battery can simply be connected to their existing solar installation. In reality, Feed-in Tariff systems have specific metering requirements that need to be considered when designing the battery system.
Peter explains how it’s done.
Why Feed-in Tariff Systems Need Special Consideration
The Feed-in Tariff scheme pays you for everything you generate, so Ofgem need an accurate reliable way of measuring the electricity generated by a solar installation. When a battery is added, the way energy flows around the system changes. If the installation is not designed correctly, it’s possible to negatively affect the way generation is measured.
This can lead to compliance issues and, more importantly, remove or reduce the generation recorded by the system and the payments you receive.
Experience Matters
Feed-in Tariff schemes closed to new applicants many years ago, which means many installers have relatively little experience modifying existing FiT installations.
We’ve seen a wide range of battery installations over the years where the installer has done a decent job with the battery system itself but has overlooked Feed-in Tariff requirements.
The challenges are not obvious. They often involve metering arrangements, energy flow paths, backup systems, inverter configuration and ensuring that all generated electricity is measured correctly.
A Couple of Real-World Examples
Some issues relate to the type of generation meter used.
Others arise when backup power systems are introduced and electricity can flow through the property in ways that were never envisaged when the original Feed-in Tariff system was installed.
These are not necessarily mistakes made through negligence. More often they are the result of an installer simply not being familiar with all the specific requirements that apply to Feed-in Tariff systems.
The important point is that there are numerous areas where a seemingly sensible design decision can create unintended consequences.
The Good News
The good news is that these issues are entirely avoidable when the system is designed and installed correctly from the outset.
Battery storage and Feed-in Tariff payments can work perfectly together. In fact, many homeowners enjoy substantial reductions in electricity bills while continuing to receive their Feed-in Tariff income.
The key is making sure the battery system is designed by someone who understands both modern battery technology and the unique requirements of older Feed-in Tariff installations.
Thinking About Adding a Battery?
At Pogo Energy Systems, we’ve added batteries to Feed-in Tariff systems countless times.
We understand the rules, the metering requirements and the common pitfalls that can arise when modifying older solar installations.
If you’re considering adding battery storage to an existing Feed-in Tariff system, we’d be happy to review your installation and advise on the best approach.
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