Hmm, yeah the way they responded does put you in a tough spot.
The way it was framed, talking about an inverter capable of exporting and being on the ENA database, their response also assumes that the inverter is capable of exporting:
“If there is no existing system / inverter and you are only installing a battery, then you will still need to notify us even if you are setting the battery to 0kW Export as the inverter for the battery will have the capability of exporting.”
They and you assume you will have an inverter on the ENA database and be using a grid code for ESS, which needs LoM detection and be proven to disconnect feedback within the specified timeframe. As they say it doesn’t matter if you set the gridpoint to 0W feed in, an inverter set up like that is capable of doing it.
That is a completely different use case than using a device incapable of feeding back - setting no grid code.
You are welcome to drill them down on that as I did think I covered the lot, all said I would suggest OP do a similar fact finding mission as it’s if it goes wrong everyone runs to the hills getting it from the source is the only way to know for sure and as my DNO isn’t OP’s I’d suggest OP get things in writing.
If you want to construct it so OP can ask his DNO then that would probably be better as you’ve suggested things that I have not asked about
This is very interesting, thanks for your questions and answers to you dno. I noted that they pointed out the following:
They do not need to be informed if batterys are connected to the dc side of the inverter, so basically does this mean its none of their business if i connect a 5kwh batter or a 100kwh battery?
Also interesting to hear that power consumption for battery charging is not a dno requirement.
Finally, if the inverter is not configured as ess and no grid code, does this mean it cant export and ac in on the mp2 is exactly what it says “in” so basically making it no different to a stotage heater or oven?
I will put these questions to my dno too.
I already have a 3kw pv inverter and a g98 approval, i could simply install a transfer switch to transfer the pv to the grid once batteries are full. The pv inverter is connected to ac1 out, so i need to find out if it can still charge my batteries when not in ess mode. Do you know if it can or not?
Ie as long as it’s DC no AC then they are not bothered as it’s not connected to there network ie you can have solar with charge controllers as long as the inverter doesn’t connect then no.
But this is my DNO you will need to enquire as they vary. If they say you don’t then all Garvey but I would suggest that be in the form of writing and hold a copy locally and in the cloud for your own protection. There are no short cuts, Just my two pence. @Al-2.0 can maybe write the questions for you to ask?
Finally, if the inverter is not configured as ess and no grid code, does this mean it cant export and ac in on the mp2 is exactly what it says “in” so basically making it no different to a stotage heater or oven?
Yes, you can’t export on the AC in, if you have a grid tie inverter it would need to be on the ACout, which I’m not that familiar with myself, so double check but I’m pretty sure it can still work on the ACout without setting the system up for ESS.
With all these DNO’s depending who you speak to you’ll get a different answer judging by the forums, so be very careful how you word your questions!
But yeah, normally people will leave off the DC side of their line drawings for G99 approval so as not to arouse more questions, but it’s also not really the DNO’s concern here.
Cutting through all the DNO BS, the simple answer is -
If a device is connected to DNO system ( ac supplied from network) & is capable of exporting ( which victron inverters are - settings of the device are irrelevant- device is capable) then DNO must be informed & DNO authorisation granted ( pre or post installation authorisation is dependent on capable export of the device ).
And I would separate DNO side with the dotted line saying DNO
and anything after the DNO isolation switch is your responsibility that needs a separate line and goes with the CU part, also put the proposal on a separate line so they can see there bit your existing and then the proposal hope that helps.
If it’s any help, we made our own G99 application, very straightforward process with our DNO in the UK. It’s a 2 part process, make an application to connect - ours was all online, with a few questions & inverter model number (MP-II) - all the specs were picked up by the system - which came back next working day, allowing us to proceed. Part 2 is submitting the paperwork online via email, which was simply the commissioning date, commission forms/Type Test Verification sheet/SLD. Again the next working day the paperwork was approved & a G99 was issued in the form of a letter, I think the letter was addressed to the installer, which we had left as TBA.
Yes its TT, but whats the reasons to need lockable isolation , why would it need locking? Its only me here that touches the system, and if i were to move house, i would dismantle the system anyway.
Would it help if i submitted two diagrams, existing and proposed?
Btw, ive noticed that the existing 3kw pv AC isolation switch is not lockable, and a solar installation company fitted that one.
It’s specified in the commissioning docs I’ve heard of at least one DNO coming out to inspect if it’s your DNO you will find yourself in an untenable position.
No just expand the diagram and cut it up with the dot lines.
You mention the solar if it’s a rotary normally by design they have holes so a padlock can go through making them lockable
That looks relatively simple to draw. To make my diagram look better, where di i find the symbols in the app.diagrams.net if your using that? I can only find boxes and lines to draw with.
Ok understood! I have just placed an order for two lockable 63a ac isolators, one for in and one for out of the inverter. They are 4 pole each, so in effect i could use just 1 isolator both for in and out of the inverter
Nah mate it’s gets very cramped in there and also possibility of mixing input output and also for testing input simulated loss restart to see grid synchronisation. PS what size cable are you using mm2 for the multi?
Ive got a 30m length of 25mm 4 core swa cable running between the house and the out building, the cable sends and returns the power between the out building where the Victron system is installed and the house consumer unit. The reason i chose 25mm was because of the 30m run which is 60m there and back. So everything is wired with 25mm cable.
Here is my pics of my current setup.
I you can see both ends of the thick 4 core cable.
).
