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The Renewables Podcast
Великобритания
Добавлен 17 апр 2024
Everything you ever wanted to know about renewable's, solar power, heat pumps and battery storage. From off grid living, residential roofs and commercial systems. We look at what the equipment can do, the facts around how much money you can save and how to get the best from your equipment and Apps. With insight from manufacturers, installers and consumers.
By Mark Allison and Sam Featherstone
By Mark Allison and Sam Featherstone
Can you recycle and repair LED lighting? Should Battery storage systems have emergency Lights?
John Ford joins us to explain conversion of light fittings, recycling, energy efficiency to enhance battery storage systems and loads more.
Perhaps we need to consider emergency lighting in homes more widely?
What do you think?
Perhaps we need to consider emergency lighting in homes more widely?
What do you think?
Просмотров: 25
Видео
Lighting efficiency and Renewables with John Ford
Просмотров 20516 часов назад
John ford joins us to discuss LED lighting in terms of efficiency, health and financial payback. We also record in the first time at the studio space in Sams office! We also cover emergency lighting and if we should consumer this on domestic renewable installs and even domestic homes regardless Please do subscribe to the channel! Thank you
New GivEnergy inverters, batteries and more with Jason Howlett Global CEO
Просмотров 59114 дней назад
The global CEO of GivEnergy gets into cyber security, infastructure, energy poverty, Givenducation, the soon to be released All in one hybrid, PAS and lots more. Mark and Sam hit the road again visiting the UK biggest market share battery storage manufacturer in the UK. One not to miss! Part two!
New GivEnergy All in one features and lotssss more with Jason Howlett CEO
Просмотров 1,1 тыс.21 день назад
The global CEO of GivEnergy gets into cyber security, infastructure, energy poverty, Givenducation, the soon to be released All in one hybrid, PAS and lots more. Mark and Sam hit the road again visiting the UK biggest market share battery storage manufacturer in the UK. One not to miss!
Do you need to be MCS registered to install solar, batteries and heat pumps ???
Просмотров 69628 дней назад
We deleve into the requirements on MCS after a listener question came in to the podcast. Do you need to register with MCS, HEIS or RECC? We have more coming on this topic soon....
More New products in the solar and battery industry for 2024 - Live from Solar and Storage
Просмотров 852Месяц назад
Mark and Sam return for episode 2 of solar and storage 2024 wiht visits to Star chargers, Doncaster cables, Genius, Napit, Hamar, Waxman, DEKS, Klauke, SOlar port and more! Dont forget to subscribe to the channel
The Struggle! New Build meter cabinets and Outdoor consumer units.
Просмотров 590Месяц назад
Would you like to ask the author of the brilliant IET wiring matters article on outdoor consumer units a question? The article can be found here electrical.theiet.org/wiring-matters/years/2024/102-september-2024/external-consumer-units-for-electric-vehicles-in-a-domestic-environment/ This is a real problem for installers in both EV, PV and ASHP. So hopefully we can find a solution that is both ...
What are the best new products in the solar and battery industry? Solar and Storage 2024
Просмотров 2,8 тыс.Месяц назад
Solar and Storage Show episode one, Sigenergy, Enphase, Power vault, GivEnery, Alpha stand run throughs with Mark and Sam. From the new Sigenergy commercial system and DC EV charging to Enphase gateway and the made in Britian Power Vault! We have a part 2 coming on this with further content from a few more stands!
What solar panels do I need? How do you size cables, isolators, inverters and more???
Просмотров 657Месяц назад
Solar design 101 - We take a look at VOC ISC and much more discussing all the common problems that can catch you out. Especially if you are called Mark.... We run through some of the challenges with PV design from sizing isolators, fuses, cables and panels to inverters! Along with sharing some of our mistakes and Sam takes us to regulation corner Joe Robinson style!
The BIG solar and battery storage questions answered LIVE
Просмотров 4322 месяца назад
Sam and Mark answer your questions live on instagram. Be that from the live audience or pre sent in! This was so much fun and hopefully we were able to help. We will be doing this again soon so if you missed us this time watch out for the next one!
Are energy companies and MCS letting consumers and installers down ???
Просмотров 5102 месяца назад
Damon, Sam and Mark discuss the role of MCS, the approach of installers and energy retailers and how that effects quality and efficiency of heat pumps and solar. Conversations like this are never easy as the default response from consumers can be that installers are bitter about "disruption" in the market place caused by energy retailers. When really it is people worried about job security afte...
Heat pumps - How do they work and is efficiency important???
Просмотров 6192 месяца назад
What is the magic that makes heat pumps work? Damon Blakemore joins us to explain what COP, SCOP, heat loss and more means! Along with tips on how to prepare for a heat pump and find a good installer! Damon can be found here on twitter x.com/Damon_BPHR and here online blakemoreplumbingandheating.co.uk/ The league table of heat pump performance is here Huge thanks for his time on this one and in...
Installers are ripping people off... How much should solar, batteries and heat pumps cost???
Просмотров 8182 месяца назад
Sam and Mark get into the crippling challenges around price slashing at an installer level. With some tips for both installers and consumers of things to look out for and keep in mind. We have a massive opportunity for trades workers with the drive towards net zero. It would be a huge shame to waste that in terms of both quality and longevity but what do you think?
Are Energy retailers destroying the solar market for electricians??? One not to miss...
Просмотров 2,5 тыс.2 месяца назад
We get into a chat about MCS, what industry could do to support installers and consumers along with our views around pricing and the impact energy retailers have had on the market. A no holds barred chat with the owners of Oval Renewables, Artisan Electrics and Power Sonic. @artisanelectrics
Jordan from Artisan Electrics talks business and the journey into Solar Part one
Просмотров 1,8 тыс.3 месяца назад
Mark and Sam are joined by Jordan to talk about the journey into renewables, the growth challenges and lessons learned. Jordan also shares how he runs @artisanelectrics today and the objectives for the future. He has built one of the largest electrical content channels in the UK on RUclips with his awesome team.
How does renewables equipment get around the world - How do wholesalers manage that? Sarah explains
Просмотров 3193 месяца назад
How does renewables equipment get around the world - How do wholesalers manage that? Sarah explains
Sub contracting as a solar installer - How do you it.... Michael Stott explains!
Просмотров 4083 месяца назад
Sub contracting as a solar installer - How do you it.... Michael Stott explains!
Exciting podcast announcement - Thoughts on Renewables so far and what is to come....
Просмотров 1763 месяца назад
Exciting podcast announcement - Thoughts on Renewables so far and what is to come....
Aidan Ward - From the army to scaling a renewables business and beyond Episode two
Просмотров 2924 месяца назад
Aidan Ward - From the army to scaling a renewables business and beyond Episode two
Aidan Ward - From the army to scaling a renewables business and beyond Episode one
Просмотров 5734 месяца назад
Aidan Ward - From the army to scaling a renewables business and beyond Episode one
LIVE from the InstallerShow 2024 featuring NICEIC, EAL, Myenergi, Trades people and more!
Просмотров 4524 месяца назад
LIVE from the InstallerShow 2024 featuring NICEIC, EAL, Myenergi, Trades people and more!
myenergi discuss the technical challenges and recent installer difficulties
Просмотров 6084 месяца назад
myenergi discuss the technical challenges and recent installer difficulties
Innovation with switchgear - Bidirectional RCBOs - 4 pole TPN rcbos - Busbar SPDs - B type RCDs…..
Просмотров 3245 месяцев назад
Innovation with switchgear - Bidirectional RCBOs - 4 pole TPN rcbos - Busbar SPDs - B type RCDs…..
Jordan Brompton co founder of myenergi - Talks growth, challenges, success and difficulties
Просмотров 3505 месяцев назад
Jordan Brompton co founder of myenergi - Talks growth, challenges, success and difficulties
Island mode isolation & earthing - PAS - BS 7671 AMD 3 - Coding EICRS - NAPIT get stuck in!
Просмотров 2495 месяцев назад
Island mode isolation & earthing - PAS - BS 7671 AMD 3 - Coding EICRS - NAPIT get stuck in!
What do the bodies of industry do? NAPIT join us to explain and answer your questions
Просмотров 2765 месяцев назад
What do the bodies of industry do? NAPIT join us to explain and answer your questions
How much should a solar system cost??? Does it really pay back?
Просмотров 6145 месяцев назад
How much should a solar system cost??? Does it really pay back?
The IET and chair of JPEL64 explain amendment 3 BS 7671 - Bidirectional RCBOs - PAS and lotsss more!
Просмотров 8966 месяцев назад
The IET and chair of JPEL64 explain amendment 3 BS 7671 - Bidirectional RCBOs - PAS and lotsss more!
Best place to find new renewables technology and meet installers? Installershow 2024!
Просмотров 1856 месяцев назад
Best place to find new renewables technology and meet installers? Installershow 2024!
Massive Solar Panel Farms - Josh explains large scale Solar PV
Просмотров 3746 месяцев назад
Massive Solar Panel Farms - Josh explains large scale Solar PV
Just did a GU10 replacement calculation for a customer, they had a dark kitchen and turned the lights on at 10am every day and didn't turn them off until midnight, the lighting was 10 downlights with the old 11w CFL GU10 lamps but perfectly good fittings. 14 hours x 110w @ 22.36p/kwh is ~35p per day Switching to Philips Ultra Efficient GU10 @2.1w would cost 6.5p per day A daily energy cost difference of 28.5p and a box of 10 lamps for £35 means the break even point is just 123 days The most efficient LED lamps with >210lm/w pay for themselves in virtually every situation.
I've thought about this subsequently and with the tariffs such as flux etc I think the payback can be dramatically shortened by nibbling away at base load consumption on those tariffs. More maths needed my end as I ran out of fingers and toes 🤣. Mark here btw
Just listened to the podcast loved it are you branching out 😂😂
Sorry but as long MCS is money grabbing organizational and only a paper checking exercise the whole MCS is pointless and dangerous as it encourage solar installers to cut corners!
Interesting. I don't disagree in showing its values. But how do you see it encouraging installers to cut corners?
14:10 okay.....then design a more modular and standardized system. Module and scalable systems, similar to micro inverters without the IP gatekeeping is what the industry needs to move on from its version of the light bulb and outlet wars of last century.
Not sure I understand what you mean. I think ditch inverters and just use micro inverters as a standard setup? I can see some challenges with that especially around dc coupled battery systems.
Glad to see the boys from Oval on the show. They should come across the pond and show a few of our "Yank" installers how it's done.
Sam isn't just on the show. He is a host of the entire podcast 🙌💪
I would love to get a Polar ESS but a lot of installers I speak to don't want to do it. I would love to get one with the full 26kWh and 6kW inverter.
We install them (Mark here)
@@TheRenewablesPodcast-bv8ie Thanks. I am down South so pretty far from you guys? Do you know if you can put a whole consumer unit on the EPS side without an automatic changeover from the grid?
@TheTechOnline would depend on the load from those circuits. Basically would want it under the inverter eps rating. But yes it's possible.
I have one given energy all in one I am waiting for the second GEN to come out also I had a question can I mix and match with 9.5 or other battery options with all in one will all in one mix match with others? do let me know But GivEnergy all in one is super for summer month. I also like mentioned in the talk I also use of peak energy as I am on Eon next V4 and I only use Cheap rate but I want to get one more battery because sometimes I am out of juice by 7 o’clockpm keep the good work going thank you
Thanks. To my knowledge prently you can't pair a hybrid or 9.5kw battery in with an AIO. They sort of charge/discharge into each other. But I'm led to believe that might be a thing soon 🤭.
@@TheRenewablesPodcast-bv8ie thanks for the reply really appreciate it
I too have All In One Envy or should I say AIOE? What did Jason say after you mentioned our star George? The sound went.❤GivEnergy will Sam be fitting them soon? 😂😂😂
At last Sam installing the Number One Energy Company in The U.K. equipment, Go Givenergy, I have so waited for this day, well done Mark.🤣🤣🤣
Jason is talking the talk but not walking the walk..... I bought a Gen 1 5kw Hybrid and 9.5kw Battery which is obviously limited to 2.5kw Import/Export "On Battery Only". My ONLY upgrade path is to the 5kw Gen 3 with 3.6kw Import/Export. That's still not enough for a typical household. What I wanted to see from GE was a 6/8/10kw Hybrid that would increase the Import/Export "on battery only" AND be compatible with my current LV 9.5kw Battery. You could even launch an increased AC Coupled Inverter 6/8/10kw which would at least give me some option to re-use my 9.5kw LV Battery. But GE have left me and all the others in the dust by releasing the 6kw under the Polar ESS brand and moving to a HV battery with the new 10kw Hybrid Inverter. WHY?
You have kind of answered your own question here. They have a range of products across many different price points, ratings and options. With the string inverters coming soon. I would argue GivEnergy give more flexibility than any other system. They have some exciting software updates you might like shortly, that could maybe unlock a few doors towards additional equipment. Thanks Mark
@@MagicianMan Started with a 3.5kW Gen 1 inverter, 5.2kW battery 12 x 440w panels. Upgraded to 5kW Gen 3, 9.5kW battery and another six panels. So far this year till October exported £512 and imported £190 (that also includes charging our electric car). So for us worth upgrading and 95% of the time the system performance suits our dally usage. Most of us change our cars without really thinking and for us the Givenergy system provides an excellent solution to energising the home. Go for it a sensible upgrade path.
@@BlackCountryLad Its such a minimal upgrade its barely worth doing.
@@MagicianMan it was for us because the upgrade had been promised by First4Solar before they went into administration. Halifax refund mostly paid for the upgrade.
@@TheRenewablesPodcast-bv8ie i'm sorry if you can't see the failure of GE to provide upgrade paths for its customers who choose to buy their products with the only options being Hybrid Inverters and Low Voltage Batteries. You would think that supporting them, whilst expanding their sales base, with new products that provide upgrade paths for equipment already installed would be foremost in their minds. Jason has already stated that batteries are being used differently and I would have liked to change my inverter to a 10kw Hybrid Model (with 10kw on battery only) and add another 9.5kw battery. That would provide me with the product I require, the upgrade path to do so economically. As I said even offering a 10kw AC Coupled inverter would be a consideration at least I then could re-use my 9.5kw battery. Offering a larger inverter in a brand offshoot that is NOT compatible with my current GE LV battery is not providing choice. Also recent changes to the APP made without consultation has caused an uproar in the community. Starting to regret my decision to spec GE and wishing that I had chosen Sunsynk instead. At least their products remain compatible and provide decent upgrade paths.
Very interesting, as usual. Thanks. The more I look at the renewables offerings, (and having had an installation at the start of October), I feel that many people 'could' benefit from a split view of generation-&-storage. As an autumn adoptee, I am disappointed by the level of generation which falls well below what the 'prediction' graph estimates for this month. I have taken to recording a LUX snapshot daily - around the middle of the day - to see what sort of link there is. I know dark-and-dull will be poor, and nobody would kid themselves differently; although I still think I'm performing below par. The flip side, however, is that a low tariff for overnight charging to use my stored energy during the day, plus the knowledge that I'm secure in times of grid outage (albeit infrequent), is an easy choice. If anyone was concerned at generation and its cost, I'd easily recommend battery storage - at the moment I'd have double battery rather than battery and solar. I know my views may change from about March onwards! If I look around my part of suburbia, I can see how our nicely tree lined streets would inhibit solar production for a great many of my neighbours - more so before the leaves fall. I had even spoken with our council's arborist who sys that they control lateral tree growth, but will not 'top' trees as this causes secondary growth; thus they will only continue to shadow us. One aspect of solar investment which doesn't seem to be discussed is 'remote' investment. A former colleague of mine has invested in a solar farm to come online in the S-West next year (we are in the N-West) - he will get his monetary share of the gains - just not fed into his house. Keep feeding us the knowledge - I really appreciate the time that people such as yourselves invest in informing us.... and it's interesting to obtain a rel technical view and not a "scripted politician's sound bites".
Glad to see you acknowledge MCS as a monopoly, I would also suggest it’s a cartel. From my experience MCS results in extortionate pricing that excludes the majority of people having solar. If we are to meet net zero renewables need to be opened up to the masses and become mainstream. It’s great to see Octopus looking at their own certification and fantastic to see the IET 18th Edition includes solar installation. I have just been through a Building Control application for solar and they are happy to accept an installation done by my electrician under IET certification. Hopefully this is how things will go. As for your insurance scare mongering, at least for the time being most insurers don’t have an issue with DIY installs, and I’m sure if this changes they will also accept IET installations. There is nothing special about solar, any electrician with a bit of training can do just as good job as the best MCS installer, and a lot better than many of them. MCS is a rip off, the sooner it is not required by energy companies like Octopus the quicker we will see roll out of solar to the masses .
Your passion is clear. However you are misguided in a few areas. Scaremongering. No. Best advising people to not invalidate buildings/contents insurance. I would consult the small print and policy under writers. You will often find systems installed outside accredited installers fall short of maintaining your obligations under those policies. Ignorance of those terms is no excuse sadly when and if something goes wrong. Your views around the simplicity of installation is also concerning. The challenges around structural loading, system design, voltage drop, CC avoidance, earthing, isolation, safety and plenty more are not simple. Plugging panels together is easy and often those without the required knowledge and expertise see it as easily as that. Which is a mistake. Also we don't have IET certificates they do not exist. We have certificates that are defined within BS7671 and formed by the JPEL64 committee. Those can be used for the electrical work around the AC distribution to renewables technology. However any installer certifying renewables technology will also need to provide array test documentation, DNO G99 or G98 certification/testing and in some cases demonstration of G100 relays. This requires more knowledge than you seem to have respect for. The test instruments alone to carry this out properly will cost thousands. Any electrician completing those tests will be expected to be within a CPS MCS scheme. For good reason. This is mark by the way and I hope that helps.
@@TheRenewablesPodcast-bv8ie I don't agree and I think you are in denial of where this is all going. I don't agree with net-zero but if the country is to meet its requirements then renewables need to become affordable and opened up to the masses - we are already importing electricity form the continent and have barely started the transition from oil and gas. Net-zero is not possible without a truly MASSIVE increase in electricity supply. There is nothing extraordinary about solar installations that an electrician cant handle, sure they will need training but they are capable people. Solar has to become just another of the many hats that electricians wear. To answer some specifics. All insurers have conditions in their policies to do with anything they insure, bikes, phones, computers etc. Some may have conditions relating to solar but I have yet to find one - so anyone worried about this just phone you insurer and ask them, make sure you are covered. I suspect that as IET now covers Solar any Insurers that do have conditions relating to solar will also move to accept IET. I wasn't aware that MCS installers were trained to undertake structural loading calculations so that is new to me, if engineering calculations are included within MCS installer fees that certainly helps offset the extortionate pricing. An electrician can deal with all of the electrical hurdles you have thrown in above. I recently discussed a solar installation with my electrician, who openly told me he had never done solar and would need some training first, but even then he was already asking me relevant questions about the site, shading etc, I knew what I wanted and he calculated the voltage drop for my cable run whilst on the phone and told me what size SWA I would need and which CU breakers etc. I have already been through Building Control for my installation and have written confirmation that providing the installation is signed off by my electrician they are perfectly happy with it. I think you are again scaremongering over DNO certificates. It is my understanding that providing you use inverters/devices from the approved list its a very straight forward process - G98 is just a simple small form. Is that not the case, is the testing you refer to always required, or just where non-approved components are specified?
MCS only goes up to 45kW
i did tigo in schools. there have been quite a few solar fires and MCS should investigate and share the findings
in 2012 lots of bad companies making lots of money- i did the heat pump and solar install before an inspection
EASY MCS helped companies
fire safety checks should be a role of mcs with fire brigade and BRE
interesting when there is a lot of solar and i can see electricity being free
immersions and iboosts
wasnt governent money- companies still lied about returns and estimated self consumption would be 70%. RECC is the assurance and insurance
FIT was governent money it is a tax on people electric bills
MCS is a waste of time, I have been in renewables since 2012, we saw poor installations in 2012 and reported them and they did nothing, they just wanted to sign up new companies. I got a company MCS accredited for heat pumps and solar. The standards are good but the policing is poor. The MCS accredition should have been based on 3 months or so of installations and then back dated if good companies
I 100% agree on smoke/heat alarms on every floor of dwelling and in loft being installed and interlinked. It should be an MCS and BS7671 mandated rule before there is loss of life due to PV or inverter or battery fire
Sigen looks great. I’ve been looking into their US brand: PointGuard Energy. It’s like the monolith from the film 2001. I like the look much more than the Frankenstein systems on the walls with a maze of connections and boxes.
Great podcast episode. Thanks for putting it together. I heard about Flexi-Orb at Solar and Storage Live this year who say they are a direct competitor to MCS. Not sure how that works with the SEG but interesting to see how having competition might change things up.
I've only heard bad things about MCS electricians, a friend had a cowboy solar job that's never worked right and the roof leaked, it was installed by an MCS electrician, still not really resolved, so I would avoid them.
@edc1569 all solar installers would be mcs registered. I would advise some stronger due diligence in selecting an installer. Sadly very common and sorry to hear you suffered with that. Mark
When you have MCS on the podcast...... I would like them to publish an easy guide for the consumer to check what has been handed over to them. I have, belatedly, received a handover pack. When I read it I identified items which were not installed, even though the document implied they were present. Many customers would not necessarily be able to identify this. MCS should specify 'absolute' requirements, and pictures for the end user to be able to confirm this.
I will add that to the list. Thank you for the feedback.
@@TheRenewablesPodcast-bv8ie TBH one reason I ask is that my installer has included the SLD diagram in my handover, showing DC and AC isolators separate from the PW3, but didn't fit them. They are now saying that they are 'not required' due to the inbuilt DC and AC isolators on the PW3. So they've sent me an impressive document (!) which is not representative of what they install. Credibility goes with accuracy...
@herrtomas6729 yes technically they are not required but I would personally still fit them (mark). It's probably an administrative oversight. It can happen.
@@herrtomas6729 The Line drawing isn't an exact device by device representation of the system, having the DC isolator shown as a separate device doesn't necessarily imply it is a physical device, it is more the logical layout, it's just the software that created the drawing doesn't have an icon to show an inverter with built-in DC isolation. There are arguments for and against fitting DC Isolators external to the Inverter if it already has one built in, but that's a different can of worms
I was under the impression octopus energy dont require mcs installed syatem .
@gino2465 i think they have created a mechanism of their own but it's still in trial
@TheRenewablesPodcast-bv8ie I do a lot of work with solar, mainly repairs, but do installs . I do mainly off grid and now started small trackers.
I would not want to pay £1200 plus per year to another organisation . Already pay napit.
.. they charge £250 (for non MCS), but looking at my figures (in the last 12 months), I've only exported 300kWh to the grid, so its just not worth bothering with - Victron Energy DC coupled system with batteries & Solar (with DNO approval).
@@gino2465 the funds are actually paid to napit/niceic who administer the scheme
We have an mcs certified system year latter we still cannot get paid .
I do love the functional 100A terminal block, firmly part of the #CrannisCollection :)
Your talk of rapid shutdown is interesting. Tigo optimisers cover this, I believe, however I saw something the other day (can’t recall where) which said that Tesla issued a technical bulletin relating to optimisers not being compatible with PW3 MPPTs as they force a shutdown - was it related to surge or arc protection being wrongly detected? I must try to find it again.
You sir are correct, I believe you may have read what I read also which is installing such devices on the PV installation could lead to erratic system behavior such as nuisance tripping on the Powerwall 3. Any future development to allow Powerwall 3 installations with MLPE devices will be communicated.
This is interesting, I find that if you are DC coupling then this is done at the MPPT?
Tigo are always making tweaks to the firmware to maintain compatibility across manufacturers. We have not paired any with PW3 but we have used them on sigenergy systems with AFCI and earth leakage monitoring and they work quite happily. Tbh I can't see why they would but I'm sure smarter electronics experts will be able to explain it. This is mark btw
18:00 is interesting. I’m currently in dispute for items such as AC and DC isolators showing on the submitted approval drawing at ‘sign off’ but simply not being installed.
Just noticed the old Cinema chairs.🪑
Has MCS ever helped a consumer when the original MCS registered installer has failed or vanished?
@@ascot4000 we shall be able to ask them that directly on the podcast very soon!
Thanks so much for this video, a peak at kit of the future, much appreciated. 👍
Our Gen 1 Givenergy Hybrid 3.6 kw inverter is protected by a 20a Hager MTN 120 mcb. I spoke to Hager technical department and they said point blank that the mcb is bi directional. You tell me what you think please….. There is no Line direction on the mcb terminals so my understanding is that the mcb is bi directional…. A friend of mine has just had his installation done and no rcbo protection on his gen 3 inverter either. And yet his installer has certified the installation as fully regs compliant….. Givenergy may not want rcbo protection on their inverters…. what’s your take on this please?
Mcbs are generally bi directional. I say generally as some larger mccbs are not. Inverter manufacturers generally no longer require rcd protection to inverters. I'm not sure on the gen 1 from givenergy so I would check with the manufacturer. The newer hybrid does not need rcd protection in itself though. That said if the cable supplying the inverter requires rcd protection it should still be in place. Surface mounted or SWA cable would not require it. I would have a chat with the installers, they would know best. Thanks, Mark
@@TheRenewablesPodcast-bv8ie thank you Mark, much appreciated and our cable installation is surface mounted so no RCD protection required for that.
Really enjoyed this show. It was like i was at the venue. That Napit demo board was lacking interlinking smoke/heat alarms
Best podcast on renewables 🤔😎
In South Africa, we have to run DC fuses and SPD's on PV strings. I see in the UK you guys only use isolaters and sometimes SPD's. Why negate the use of fuses or DC breakers? Seems silly from a safety point.
@hein_mcleod we did a podcast on just this a few weeks ago. We do use string fuses just not all small domestic arrays when ccc of the cable is adequate for currents in fault conditions. You make a good point though. Maybe we should!
Good podcast lads, to be honest I do fit them when there is no other practical route, I find the majority of my customers who have an EV tend to be in a fairly recently built house, fancy flooring and would rather sell their kidneys than have the decor disturbed. I have however in the last few months based on this and other informed media changed what I use. There is a brand that is cheap as chips, if you know you know, I don't like their switchgear and no longer touch it BUT they do a really good plastic IP65 enclosure, I'm now putting together a decent brand of control gear (RCD, SPD etc) all meant to be used together into this enclosure. Yes I know about type testing etc but what are you meant to do, but do your best to make things as safe as possible. I add a label "Don't open when wet" but would that stop anyone, probably not... New builds are meant to have the provision for an EV, but often don't (designed before the requirement, allegedly) and often inadequate if included. Looking forward to your chat with Craig O'Neil
Only thing I don’t like is that Sigenergy is yet another Chinese company. I rather support then US instead with Enphase. Better warranty (15 to 25 years) and a track record of great quality and customer support 😊
I (mark) don't fully understand the racism towards Chinese equipment. Most of the stuff in other brands involves components from China and I would be stunned if that didn't include enphase. The warranty is a strong point for sure though.
@@TheRenewablesPodcast-bv8ie Perhaps you want to support local people in the US rather than documented child labour in China.
@TurreTuntematon Is enphase 100% manufacturered in the USA? I ask as I don't know. I would be stunned if large portions are not coming from China. You make a good point of labour and ethical sourcing of equipment. But singling out China when others also have very poor labour records is not something I would echo. I'm also not sure Sigenergy would take kindly to accusations they are using child labour. As an installer (Mark) we have done our research and are happy that is not the case. Unless you have specific details to share? Even in the UK and USA we have from ideal track records in terms of ethical employment so we should help global partners move forwards together rather than allowing racist attitudes to hinder progressive growth for all.
@@TheRenewablesPodcast-bv8ie What’s so difficult in understanding that supporting local is better than something from China with questionable origin or impact? Better in keeping jobs here as almost everything is already produced in China. All solar panels, most EVs, batteries etc. We will not get more jobs or economy in the western hemisphere by being fan boys of Chinese products if there is another alternative. And that’s why I’m saying that even Enphase is a better option as it’s an American company and at least assembled in the US. Your children will thank you 🙏
@@TurreTuntematon We all have our views. As residents of the UK made in Britain perhaps better. I dont buy into the cultural hate tbh. Its all just people. I thank my kids (4 of them) everyday. 2 work in the business with me (again Mark here). They dont need to thank me, ever. I would like to see more components manufactured local to the point of use/installation. But at the moment near enough everything would be in China on that basis and we would be back in the woods.
Great podcast always guys!
@@connordines667 thanks Connor!
You're right about power feeds to garages, and the ability to make them into 'service' locations, however planning needs a major overhaul as even small cars are getting bigger such that garage space just isn't sufficient in the first place.
True. Very true
New rules in Ireland just this week as below ; Dear REC, On the 19th of September 2024, the Board of Directors of NSAI signed off on the 2024 Amendments to Irish Standard (I.S.) 10101. From this date, the amendments become part of the standard. One of the amendments is a change to rule 551.9.3 (see screenshot below) which deals with RCD protection for Microgeneration Systems. This change impacts small (less than 5kw) Photo Voltaic (PV) systems. It is now permissible to provide RCD protection for micro-generation systems at up 100 milliamps. For clarity, prior to this date, Safe Electric inspectors who identified that RCD protection in excess of 30 milliamps on these systems, would be obliged to issue a Non-Conformance.
@@tonywebb9909 great info thank you!
A question occurs to me regarding 'external service cabinets'. For example, an 'electrified gate' security company installed a service cabinet - the green boxes you can see in many locations - which was SWA fed through a 100m duct from the main board of the site to supply a small CU in the cabinet to drive the gate. (+ data) The question is more about the lack of ventilation, hence condensation potential. It's safe for the normal site visitor as it's in a locked box, but should we be using different kit for such an insulation?
@herrtomas6729 long established method. Generally would have condensation valve and heater within. We do this a lot. Mark here.
@@TheRenewablesPodcast-bv8ie thanks Mark. I’ll raise it with the site manager.
Great video and thanks for sharing. Sigenergy is kind of game changer in this solar and battery storage industry in the UK. Wish it all good luck.
Agree with most of this. Legislation of building regs is prob the best solution here. JPEL/64 + BS 7671 committee can mop up the rest.
Thanks! We are just thinking up questions for Craig. Like curry, gravy or mushy peas with the fish and chips 😉
How has this podcast only got 528 subscribers, I expected it to have way more. Stick with it, it's a great format.
It's still new and we will be pressing ahead to hopefully bigger things 💪. Thank you ❤️
Refreshing honest chat from people who know what its like and are not just QVC.
In no way would I have allowed a consumer unit on the outside of my wall. Equipotential zones, PEN faults, condensation risk, capillary action, oxidisation - let alone wet consumer hands trying to resolve something whilst leaning on the neighbour's EV. Lifting a flap does not make a switch or protective device under it safe to operate in an adverse environment. The design of protective devices may not have considered their use outside. Most of my MCBs etc are only rated down to -5ºC. This is a building regs problem that is causing electrical safety issues down the line. In many other countries the equivalent regulations require provision for the expansion of electrical circuits, including for renewables. In various European countries we see circuits in continuous conduits with spare conduits for future growth that can simply be blown and then pulled through. I prefer the gateway you installed by my meter box Sam - it was good advice as it is designed for the job at hand. 🙂
Totally agree.
@@electrician247 In fairness there is some crazy stuff going on at the regulatory levels with on-street residential EV charging. Just how a vehicle on a PME from one residence can be parked next to a neighbour's EV when their PME may come from a different leg or even a different transformer is just beyond me. Even if the neighbours are all on the same loop and everything is fault free we still have the lamppost to worry about. A kid pushing between 2 wet cars or a car and lamppost could have a very bad day.
@@ascot4000 stuff is coming from industry around that already. It won't last.
Well said on all counts