One of the best videos about solar insulation. It is good to see a company willing to give a full explanation of an install and also great that they have someone to communicate in such a clear and friendly manner.
Superb video. Thank you. Yesterday we had a scheduled power cut and I expected the system to switch over to back up. But NO. Found this video now and I hope to be able to switch the UPS switch on for next time.
Really enjoyed this video. Worth the wait. The AlphaESS Hybrid system looks really comprehensive with off-grid / UPS and programmable app that looks simple to use…
Great video, please could you advise on how you notified the DNO, did you need a seperate enquiry for exceeding the 4kw on the single phase, I did notice the 3-phase cutout but I think you confirmed its single phase?
At 19:20, why is the left axis max value at 12721 watts? This is a smile 5 and should only have max PV at 6.6kW, if i understand it correctly? Also, in a hybrid-coupled configuration, if the other inverter have more PV output than the load, will the other inverter help charge the smile 5 batteries using it’s surplus harvest?
Enjoyed the Video I've a 14 Panel PV array to a 5kw Solis inverter and a Solax X1-Fit gateway and a 5kw Battery + 5kw Slave Battery my issue is that the PV Generation doesn't show up on my Solax App so can I run a CT Clamp from the Solis inverter to the Solax so they talk to each other ? I'm asking because both systems on your video appear onto 1 app which is basically what I'm after achieving.
After my power cut I have 2 red fault lights and the dongle has a fault on it too. Can you help me and give me a top tip how to reset the system. Thanks.
We are I Australia. We have an existing 4kw system with inverter then installed an extra 4.7kw of panels that feed directly into the battery system. So far we have gone through 2 inverters and now have nothing working. How can this install be working which is the same setup as ours and ours is not?
Very informative and useful information thanks. However, I would like to comment, that like many other YT videos, I find that the use of background music while someone is talking is very distracting and pointless. Hope you don't find this is negative!
If we have two existing PV systems (both 8kW with standard Solis 5G grid-tie inverters) installed in different locations (one in garage, one in house) how would you have the Alpha system monitor the total cumulative output of both systems in the app? Is there space for another CT clamp?
I'd like to thank Oval Renewables for taking the time to answer my telephone queries regarding the Alpha Smile system today (31.08.2022) I've struggled to get my pre-ordered GivEnergy system after several months and think this will likely be a suitable alternative with just over 20kWh of batteries.
Mate got a question regarding the fit feed solar, just say you want to upgrade to add. Second system but relocate the old system to say a ground mount if the garden or field or out building that could take it with ease if the property was big enough. To max your primary roof . are you still able to claim the fit rate as it’s the same equipment just a longer ac cable . To the main fusebox Is that allowed or is it a case of remove it from the roof and you loose it as my understanding is that even if the inverter got swapped (say replace due to hardware failure) as that system it’s no bigger or smaller providing it remains the same number and w panel and still feeds the same meter there shouldn’t be a problem the new system just needs a second meter. Or am I thinking along the wrong
Hi mate. A fit registered system can be altered however if the alteration results in more energy being generated, for example adding more panels, your FIT provider would move you to estimated payments as you aren’t allowed to benefit from additional FIT payments. If you want to add more capacity the easiest way is to add a second system that doesn’t generate via your existing generation meter.
@@OvalRenewables thank you. The reason why I ask the house that I brought has 22 220w units output 180w connect to a sunny boy. So I want to update date to 430w half cell units . With the garden just cleared there was a a lot of room to move it down facing East
Hi great video :) I am looking to install an off grid 15kwh with battery back up of around 8/9kwh plus with a generator as back up what would you advise, would the Alpha ESS manage such a set up thank you Si
@@OvalRenewables So if the inverter failed the whole system would be off line I'm assuming? What do you think about the Enphase microinverters if one fails the whole system can still be used? Manufacturers tend to offer 5 year warranties on their inverters (even if they last longer than this). I know the microinverters are more expensive but systems based on those would be more reliable than single inverters?
Nice video but how does this all feed into the existing consumer unit. I presume 1 breaker feeds the battery to charge it at night but how does the battery feed in? I think it’s through the same breaker but how does the system draw from the battery and not the grid? Is there some sort of relay?
Great question, thanks for watching! So it’s actually nice and easy. The energy feeds through the ‘Renewables DB’ and into the Henley blocks. From there it feeds through the supply tails to the main consumer unit. The system naturally prioritises the energy from the battery or solar as this is a slightly higher voltage. No change over relay is required.
@@OvalRenewables ok so, into the renewables DB, then out through the tails to a Henley block that’s also go the original tails to the DB in it and that’s it? That’s pretty simple. I thought there would need to be a way to stop it feeding back to the grid, how does it know what path to take? I thought maybe path of least resistance.
It's best siting a battery/inverter system in a utility room - 2 big reasons: 1. charging / discharging is not 100% efficient. Each way loses about 7% to heat. When you're off-grid charging on cheap-rate, sited indoors and you're going to get say 1kWh of heat for each 13kWh electricity stored. It'll basically act as a free heater. Sited outside and it's waste heat. 2. as the batteries approach 0 or 5C they can't be charged as fast and throttle back to a slower speed. This might prevent charging / discharging at full power. I've read of them being limited to 1kWh at 0C. Like humans - they don't like very hot weather, and they don't like freezing weather! It's also supposed to be damaging to Lithium Iron Phosphate to be subjected to freezing conditions - and in Northern Europe you're going to get 0C in some garages, out-buildings, and especially external mounting IP65 or not - it's not liquid heated/cooled like most EVs.
Hi mark, in an ideal world I would agree with you as if you have the space an area that has a steady temperature would be best. However in reality this isn’t always possible due to space 👍
Brill video, can I ask if grid goes down, will the smile 5 inverter charge the battery and power up the house with energy from solar either or from battery? I think freonius gen 24 plus multi flow. Do you install freonius and London near Ruislip area?
This is possible with the smile 5 as long as the solar is installed directly into the battery, on this video our new system was. The UPS mode would need to be activated with the specific circuits wired through the Alpha, on this job the UPS mode was not used. We install nationwide but aren’t currently taking on new enquiries. we hope to reopen these in a couple of month time.
Hi, you mention using the backup output and connecting it to a separate DB with essential loads. How do you handle the output in that it’s most likely an IT earth and there is no solid N-E bond created to establish a TN type earthing arrangement? I have one of these installed (a B3) and Alpha have confirmed it’s more like an IT output. Probably ok for short term use for backup purposes but not fully aligned with UK regulation apparently. Just curious if you’ve picked up on this?
Yes we have absolutely! We are in talks with alpha about a solid solution but we have added in our own relay to bond it for now. We are hoping to get a more solid solid solution to this soon. Great question and is something quite a few manufacturers are missing!
Seriously looking into a solar set up with battery system have no water cylinder though in the house we used 2800kw last year of elec id say we are lower end users no ev and not much chance of having one in the next 10 years as we tow a lot and I can't justify cost of purchase of an ev what size solar array would be a good option would you say not fussed about feeding back to grid id happily be off the grid unless feed in is due to rise cheers in advance for any info sun comes up one side of my roof and down the other side with no shading to my knowledge 😀
Hi Steve, thanks for the comment! That’s a nice low consumption, you should be good with a 3.68kw solar Pv system. Have a look at a small battery system as well as the 0% VAT would be a real saving on the solar and battery system combined. 👍
@@OvalRenewables any suggestions on a system and rough costing fully installed hooked on your channel and artisan electrics top notch work every time im pushing towards a system within the tiles maybe as I think my roof membrane would be better to be changed whilst the install happened to future proof the roof too
quick question. It says that these are generator compatible. does this mean I can wire a generator to the invertor as another charging source in the event of the grid being down ?
For those looking at the Alpha ESS SMILE 5 AC systems, be aware that their charge management system has a fault where it limits the PV Charging during the specified Grid Charging period used for load shifting. This issue means it is not possible to do a set and forget configuration that caters for both sunny days requiring no load shifting, and dull days that do require load shifting. I estimate the problem reduces the system overall efficiency by some 15%. I would not recommend this system and its variants.
Hi.I have a garage 30m from my house with an ideal room for all the kit including a south facing roof for 16 panels.Is it feasible to run cables to the house this distance?
With these integrated units, what do you do if the inverter packs in? Let's also assume worst case scenario and say Alpha has gone under so there's no backup from them. Do you have to ditch the lot, battery and all?
Hi, so if the inverter packs in then it would be a case of changing the top box which is the inverter, there is a 5 year warranty on it. To answer the second part, it’s the same situation if you buy a Sonnen, Tesla, SolarEdge you would have to install a different system I believe.
@@OvalRenewables that's what I thought, wasn't a dig at Alpha specifically, just in my mind as I've been getting quotes for a couple of hybrid units. Many thanks 👍
I am very interested in this system. I have an EV and charger where in a bungalow can all this equipment be installed? In the lot I have plenty of wall space?
Thanks for commenting, we we wouldn’t install this in the loft due to the weight and issues with repairs and servicing, but sometimes there is enough space in a utility or garage? Failing that the battery can go outside.
Hi there, we had this battery installed but I don't think it is wired properly. The numbers on the app say we are taking energy from the grid and giving energy back to the grid. Very little solar power is being used and so we think the wiring may be wrong. Would you be able to check on the installation and show us how to use the app?
I have couple of issue with alpha battery. First my battery continues taking energy from grid 30-60w each and every minutes so end of the day about 600w taking my battey is full still battery taking energy from grid. Second while battery charging that time load increase up to 900w. Battery charge from grid or Pv still load gone up. Once battery full and start sending energy to grid load automatically gone down.
Thanks for the message, as we didnt fit your system we cant look at the monitoring for you. However I would report this to your installer as it doesn't sound correct to me. I hope you manage to get it sorted out.
hi i have an trust electric central hearing F/R2.5 kw,BED 1,1.6KW BED 2,1.6KW,HALLWAY,1.6KW,CONSERVATORY 1.6KW, have you any idea what sort of battery storage would be need ,have 11 395 kw solar panel on the roof.
I found this after looking for alternatives to the Tesla and found Alpha ESS and your channel. Right or wrong my thoughts are (after lots of reading and youtube videos) that the important piece of the puzzle is energy storage, hence looking at the Alpha ESS which looks like a lot more for the money, but my question is ... I live in the West of Scotland so while contrary to belief we do get long hours of sun in the summer, but can you have multiple inputs to the battery and of so which would best for changeable weather in Scotland? For example, solar, a small wind turbine, thermoelectric. Just thinking about supplementing charging the batteries to have some charging consistency with the changeable weather. Any ideas are welcome! 😁
Thanks for your comment! yes battery storage is a large part of a full home energy system in my opinion. The battery has a dual tracker input for solar meaning a large solar array can be installed into the battery. It can also track the generation from a separate wind turbine generator as well via CT clamps. you wouldn’t be able to wire the wind turbine directly into the battery however it would monitor it and use the wind energy in much the same way as the solar PV system in this video.
Been following for quite some time and your videos are so informative compared to others. I have a smile5 inverter with a 5.7kwh battery and want to expand the battery capacity. Can I add a smile5 bat 10.1 kWh battery to my existing system? Or does it have to be multiples of 5.7kwh batteries
Thanks very much! I have actually been having this conversation yesterday. It has to be the 5.7kwh module. Otherwise you have rip out the 5.7’s and add the 10.1’s
Solar in the early days did cost around 3 times as much as it does now. You got a great return but had to have the cash available. Now with rising energy prices the return on investment is increasing with a lower capital investment. It’s a great time to look at getting solar!
I was thinking the same. However as Oval said in the reply less investment needed now, also highlighted in the video the new panels are more efficient and/or larger output for similar footprint.
Great video, very informative. We are currently looking for the best battery systems to put within our developments and videos like this are excellent, so thank you. Would it be possible to put these systems within flatted developments? Is there a different battery system for this? We are particularly interested in the off peak charging to make use of renewables on the grid. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks very much. Yes they can, I think this will become very popular. We have a few customers getting these batteries just for the savings based on peak and off peak energy rates
@@OvalRenewables is there any intelligent software available to predict when / how much to charge the batteries from cheap grid power? I’m thinking of weather prediction to ascertain how much solar will likely be achievable the following day. Would the Sonnen battery be able to do the same as the Alpha and what are the pro’s and con’s of each system (appreciate that’s probably a long answer so I’ll drop you an email!).
@@OvalRenewables Alpha are huge here in Australia but I’m pretty sure there aren’t allowed to be installed inside the house in Australia. I paid for the smile 5 10.3 kw with 6.6 kw jinko N type fully installed £4000 here in Australia, we has the cheapest installed residential solar in the world.
Really enjoying your video's which got me into the whole renewable energy research. My EV will arrive in Sept and we are planning to have solar and battery storage installed. I'm hoping to complete the Oval quote questionnaire in the next few days and hope that you guys are willing to install in the New Forest! As it stands what battery system would you recommend? I really like the Sonnen but the more I look the more I see which makes narrowing it down a lot harder. I like the hybrid systems which have the inbuilt inverter and would like to be able to add additional battery capacity when its needed as well as looking for good customer support etc. Thanks.
Glad you are enjoying them, thanks for watching! We are installing a lot of Alpha batteries at the minute as well as the SolarEdge Energy Bank battery. So it depends on the capacity you need and your budget 👍
Fantastic video, very informative. Of course, you supply and install these products - have you or your customers experienced any major issues with the Alpha ESS products?
Great video. I’ve just discovered the Alpha battery in the last week. Love that you’ve done this video on it. How does the Alpha compare to the Givenergy batteries. I’m keen on the UPS ( think that’s the ability for power to house in a power cut)?
Hi Scott, thanks for watching! I prefer the Alpha over the Giv system. I think Giv have a better customer support currently than Alpha as Alpha are pretty new to the UK so haven’t build that part up as much yet. Functionality wise the Alpha has a better output I believe. The UPS is also great! To make sure I am clear, I haven’t fitted a Giv System so can’t comment on it exactly, my opinion is based on the data sheets 👍
Great and informative video but not thing you said was that the Alpha-ess system has to be floor mounted. This is not true, I have one on the outside of the house and I asked the installer to mount it higher on the wall to allow room for two more of the 2.9kwh modules in the future. I wish I had known in advance how much the charging rate is affected by the ambient temperature. Most nights it has charged at around 2.8kw but on colder nights when it has dropped to below 5 deg C, the charging rate was only around 1kw so in the four hour “off peak rate window” it did not fully charge the battery which is very frustrating as well as more expensive having to use full price electricity later in the day. I’m now looking at building an enclosure which will still allow some ventilation but protect t it from wind chill. I’ve still not got the ups functioning as I had hoped as my installer says that the spikes caused by the Fridge/freezer cutting in caused the breaker to trip so we are looking at a reduction in the number of appliances that will served by the UPS. My priorities are the controls and pump for the gas central heating, the internet, the CCTV, some lighting etc.
Hi Myke, thanks for that. 99% of the time we mount on the floor due to the weight of these 5.5kwh modules but you are correct they can, if absolutely required, be mounted off the floor. Yes temperature does make a difference so positioning needs to be considered. I hope you manage to get setup soon!
@@OvalRenewables For me, as I was installing the batteries outside I had two reasons for wall mounting my system, one was to allow for easy expansion of capacity at a later date and secondly to protect the batteries from any surface water or heavy rain splashing up on my driveway.
Hi, I am in Australia, but this is the best video I have found so far for the Alpha ESS. I currently have a Fronius 8.2 inverter that supplies the Grid and my house, I'm looking at installing a battery and the Alpha ESS has been recommended because of it's flexibility in setup, my limited understanding is that it will be installed as dc coupled? between panels and Fronius or slaved to the Fronius, this is due to limitations placed on us that only allow 10Kwh of inverter, even though it is 5Kwh export limited, so putting the 5Kw Alpha (inverter) as AC coupled would exceed what is "seen" by the power company, hence the need for the Alpha to be behind the Fronius to just charge operate the batteries and let the Fronius talk to the grid. Is this setup possible?
Thanks very much. If you want myself and the team to come out and fit you an Alpha just let us know, we would love a trip to Aus… 😂 Yes the Alpha is very flexible, it can be AC coupled, DC coupled or a bit of both. The battery can limit export but the exact configuration would depend on what the network operators have specified. DC coupling the alpha would remove the need to have the Fronius.
I have here in Australia the 6kw fronius 3 phase 7.92kw panels west array and alpha ess 10.3 kw smile 5 dc coupled 6.6 kw panels east array and works a treat. What state/territory you in ?
Hi, fantastic video Sam, The system here is exactly what I would like to have at home here in Lincolnshire, but office advised me you busy for couple months before take enquiries. What paperwork and permit did you have to get from DNO (?) as I note you say export is limited to 5k/watts. Is this inverter limited or in software. I really trying to understand all of this. Might wait a couple months then knock on your door again to see if you can help me. Appreciate your comments, regards Phil S
Hi Phil, thanks for the message. Sorry we are not able to look at this for you yet. So there are a couple of bits to this. If you are feeding the battery directly with solar then it can charge the batteries with 5kw of power. However when you are exporting or grid charging it is capped by the inverter to 4.6kw. We can lower that cap via the software if the DNO require it. The type of DNO approval will depend on the size of system you want. Have you already got solar?
2 big problems I have with the Alpha ESS system I had installed: 1. Mine seems to use about 130watts "phantom juice" just running itself, it has a fan that runs 24/7/365, it's wi-fi / ethernet is always on, plus it's inverter is always warm. Other reviews have said the same. Maybe Alpha have addressed this with newer ones, mine is 3 years old. 2. The off-peak charging can only be set at hourly intervals! It shows hours and minutes but only accepts "00" for minutes!!!! My Octopus off-peak runs from 00:30 - 04:30. This means if I want to set it to off peak charge I can only do so between 1 and 4am! Mine can only charge at 3kWh. In that 3 hour window I can only charge 9kWh at cheap-rate. I have 11.6kWh of storage (4x2.9kWh version). I literally cant' charge it fully in off-peak because of their infuriating software!!! I've messaged the company SO many times - but they just close my tickets! It's also annoying when I want to charge the car off-peak. I set it to charge at 00:30 and it'll drain the Alpha intensely for 30minutes before the Alpha starts charging. It's SOOOO frustrating Alpha won't fix this! It could sync with the car and not deplete itself unnecessarily! Other than that I do like having battery storage - just wish they could have built a better product / fix their own software bugs!!!
Hi mark! Thanks for the detailed message. I share your frustration on the second point. We have been assured that’s this will be changed in an upcoming software update as it is silly that it isn’t able to charge on half hours! As for the first point the new Alpha smile 5’s don’t have a fan and use a heat sink so this would reduce that 👍
Well spotted. It has a three phase supply but only utilises a single phase connection from it. I believe the property used to have a large air extraction and workshop but no longer has it. Therefore the customer only has a single phase meter installed for domestic use
Great video, great 4K resolution and gret editing! Quick question - would the customer lose their FIT on their original PVs or do they still get it as it's monitored separately?
DONT BUY ALPHA ESS SMILE 5. I have a smile 5 with dual batteries, It regularly resets and cuts power to my house, Alpha support is TERRIBLE and now I'm stuck with an unreliable system and no support. Get a locally supported system and save yourself a huge headache.
Sorry to hear you are having problems. Just to clarify to anyone reading this, we haven’t installed this system for this customer. However I am interested to hear more incase we can help as non of our customers have had this experience. What have your installers said about the problem?
Alpha and my installer have told me it needs replacing. I am also a qualified electrician, and I can say that the system was initially working well, but after a few months, the "resetting" started. The inverter runs very hot, and the heat sink is too hot to touch on some days. I understand some equipment has issues, and that's to be expected, but the main issue with alpha is the terrible communication, after the initial email asking for my installers email address and postal address for the new unit, I've heard absolutely nothing (and either has my installer).. and still no inverter.. I will probably have to rewire half my house to remove the UPS circuit, just so my computer stops getting turned off in the middle of a project. Very frustrating.
The smile 5 is a hybrid so you can put solar directly into it. It can also charge and discharge at 4.6kw over the b3’s 3kw. You can also use larger battery modules with the smile 5. The B3 is also a good unit but just a bit small output wise in my opinion 👍
@@OvalRenewables thanks. For me the inability to store it in the loft due to the weight means i'm going to stick with the Lux Power Hybrid inverter and Pylontech batteries.
@@OvalRenewables with hindsight, I wish I’d gone for the Smile 5 with 2 of the larger battery modules rather than the Smile 3 with four 2.9 kWh battery modules. The only advantage is that I could add extra 2.9kwh modules but the greater charging and discharging rate of the Smile5 makes it much more practical.
@@stupidusername38 it can be fitted in the loft if you have a strong brick wall to mount it on. I was told that the biggest issue was the size and weight to be man handled up through the loft hatch, I’m not sure that a Smile5 is small enough my loft hatch.
One of the best videos about solar insulation. It is good to see a company willing to give a full explanation of an install and also great that they have someone to communicate in such a clear and friendly manner.
Thanks Andy!
Thanks Sam, I returned your questionnaire today but didn’t know about this system so I think it is something to consider now.
Hi Derek, thanks very much for that. We will consider the Alpha when reviewing your questionnaire.
Superb video. Thank you. Yesterday we had a scheduled power cut and I expected the system to switch over to back up. But NO. Found this video now and I hope to be able to switch the UPS switch on for next time.
Congrats on 2K! 👏
Thanks guys!
Well done. Very professional.
Thank you!
Really enjoyed this video. Worth the wait. The AlphaESS Hybrid system looks really comprehensive with off-grid / UPS and programmable app that looks simple to use…
Hi Mark, yes it’s a great system!
Really nice to see you show alternative products that available. Keep up the good work.
Thank you!
Great video, please could you advise on how you notified the DNO, did you need a seperate enquiry for exceeding the 4kw on the single phase, I did notice the 3-phase cutout but I think you confirmed its single phase?
great vid, thanks, guys. Only the background music at the beginning is intimidating
Thanks for watching and for the feedback 👍
At 19:20, why is the left axis max value at 12721 watts? This is a smile 5 and should only have max PV at 6.6kW, if i understand it correctly?
Also, in a hybrid-coupled configuration, if the other inverter have more PV output than the load, will the other inverter help charge the smile 5 batteries using it’s surplus harvest?
Enjoyed the Video I've a 14 Panel PV array to a 5kw Solis inverter and a Solax X1-Fit gateway and a 5kw Battery + 5kw Slave Battery my issue is that the PV Generation doesn't show up on my Solax App so can I run a CT Clamp from the Solis inverter to the Solax so they talk to each other ? I'm asking because both systems on your video appear onto 1 app which is basically what I'm after achieving.
After my power cut I have 2 red fault lights and the dongle has a fault on it too. Can you help me and give me a top tip how to reset the system. Thanks.
Does this system allow island mode and did you make alterations to the earthing arrangement in this installation?
We are I Australia. We have an existing 4kw system with inverter then installed an extra 4.7kw of panels that feed directly into the battery system. So far we have gone through 2 inverters and now have nothing working. How can this install be working which is the same setup as ours and ours is not?
So can you have the systems without panels just the batteries and charge it up at night time on cheap rate
Very informative and useful information thanks. However, I would like to comment, that like many other YT videos, I find that the use of background music while someone is talking is very distracting and pointless. Hope you don't find this is negative!
Hi Rick. Thanks for the message. Not at all, we have taken it on board and welcome criticism 👍
If we have two existing PV systems (both 8kW with standard Solis 5G grid-tie inverters) installed in different locations (one in garage, one in house) how would you have the Alpha system monitor the total cumulative output of both systems in the app? Is there space for another CT clamp?
Really good video , very informative and I'm sure 100 percent sure you do a great job.Well done young man
this is a really useful video thanks. how does the g98/g99 thing work in this instance please ?
I'd like to thank Oval Renewables for taking the time to answer my telephone queries regarding the Alpha Smile system today (31.08.2022)
I've struggled to get my pre-ordered GivEnergy system after several months and think this will likely be a suitable alternative with just over 20kWh of batteries.
Not a problem, happy to help.
What model of power meter did you install, thanks.
How about a house with 3phase power? Can everything still be viewed on the app or only to 2 phase connected through the battery?
They would need a three phase battery system for full integration
Mate got a question regarding the fit feed solar, just say you want to upgrade to add. Second system but relocate the old system to say a ground mount if the garden or field or out building that could take it with ease if the property was big enough. To max your primary roof . are you still able to claim the fit rate as it’s the same equipment just a longer ac cable . To the main fusebox Is that allowed or is it a case of remove it from the roof and you loose it as my understanding is that even if the inverter got swapped (say replace due to hardware failure) as that system it’s no bigger or smaller providing it remains the same number and w panel and still feeds the same meter there shouldn’t be a problem the new system just needs a second meter. Or am I thinking along the wrong
Hi mate. A fit registered system can be altered however if the alteration results in more energy being generated, for example adding more panels, your FIT provider would move you to estimated payments as you aren’t allowed to benefit from additional FIT payments. If you want to add more capacity the easiest way is to add a second system that doesn’t generate via your existing generation meter.
@@OvalRenewables thank you. The reason why I ask the house that I brought has 22 220w units output 180w connect to a sunny boy. So I want to update date to 430w half cell units . With the garden just cleared there was a a lot of room to move it down facing East
Hi great video :) I am looking to install an off grid 15kwh with battery back up of around 8/9kwh plus with a generator as back up what would you advise, would the Alpha ESS manage such a set up thank you Si
I believe it may be able to. I would advise you contact Alpha about it.
Is the inverter the weakest point?
Usually yes
@@OvalRenewables So if the inverter failed the whole system would be off line I'm assuming?
What do you think about the Enphase microinverters if one fails the whole system can still be used?
Manufacturers tend to offer 5 year warranties on their inverters (even if they last longer than this). I know the microinverters are more expensive but systems based on those would be more reliable than single inverters?
Superb install
Thank you!
Nice video but how does this all feed into the existing consumer unit. I presume 1 breaker feeds the battery to charge it at night but how does the battery feed in? I think it’s through the same breaker but how does the system draw from the battery and not the grid? Is there some sort of relay?
Great question, thanks for watching! So it’s actually nice and easy. The energy feeds through the ‘Renewables DB’ and into the Henley blocks. From there it feeds through the supply tails to the main consumer unit. The system naturally prioritises the energy from the battery or solar as this is a slightly higher voltage. No change over relay is required.
@@OvalRenewables ok so, into the renewables DB, then out through the tails to a Henley block that’s also go the original tails to the DB in it and that’s it? That’s pretty simple. I thought there would need to be a way to stop it feeding back to the grid, how does it know what path to take? I thought maybe path of least resistance.
It's best siting a battery/inverter system in a utility room - 2 big reasons:
1. charging / discharging is not 100% efficient. Each way loses about 7% to heat. When you're off-grid charging on cheap-rate, sited indoors and you're going to get say 1kWh of heat for each 13kWh electricity stored. It'll basically act as a free heater. Sited outside and it's waste heat.
2. as the batteries approach 0 or 5C they can't be charged as fast and throttle back to a slower speed. This might prevent charging / discharging at full power. I've read of them being limited to 1kWh at 0C. Like humans - they don't like very hot weather, and they don't like freezing weather! It's also supposed to be damaging to Lithium Iron Phosphate to be subjected to freezing conditions - and in Northern Europe you're going to get 0C in some garages, out-buildings, and especially external mounting IP65 or not - it's not liquid heated/cooled like most EVs.
Hi mark, in an ideal world I would agree with you as if you have the space an area that has a steady temperature would be best. However in reality this isn’t always possible due to space 👍
Brill video, can I ask if grid goes down, will the smile 5 inverter charge the battery and power up the house with energy from solar either or from battery?
I think freonius gen 24 plus multi flow.
Do you install freonius and London near Ruislip area?
This is possible with the smile 5 as long as the solar is installed directly into the battery, on this video our new system was. The UPS mode would need to be activated with the specific circuits wired through the Alpha, on this job the UPS mode was not used. We install nationwide but aren’t currently taking on new enquiries. we hope to reopen these in a couple of month time.
@@OvalRenewables thank you
Hi, you mention using the backup output and connecting it to a separate DB with essential loads.
How do you handle the output in that it’s most likely an IT earth and there is no solid N-E bond created to establish a TN type earthing arrangement?
I have one of these installed (a B3) and Alpha have confirmed it’s more like an IT output. Probably ok for short term use for backup purposes but not fully aligned with UK regulation apparently.
Just curious if you’ve picked up on this?
Yes we have absolutely! We are in talks with alpha about a solid solution but we have added in our own relay to bond it for now. We are hoping to get a more solid solid solution to this soon. Great question and is something quite a few manufacturers are missing!
@@OvalRenewables so you are creating a N-E bond yourselves using a relay?
Have you done this on the B3?
Thanks.
Seriously looking into a solar set up with battery system have no water cylinder though in the house we used 2800kw last year of elec id say we are lower end users no ev and not much chance of having one in the next 10 years as we tow a lot and I can't justify cost of purchase of an ev what size solar array would be a good option would you say not fussed about feeding back to grid id happily be off the grid unless feed in is due to rise cheers in advance for any info sun comes up one side of my roof and down the other side with no shading to my knowledge 😀
Hi Steve, thanks for the comment! That’s a nice low consumption, you should be good with a 3.68kw solar Pv system. Have a look at a small battery system as well as the 0% VAT would be a real saving on the solar and battery system combined. 👍
@@OvalRenewables any suggestions on a system and rough costing fully installed hooked on your channel and artisan electrics top notch work every time im pushing towards a system within the tiles maybe as I think my roof membrane would be better to be changed whilst the install happened to future proof the roof too
Hi. What fire board do you use please and is there local hardware stores that stock it?
Hardie backer cement board, 12mm available from B&Q, top tiles etc
As the other comment said 12mm Hardiebacker board 800 x 1200.
Great vid. Thank you
Thanks Rob
quick question. It says that these are generator compatible. does this mean I can wire a generator to the invertor as another charging source in the event of the grid being down ?
I believe you can yes. We have never done it but as you say it mentions it on the setup.
Do you have to limit the export to the grid with two solar setups?
Yes the export had to be limited through the Alpha to 5kw.
For those looking at the Alpha ESS SMILE 5 AC systems, be aware that their charge management system has a fault where it limits the PV Charging during the specified Grid Charging period used for load shifting.
This issue means it is not possible to do a set and forget configuration that caters for both sunny days requiring no load shifting, and dull days that do require load shifting.
I estimate the problem reduces the system overall efficiency by some 15%.
I would not recommend this system and its variants.
Hi.I have a garage 30m from my house with an ideal room for all the kit including a south facing roof for 16 panels.Is it feasible to run cables to the house this distance?
Hi Ray, yes you can do, 30m is about the max however. Due to the CT clamp length on the Alpha.
With these integrated units, what do you do if the inverter packs in? Let's also assume worst case scenario and say Alpha has gone under so there's no backup from them. Do you have to ditch the lot, battery and all?
Hi, so if the inverter packs in then it would be a case of changing the top box which is the inverter, there is a 5 year warranty on it. To answer the second part, it’s the same situation if you buy a Sonnen, Tesla, SolarEdge you would have to install a different system I believe.
@@OvalRenewables that's what I thought, wasn't a dig at Alpha specifically, just in my mind as I've been getting quotes for a couple of hybrid units. Many thanks 👍
They are a great all in 1 solution. Love mine
What a great install. Really looking forward to Oval Renewables installing my system at the end of Feb. Any biscuit preferences chaps? 😋
Hi David. We are looking forward to it too!
Anything chocolate covered….
Thanks!
@@OvalRenewables I'm on it!👍
What system are you getting installed?
I am very interested in this system. I have an EV and charger where in a bungalow can all this equipment be installed? In the lot I have plenty of wall space?
Thanks for commenting, we we wouldn’t install this in the loft due to the weight and issues with repairs and servicing, but sometimes there is enough space in a utility or garage? Failing that the battery can go outside.
Hi there, we had this battery installed but I don't think it is wired properly. The numbers on the app say we are taking energy from the grid and giving energy back to the grid. Very little solar power is being used and so we think the wiring may be wrong. Would you be able to check on the installation and show us how to use the app?
Hi Sara, send us an email to sam@ovalrenewables.com and I’ll see if we can work out what’s wrong. Also add some photos to the email 👍
What is the deciding factor when you choose panels for the customer? I would want the biggest bang for my buck obviously.
Very good informative video without unnecessary waffle. Could the alpha batteries be added to a system with Tesla power wall? How do prices compare?
I have couple of issue with alpha battery. First my battery continues taking energy from grid 30-60w each and every minutes so end of the day about 600w taking my battey is full still battery taking energy from grid.
Second while battery charging that time load increase up to 900w. Battery charge from grid or Pv still load gone up. Once battery full and start sending energy to grid load automatically gone down.
Thanks for the message, as we didnt fit your system we cant look at the monitoring for you. However I would report this to your installer as it doesn't sound correct to me. I hope you manage to get it sorted out.
hi i have an trust electric central hearing F/R2.5 kw,BED 1,1.6KW BED 2,1.6KW,HALLWAY,1.6KW,CONSERVATORY 1.6KW, have you any idea what sort of battery storage would be need ,have 11 395 kw solar panel on the roof.
We would need to look at more info to get a proper size sorted but a good rule of thumb is to size the battery based on a days consumption.
I found this after looking for alternatives to the Tesla and found Alpha ESS and your channel. Right or wrong my thoughts are (after lots of reading and youtube videos) that the important piece of the puzzle is energy storage, hence looking at the Alpha ESS which looks like a lot more for the money, but my question is ...
I live in the West of Scotland so while contrary to belief we do get long hours of sun in the summer, but can you have multiple inputs to the battery and of so which would best for changeable weather in Scotland? For example, solar, a small wind turbine, thermoelectric. Just thinking about supplementing charging the batteries to have some charging consistency with the changeable weather.
Any ideas are welcome! 😁
Thanks for your comment! yes battery storage is a large part of a full home energy system in my opinion. The battery has a dual tracker input for solar meaning a large solar array can be installed into the battery. It can also track the generation from a separate wind turbine generator as well via CT clamps. you wouldn’t be able to wire the wind turbine directly into the battery however it would monitor it and use the wind energy in much the same way as the solar PV system in this video.
Been following for quite some time and your videos are so informative compared to others. I have a smile5 inverter with a 5.7kwh battery and want to expand the battery capacity. Can I add a smile5 bat 10.1 kWh battery to my existing system? Or does it have to be multiples of 5.7kwh batteries
Thanks very much! I have actually been having this conversation yesterday. It has to be the 5.7kwh module. Otherwise you have rip out the 5.7’s and add the 10.1’s
really do wish i got into solar in early days :/
Solar in the early days did cost around 3 times as much as it does now. You got a great return but had to have the cash available. Now with rising energy prices the return on investment is increasing with a lower capital investment. It’s a great time to look at getting solar!
I was thinking the same. However as Oval said in the reply less investment needed now, also highlighted in the video the new panels are more efficient and/or larger output for similar footprint.
Cool！
👊
Great video, very informative. We are currently looking for the best battery systems to put within our developments and videos like this are excellent, so thank you.
Would it be possible to put these systems within flatted developments? Is there a different battery system for this? We are particularly interested in the off peak charging to make use of renewables on the grid. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks very much. Yes they can, I think this will become very popular. We have a few customers getting these batteries just for the savings based on peak and off peak energy rates
@@OvalRenewables is there any intelligent software available to predict when / how much to charge the batteries from cheap grid power? I’m thinking of weather prediction to ascertain how much solar will likely be achievable the following day.
Would the Sonnen battery be able to do the same as the Alpha and what are the pro’s and con’s of each system (appreciate that’s probably a long answer so I’ll drop you an email!).
@@OvalRenewables Alpha are huge here in Australia but I’m pretty sure there aren’t allowed to be installed inside the house in Australia.
I paid for the smile 5 10.3 kw with 6.6 kw jinko N type fully installed £4000 here in Australia, we has the cheapest installed residential solar in the world.
Really enjoying your video's which got me into the whole renewable energy research. My EV will arrive in Sept and we are planning to have solar and battery storage installed. I'm hoping to complete the Oval quote questionnaire in the next few days and hope that you guys are willing to install in the New Forest! As it stands what battery system would you recommend? I really like the Sonnen but the more I look the more I see which makes narrowing it down a lot harder. I like the hybrid systems which have the inbuilt inverter and would like to be able to add additional battery capacity when its needed as well as looking for good customer support etc. Thanks.
Glad you are enjoying them, thanks for watching! We are installing a lot of Alpha batteries at the minute as well as the SolarEdge Energy Bank battery. So it depends on the capacity you need and your budget 👍
Fantastic video, very informative. Of course, you supply and install these products - have you or your customers experienced any major issues with the Alpha ESS products?
There are always issues with every band and Alpha are no different. However our experience is certainly more positive than negative
I wish my roof was that big.
Yes this customer is blessed with plenty of space!
If i used 2 battery 8.2kw with inverter how much discharge current Per phase for inductive loads and resistive loads please 🥺
We would need more information on the system you are using
@@OvalRenewables i am using same system in this video you have been installed if i add 1 more battery
How much inverter discharge current Per phase?
@@techsaadi If its the smile 5 you would be looking at 4.6kw per phase (20a)
Great video. I’ve just discovered the Alpha battery in the last week. Love that you’ve done this video on it.
How does the Alpha compare to the Givenergy batteries. I’m keen on the UPS ( think that’s the ability for power to house in a power cut)?
Hi Scott, thanks for watching! I prefer the Alpha over the Giv system. I think Giv have a better customer support currently than Alpha as Alpha are pretty new to the UK so haven’t build that part up as much yet. Functionality wise the Alpha has a better output I believe. The UPS is also great! To make sure I am clear, I haven’t fitted a Giv System so can’t comment on it exactly, my opinion is based on the data sheets 👍
Great videos!
Are your RCBO's dual or single pole switching?
Unfortunately they are just single. We are waiting for the dual ones to be released.
Great and informative video but not thing you said was that the Alpha-ess system has to be floor mounted. This is not true, I have one on the outside of the house and I asked the installer to mount it higher on the wall to allow room for two more of the 2.9kwh modules in the future.
I wish I had known in advance how much the charging rate is affected by the ambient temperature. Most nights it has charged at around 2.8kw but on colder nights when it has dropped to below 5 deg C, the charging rate was only around 1kw so in the four hour “off peak rate window” it did not fully charge the battery which is very frustrating as well as more expensive having to use full price electricity later in the day. I’m now looking at building an enclosure which will still allow some ventilation but protect t it from wind chill.
I’ve still not got the ups functioning as I had hoped as my installer says that the spikes caused by the Fridge/freezer cutting in caused the breaker to trip so we are looking at a reduction in the number of appliances that will served by the UPS. My priorities are the controls and pump for the gas central heating, the internet, the CCTV, some lighting etc.
Hi Myke, thanks for that. 99% of the time we mount on the floor due to the weight of these 5.5kwh modules but you are correct they can, if absolutely required, be mounted off the floor. Yes temperature does make a difference so positioning needs to be considered. I hope you manage to get setup soon!
@@OvalRenewables For me, as I was installing the batteries outside I had two reasons for wall mounting my system, one was to allow for easy expansion of capacity at a later date and secondly to protect the batteries from any surface water or heavy rain splashing up on my driveway.
@@mykehoole5787 sounds very sensible 👍
Are you not meant to have 600 mm spacing either side of the battery ?
Or is it just advisable?
Hi, I am in Australia, but this is the best video I have found so far for the Alpha ESS. I currently have a Fronius 8.2 inverter that supplies the Grid and my house, I'm looking at installing a battery and the Alpha ESS has been recommended because of it's flexibility in setup, my limited understanding is that it will be installed as dc coupled? between panels and Fronius or slaved to the Fronius, this is due to limitations placed on us that only allow 10Kwh of inverter, even though it is 5Kwh export limited, so putting the 5Kw Alpha (inverter) as AC coupled would exceed what is "seen" by the power company, hence the need for the Alpha to be behind the Fronius to just charge operate the batteries and let the Fronius talk to the grid. Is this setup possible?
Thanks very much. If you want myself and the team to come out and fit you an Alpha just let us know, we would love a trip to Aus… 😂
Yes the Alpha is very flexible, it can be AC coupled, DC coupled or a bit of both. The battery can limit export but the exact configuration would depend on what the network operators have specified. DC coupling the alpha would remove the need to have the Fronius.
I have here in Australia the 6kw fronius 3 phase 7.92kw panels west array and alpha ess 10.3 kw smile 5 dc coupled 6.6 kw panels east array and works a treat.
What state/territory you in ?
Great tutorial, I've got an aurora 3kw inverter, can you recommend a battery storage solution to integrate to it, keep up great work, thanks.
Thanks. This Alpha system would be perfect!
Hi, fantastic video Sam, The system here is exactly what I would like to have at home here in Lincolnshire, but office advised me you busy for couple months before take enquiries. What paperwork and permit did you have to get from DNO (?) as I note you say export is limited to 5k/watts. Is this inverter limited or in software. I really trying to understand all of this. Might wait a couple months then knock on your door again to see if you can help me. Appreciate your comments, regards Phil S
Hi Phil, thanks for the message. Sorry we are not able to look at this for you yet. So there are a couple of bits to this. If you are feeding the battery directly with solar then it can charge the batteries with 5kw of power. However when you are exporting or grid charging it is capped by the inverter to 4.6kw. We can lower that cap via the software if the DNO require it. The type of DNO approval will depend on the size of system you want. Have you already got solar?
Looks like this is ahead of the US availability.
With the EV, is that bidirectional and if not will it be upgradeable?
A little jealous
Thanks for the comment. It isn’t yet but who knows what will happen!
Thankyou for this great video.
How much would a system like this cost please?
Thanks
Hi there. I can’t quite remember but if you would like a quote we are opening our enquiries soon
Very informative , what area do you cover ?
Hi Tony, we cover nationwide but aren’t currently taking on new work. We may be opening this again in a few months 👍
Fantastic video. So informative. Can I ask if you can charge from the grid in a hybrid system
Hi Norman, yes absolutely! Thanks for watching!
2 big problems I have with the Alpha ESS system I had installed:
1. Mine seems to use about 130watts "phantom juice" just running itself, it has a fan that runs 24/7/365, it's wi-fi / ethernet is always on, plus it's inverter is always warm. Other reviews have said the same. Maybe Alpha have addressed this with newer ones, mine is 3 years old.
2. The off-peak charging can only be set at hourly intervals! It shows hours and minutes but only accepts "00" for minutes!!!! My Octopus off-peak runs from 00:30 - 04:30. This means if I want to set it to off peak charge I can only do so between 1 and 4am! Mine can only charge at 3kWh. In that 3 hour window I can only charge 9kWh at cheap-rate. I have 11.6kWh of storage (4x2.9kWh version). I literally cant' charge it fully in off-peak because of their infuriating software!!! I've messaged the company SO many times - but they just close my tickets! It's also annoying when I want to charge the car off-peak. I set it to charge at 00:30 and it'll drain the Alpha intensely for 30minutes before the Alpha starts charging. It's SOOOO frustrating Alpha won't fix this! It could sync with the car and not deplete itself unnecessarily!
Other than that I do like having battery storage - just wish they could have built a better product / fix their own software bugs!!!
Hi mark! Thanks for the detailed message. I share your frustration on the second point. We have been assured that’s this will be changed in an upcoming software update as it is silly that it isn’t able to charge on half hours! As for the first point the new Alpha smile 5’s don’t have a fan and use a heat sink so this would reduce that 👍
@@OvalRenewables Wow. That'd be great if they do it. Thanks for the reply!
@@markyates5744 I am going to push for this, if I get an update I will try to remember to leave a comment here to let you know.
Bro please make video on ct setting in app and how to set limint etc please
Hi mate. We wouldn’t look to do a video on something like that as we aren’t a how to channel. Thanks for watching though!
Did I see that there is a 3 phase cutout on this? Technically G98 is single phase 16A . I don't think you have mentioned that this is a 3 phase cutout
Well spotted. It has a three phase supply but only utilises a single phase connection from it. I believe the property used to have a large air extraction and workshop but no longer has it. Therefore the customer only has a single phase meter installed for domestic use
Great video, great 4K resolution and gret editing!
Quick question - would the customer lose their FIT on their original PVs or do they still get it as it's monitored separately?
They continue to receive FIT on original solar installation as its monitored separately 👍
@@TreeWorksUK Ah, thought so. Many thanks:-)
Greg is correct. It’s the perfect solution
DONT BUY ALPHA ESS SMILE 5. I have a smile 5 with dual batteries, It regularly resets and cuts power to my house, Alpha support is TERRIBLE and now I'm stuck with an unreliable system and no support. Get a locally supported system and save yourself a huge headache.
Sorry to hear you are having problems. Just to clarify to anyone reading this, we haven’t installed this system for this customer. However I am interested to hear more incase we can help as non of our customers have had this experience. What have your installers said about the problem?
Alpha and my installer have told me it needs replacing. I am also a qualified electrician, and I can say that the system was initially working well, but after a few months, the "resetting" started. The inverter runs very hot, and the heat sink is too hot to touch on some days. I understand some equipment has issues, and that's to be expected, but the main issue with alpha is the terrible communication, after the initial email asking for my installers email address and postal address for the new unit, I've heard absolutely nothing (and either has my installer).. and still no inverter.. I will probably have to rewire half my house to remove the UPS circuit, just so my computer stops getting turned off in the middle of a project. Very frustrating.
cost?
We would have to look at your installation to decide on that. We wouldn’t reveal the cost of this install without the customer permission
The pre-existing system should be relocated in the brick room, whoever stuck the gear in the loft needs slapping.
Haha slapping is a bit strong! However it wasn’t the neatest install. The old system is fine in the loft as it is accessible and well ventilated 👍
It's a
"ba-ttery" NOT a
"bat-tree"
'ery" not "ree"
Thanks for taking the time to tell us 😂
whats the difference between the Smile 5 and the Alpha B3 battery?
The smile 5 is a hybrid so you can put solar directly into it. It can also charge and discharge at 4.6kw over the b3’s 3kw. You can also use larger battery modules with the smile 5. The B3 is also a good unit but just a bit small output wise in my opinion 👍
@@OvalRenewables thanks. For me the inability to store it in the loft due to the weight means i'm going to stick with the Lux Power Hybrid inverter and Pylontech batteries.
@@OvalRenewables with hindsight, I wish I’d gone for the Smile 5 with 2 of the larger battery modules rather than the Smile 3 with four 2.9 kWh battery modules. The only advantage is that I could add extra 2.9kwh modules but the greater charging and discharging rate of the Smile5 makes it much more practical.
@@stupidusername38 it can be fitted in the loft if you have a strong brick wall to mount it on. I was told that the biggest issue was the size and weight to be man handled up through the loft hatch, I’m not sure that a Smile5 is small enough my loft hatch.