ReallyVeryFoolish wrote:Some comments in the thread about the end of gas boilers prompted me to think about solar photovoltaic arrays. So as not to hijack that thread -
I recently did the sums for a typical 3 to 4kw domestic solar array in the UK versus what seems to be an installed cost typically around the £5000 mark for a roof mounted array, inverter and installation. I was amazed to find researching this that the exact same systwem installed locally here in Australia costs about 25 to 35 per cent of that cost. In a nutshell, the economics stack up very well here in Australia but when I retire and return home, the return is very unattractive. As far as I can see, the installation costs in the UK are what drives the big difference in price. Somewhat surprising since skilled labour here in Australia is amongst (if not the most) the highest cost in the world.
So - If I could buy and fit the hardware myself and cut out the labour, it seems the cost becomes much more attractive. Is DIY even an option for a grid connected typical house in the UK? I am not an electrician, I am an engineer and I understand things like schematics, single line diagrams etc etc.... I think it would be a doddle fitting them to a (large) shed roof or even a pergola erected in the gardrn for the purpose.
But, is it possible? Is it legal? What will my house insurance company think?
Cheers.
RVF.
Whatever you connect to the UK mains by way of permanent wiring must be signed off by a competent (part P) electrician*. And backfeeding into the mains from temporary connections is a big no no. It is a long time since being MIEE was an equivalency for what is now part P signing authority. These are legal/regulatory considerations, but in turn they have insurance ramifications.
I am not sure your sums are correct by the way.
regards, dspp
* I'm not saying that I don't occasionally do the odd bit of stuff myself, but I make darn sure I don't get caught ! And for a 4kW install I get the local part P guy to do the job, even if I do act as his/her dumb labour.