View PDF - WF Senate
Introduction
Renewable Energy Feed in Tariffs are:
Tax free income, index linked and guaranteed for 25 years
Benefits of
PV Systems
• Lifespan over 25
years
• Minimal maintenance
• No moving parts
• Free electricity
• Works on daylight
not just sunlight
• Easily connected to
the Grid
2
Solar Energy Systems – a brief overview
The Solar energy market can appear to be a very confusing place, but in
truth for the end user it is not that complex. It is ultimately about the
benefits it can deliver to the energy consumer and the environment.
In essence a solar energy system is about harnessing the sun’s immense
natural power and converting it to either electricity using silicon cells or
thermal energy for direct heating. You will no doubt have seen solar
panels on rooftops locally, these are of two distinct type’s.
1. Solar Thermal which simply heats water
2. Solar Photovoltaic “PV” generates electrical power that can used to run
appliances and also fed back into the National Grid Network
Grid Connect provide Solar PV Installation kits, using market leading BP
Solar photovoltaic panels to generate electricity and connect to the Grid,
via top quality approved inverters and accessories. This ensures the best
long term offering and enables users to gain both maximum energy and
cost benefits.
The UK Government have committed to decreasing our dependence on
fossil and nuclear fuels and have legislated a Feed in Tariff “FIT”, sometimes
called energy cashbacks, that became effective on April 1st 2010. This
obliges energy companies to pay a premium price to the energy
generator (Microgenerators) for all energy produced by a solar system,
whether it is used at the property or exported back to the Grid.
Strict government guidelines cover the materials and installations that
qualify for the FIT, so both products and contractors must be approved
under the new Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
So there is no better time to invest in both our own and the
environment’s future !
Why a PV solar system installation is a good choice of renewable energy for any
property
• Feed in Tariffs (energy cashback) paid for the energy generated.
• The electricity generated is used to power appliances and any surplus exported to the Grid.
• Typically in the UK 850 kilowatt hours (kWh) of power can be generated annually from every kW of PV panels
installed.
• Not only will there be a reduction in energy bills but PV will also minimise the impact of rising energy costs over
the coming years.
• PV systems have no moving parts, are noiseless and require little maintenance.
• Grid Connect PV kits comprise of established branded components with a proven track record, so you can be sure
of the warranties offered.
• Investment in a highly reliable system with a typical lifetime of 25-30 years.
• An energy saving solar installation adds value to a property and makes it more efficient.
• The kits fit seamlessly into the existing grid connection.
• Generating solar energy reduces dependency on the commercial electricity providers.
• Payback is typically less than 10 years at current electricity costs.
• A typical 2.8 KWp system will save over 1 tonne of CO2 per year.
For more benefits to businesses follow the latest links section @ gridconnect.co.uk
How the System Works
You can download an iPhone/iPad App to quickly find out how much
solar energy a system could provide. Depending on location,
inclination and orientation. (search Solar Checker from App Store)
How Solar PV Works
Optimum performance
achieved when mounted
on a 30˚ angle
facing south
E
N
W
S
Solar PV Array
30˚
DC/AC Inverter
(mains supply required)
AC Isolation
Switch
Installer
site survey
checklist
Consumer Unit
DC Isolation Switch
AC Isolation
Switch
Total Generation Meter
AC Power
Electricity Meter
3
Energy
Mains Supply
Factors to Consider
Requires DC to AC power conversion
•
System include panels and suitable inverters
Inverter efficiency needs to be considered
Orientation
•
Solar Radiation
This diagram shows the total average radiation falling on a 1M 2 surface,
and an angle of 30˚ to the horizontal measured at kilowatt-hours.
600
South facing for optimum performance
More sensitive to orientation than solar thermal
• Roof pitch affects annual performance - optimum
performance at 30-40˚
• Self cleaning normally possible >15˚
Roof pitch angle
Regular Cleaning required to maintain efficiency
700
Get it right first time
for the end user
and leave no stone
unturned, download
from gridconnect.co.uk
800
1000
900
www.gridconnect.co.uk
Why Solar Power Electricity?
For every kW of solar panels installed you will save 358kg of
carbon emissions per year.
Applications
• Homeowners
• House builders
• Businesses
• Local Authorities
• Government
• Organisations
• Schools
These can all help
reduce the UK’s
dependence on fossil
fuels!
4
• Everyone would like to cut their electricity bills and reduce
their carbon footprint!
• Everyone would like to find out what they cost and how easy
they are to install!
By choosing to have a solar powered electricity generating
system installed, your customers can cut their electricity
bills because the Feed In Tariff will pay up to 41.3p for every
kWp generated. And there’s more too because they won't
have to pay their energy supplier for the energy that they
have generated and consumed, and in fact if they “export”
any surplus back to the grid, they will be paid a minimum
of 3p per premium by the supplier.
Like us, if they are also concerned about the environment,
then they can make this investment with the added
knowledge that for every kWp of solar panels installed, they
will save 358kg of carbon emissions per year.
Our suppliers and manufacturing partners have been
established in renewable energy since 1979 and have been
a BP Solar Distributor for 20 years. This longstanding
relationship and experience in the industry puts us in a unique position to offer the best in renewable energy
solutions.
For homes and businesses we are providing a range of Grid Connect PV Energiser kits, incorporating BP solar
panels, because we believe these are the best long term offering and will enable users to gain both maximum
energy and cost benefits. The standard kits start at a power rating of 375W and ranges, up to 3.85kW and include
everything you, as a qualified installer, need to complete a professional finish at any property. We can also offer
bespoke ‘kits’ for larger projects which you, after training and joining an MCS body, will be qualified to design.
A partnership that will be good for you and your business because it enables you to:
• Grow your sales
• Grow your profits
• Broaden your offering
We truly believe it is a win, win (situation for all parties Grid Connect
and local specialist installers), and by using our unique PV Energiser
Kits we can make it really easy for you to plug into this
emerging marketplace.
• Expand your customer base
• Increase the skills of your workforce
• Increase investment in your business
Feed in Tariffs
Any electricity exported generates further income and additional
savings arise from direct use of the electricity generated.
Too good to be true
The Government has launched a new financial incentive programme to get more homeowners and businesses to generate power
from renewable energy, to help meet our national obligations to cut carbon emissions.
The Feed in Tariff for PV was launched on 1st April 2010 as part of the Clean Energy Cash Back scheme. This tariff provides PV
microgenerators with a guaranteed income per kWh generated for 25 years – even if they use the electricity they generate. The rate
varies depending on the size of installation and will be highest for early adopters. (Value for new sign-ups reduces over time.) It’s
also worth noting the tariff is linked to inflation.
The approach is best illustrated by example. The following figure is an example of electricity flows around a typical
microgeneration installation. A 3kWp PV system is capable of producing 2,500kWh per annum of electricity. If this is retrofitted to
an existing building this year, the Generation Tariff will be 41.3p per kWh. This would trigger an annual payment of £1032.50 from
the electricity supplier to the property owner (2,500kWh X 41.3p = £1032.50)
Installer’s
Customer
sales pack
Feed in Tariff levels for Grid Connected PV Installations
Commencing after April 1st 2010
Size of Installation Tariff Level for new installations in period
(p/kWh) [NB tariff will be inflated annually]
Year 1: Year2: Year3:
1.04.10- 1.04.11- 1.04.12-
31.03.11 31.03.12 31.03.13
≤4 kWp (new build) 36.1 36.1 33.0
≤4 kWp (retrofit) 41.3 41.3 37.8
>4-10kWp 36.1 36.1 33.0
Standalone system 29.3 29.3 26.8
>10-100kW 31.4 31.4 28.7
>100kW-5MW 29.3 29.3 26.8
Reduced VAT on PV Installations
All Renewable systems installed by an MCS accredited
installer qualify for a reduced rate of VAT at 5%.
If the Installer is VAT Registered the scheme works as
follows:
• The installer purchases the equipment with normal VAT
• The installer recovers the VAT in the normal way
• The installer charges the customer 5% on the supply
and installation of the system
• The installer pays 5% VAT to H.M. Customs and Excise
• The net cost to the Installer is nil
5
How the scheme works
There are three ways in which customers will be able to benefit if they have an eligible technology:
Generation tariff:
A fixed payment from their electricity supplier for every unit of energy or kilowatt hour (kWh) generated (the 'generation
tariff') for a period of 20 years (except for solar PV which would be for 25 years).
Export tariff:
If they do not use the electricity on-site it will be exported to the grid. They will get a guaranteed minimum payment
(3p/kWh) additional to the generation tariff for every kWh exported to the grid (the 'export tariff').
On-site use of electricity:
They will also benefit from on-site use of the electricity they generate: where they use the electricity on-site they will be
able to offset this against electricity they would otherwise have had to buy.
They can use the electricity they
generate meaning they don’t
have to import from the grid
Electricity is
created by solar
panels. Their
electricity supplier
pays them for each
unit of electricity
they generate
They export
electricity back to the
grid when they don’t
use it and they are
paid an export tariff
They import electricity from the grid
when they need additional power
www.gridconnect.co.uk
Renewable Training Courses
A registered Part P electrical contractor should expect to invest up to 2
months and over £2000 to become an MCS approved installer, in
addition to the outlay for installation of an initial kit for assessment.
In order for your customers to receive the Feed in Tariffs that make PV such an attractive investment, you need to be registered on
the Microgeneration Certification Scheme or ‘MCS’. (See next page for full details.)
Part of the requirements of the MCS is that “All personnel employed by, or sub-contracted to the contractor must be able to demonstrate
that they are trained and competent in the disciplines and skills, appropriate to the activities required for their role, in accordance with this
standard” (MIS:3002, PV Installation Standard)
Becoming trained and fully competent at installing and commissioning PV systems might sound daunting. But the reality is that as
an electrician you have most of skills you need already to do the job; you just need to “top-up” your knowledge and understanding
of the PV-specific elements.
That’s why Senate have teamed up with EcoSkies, the UK’s most experienced PV trainers, to help you develop the skills you and your
whole team need to participate in this market. You also get free lifetime support on PV via phone & email when you complete
your course.
Training courses can be booked through your local branch and charged to your trading account
6
Solar PV (for Electricians) - GCT2PVE 3 Days
This is the fundamental course for you, covering
everything PV that the budding MCS approved installer
needs, including:
• AC & DC electrical theory & practical for PV
• Solar resource assessment (inc. SAP calcs.)
• G83/1 Grid connection requirements
• Basic roofing structures & integrity issues
• Mechanical installation of roof fixings
• Hands-on PV panel mounting
• Setting to work/commissioning
• Paperwork and test forms; and financial incentives
(FITs, loans), payback+ more
Work at Height course – GCT3WH 1Day
If you haven’t got a Work at Height training record already,
MCS Standards state you must have it. Besides, from an
insurance and health & safety point of view it makes sense
to ensure your team understand best practice when
working in this environment. The course includes:
• Good advice from the Work at Height Regulations.
• Access methods, scaffolds, ladders, roofing ladders.
• Controlling height related hazards.
• Fitting of a full body harness.
• Work restraint and fall arrest methods.
• Hauling techniques and equipment.
Solar PV (for Roofers) - GCT4PVR 2 Days
Thinking of splitting the workload with a roofer? Need
knowledge of more advanced PV roofing techniques?
Then this is the course for you.
Course includes:
• The solar resource
• Overview of different module/panel types
• System configurations
• Basic solar PV design
• Basic electrical safety at work
• In-roof, on-roof and flat roof mounting systems
• Roof integrity issues (e.g. rain penetration) and lots of
practical sessions.
Solar PV Sales Training – GCT5PVT 1 Day
Having someone dedicated to generating your PV business
is probably a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’. If you want them
trained quickly, correctly and cost-effectively so they can
get on with the job, this is the perfect course. Course
covers:
• Intro to PV & other solar technology.
• PV system components and basic AC&DC theory.
• SAP calculations, the MCS, FITs and 0% loans.
• Calculating payback and return on investment.
• Selling the key features & benefits of PV.
• Sourcing leads & effective routes to market.
• Sales in the context of a turnkey solution and closing
the sale: PV vs the alternatives.
www.gridconnect.co.uk
Renewable Energy Awareness GCT1RA 2 Days
The ideal course for all of your other key non-installation
staff. Moving into a new industry sector can be confusing
for staff. This BPEC certification CPD will give them a good
understanding of different renewable energy technologies.
Modules include: PV, solar thermal, micro-hydro, wind
turbines, biomass & heat pumps.
Advanced Training Course GCT6APVT
1 Day
Larger installations
For the theory behind installations up
to 100KWp, Grid Connect have a G59
advanced course designed to act as a
supplement to training and experience
of smaller scale systems.
Microgeneration Certification Scheme
How to Join the Microgeneration
Certification Scheme
Becoming a trained and certified PV installer
will put you and your business in a highly
sought after group. Don’t forget, it doesn’t
matter who your customer base is
(domestic, commercial, public sector or
housing associations etc.), they can all
benefit from the financial returns offered by
Feed in Tariffs once you are an MCS
Approved Solar PV installer.
As well as the competencies of staff doing
the work (see previous page), the installation
firm must have an appropriate management
system for controlling quoting, purchasing,
invoicing, complaints management, quality
checking and record keeping.
To help you through the paperwork and
succeed in your assessment, Senate have
devised the Grid Connect MCS Plan. It’s the
quickest and easiest way to make sure that
you are fully prepared for your MCS
assessment. First, you need to do 2 things:
• Complete the training courses you need.
• Use your new skills to install a PV system -
a small 525kWp kit will do - for a customer
or your own home etc. in line with the
Building Regulations. Once you’re MCS
Approved, you can certify this job for Feed In
Tariffs (See page 10 for kit options)
Your 6 Step guide to getting into the PV Market
1. Check you have all of your existing electrical qualifications
to carry out basic electrical work.
2. Book a 3 day Solar PV for Electricians course (& Work at
Height if you need it) through your local Senate branch.
3. Speak to your Senate branch representative about
arranging your Grid Connect MCS Plan.
4. Install your first PV Energiser Kit ready for your MCS
assessment.
5. Complete your MCS quality manual (included with your
Grid Connect MCS Plan)
6. Pass you MCS Assessment and start installing.
7
Grid Connect MCS Plan – GCT9MCS
What’s included:
• ‘Pre-assessment day’ at EcoSkies’ centre in Chesterfield (on a set day each month)
• Checklist of all the documents and information you to bring to the pre-assessment
• Assistance in compiling your MCS manual in the format required for the assessment
• Your MCS assessment with NAPIT for Solar PV (installation assessment & office visit)
• 1st year’s MCS membership with NAPIT
• 1st year’s Gemserv fee (for global listing on www.microgenerationcertification.org)
What else you’ll need to arrange:
• Membership to the REAL Assurance Scheme, joining fees vary (e.g. £190 for up to 6 employees, but £1970 for 51 – 250 employees.
See www.realassurance.org.uk for details)
• Installation certificates (£5 per technology per installation)
• Check your business insurance policy to ensure it is fit for purpose
The Small Print
If you wish to join the MCS with another certification body, but you wish to still attend the pre-assessment day only, this can be arranged for £400. The
Grid Connect MCS Plan does not guarantee MCS Approval, nor does it cover the cost of additional assessments if the contractor has non-conformities
that require the NAPIT Assessor to revisit (£200 fee for half day or £340 for full day additional visit). That said, most minor corrective actions do not
require a further visit and can be resolved remotely at no additional fee. Once all items have been resolved, approval can be granted and your
customers will be able to access Feed in Tariffs. Assessment - Approval is achieved by undergoing an office assessment and an on-site assessment
(covering each technology type) ensuring that each of the above elements is met in compliance with the published standards (which are all available
on www.microgenerationcertification.org). Surveillance - Once an installation company is approved they will be required to continue following the
rules of the scheme and will enter a surveillance programme appropriate to the scope of their approval which will monitor the ongoing compliance of
work. Certification and Listing - Approved companies will be issued with a certificate of approval detailing which technologies they can install and
must also be listed on the scheme website (cost included within the £850).
Tools and PPE and Handling Solutions
Tools Recommended
Set of allen keys
Impact driver
Hexagon headed green finished Tek Screws
SDS drill & bits
Electrical cutters
Screwdrivers
13mm ratchet spanner
Grinder
AC/DC clamp meter
Multi-meter
Spirit level
Pliers
Multi-contact tool kit
Brother labelling machine
8
PPE and Handling Solutions
Industrial Climbers Helmet:
Secure chin strap and unique adjustment system provides a sure fit. Can be
used with ear defenders, visor and micro head torch (essential as is a high vis
jacket or vest)
Full Body Harness, Lanyards and Slings
For protection when climbing
Rope Grab Kit:
Provides a Work Restraint facility that can be adjusted to retain the worker
within safe areas on a gantry or roof. (Not to be used for Fall Arrest) The Rope
Grab kit comes in different rope sizes up to 30M and can be used to lift loads
up to a maximum of 100Kg.
Pulley Kit:
Used to redirect the haul rope via an overhead scaffold structure to ease
manual handling and manage heavy loads.
Panel and Frame Bag
Haul fragile solar panels (1.7 x
0.85M) safely to height using
innovative lifting points, tag line
features and side straps pulls the
load away from the structure and
prevents spinning.
Use handles on rigid mouth design to carry
panels easily across site.
Unique side buckle system enables bag to open
out flat to aid loading by one person.
Tool Bag
Clips to waist or directly to tool belt. Long bag with drawstring secures both fixings
and long tools. Fix to roof ladder as a handy tool station. (330H x 180Dmm)
Inverter Bag
Large bag capable of carrying a heavy inverter up the stairs and through the loft
hatch (600H x 440W x 240Dmm)
Kit Bag
Innovative rain-proof top keeps clothing and tools dry in wet weather. Versatile
handle and shoulder straps make this a great all-rounder. (500H x 270W x 190Dmm)
Triple Loop Lanyard
Double Lanyard
PV Solar Panel Roof Kits
Solar PV output is measured in KWp = Kilowatt Peak
This is the peak power output achieved by a manufacturer under standard test conditions
In practice this will be reduced depending on position, location and time of day
A range of kits are available but each kit
includes products approved under the UK’s
Microgeneration Certification Scheme:
BP Solar Panels – these are a high quality monocrystalline photovoltaic
solar panel that convert sunlight directly to electrical energy. BP Solar
panels are guaranteed to deliver their nominal rated power by up to
5% more and no less than 3%. High transmission anti-reflective coated
glass (ARC) is used in their construction which has been proven to
deliver up to 4% greater annual yield. A datasheet for the solar panel
type used in the Grid Connect kit is available on our website.
- www.gridconnect.co.uk
Grid Connect Inverter – the inverter supplied in your Grid Connect PV
Energiser Kit has been selected to operate within the permitted range
of all the components of the system and in particular to suit the power
rating of the BP Solar photovoltaic array. These are designed to
optimally convert the electricity from DC to 230V AC and typical
efficiencies achieved are 90-95% ensuring your energy yield is
maximised.
Electrical Pack – all the electrical components needed for the MCS
approved installer to safely connect the solar panels through to the
electricity consumer unit including a kWh (kilo Watt hour) meter to
measure the energy generated.
9
Mounting Structure – this can be a sloping or flat roof type mounting
frame to suit your installation. Grid Connect kits are supplied with high
quality aluminium mounting structures designed for secure long term
installation with specific roof fixings either slate, plain tile or concrete
tiles and are provided to suit. We prepare and supply as standard the
mounting kits to enable a flexible choice of layout for the roof and our
pre-cut profiles are designed to carry the BP panels ensuring a faster
and more cost effective installation on site.
www.gridconnect.co.uk
Solar PV Kits
Reduced
VAT on PV
Installations
All PV systems
installed by an MCS
accredited installer
qualify for a reduced
rate of VAT at 5% for
the End User
For homes and businesses we are providing a range of PV Energiser kits incorporating BP Solar panels because we believe these are
the best long term offering and will enable users to gain both maximum energy and cost benefits. The standard kits start at a
power rating of 375W and ranges up to 3.85kW and include everything a qualified installer needs to complete a professional finish
on a property.
Grid connect PV Energiser kits are also suitable for schools, clinics and other public buildings but where larger installations are
required Grid Connect can offer kits to your design.
What is the Grid Connect PV Energiser Kit?
Put simply it’s solar energy in a box!
It’s a complete solar PV system designed to meet all the MCS requirements, and is ready to be fitted by an approved installer at any
property. Here at Grid Connect we have selected, manufactured, assembled and quality controlled all the necessary components
that you the installer needs to ensure a system will qualify for the Feed-in Tariff which commenced on April 1st 2010.
Part PV Number Surface Electrical Rooftops How
No. Array of Area Configuration Configurations we
Peak PV approx possible deliver
Power solar square using it to
Rating panels metres standard kits you
GCA03S/525W
525
Single
1 pallet
Watts
3 3.76
string
1 row of 3
+ 1 pack
10
GCA06B/1050W
GCA07B/1225W
1050
Single 1 row of 6 or 1 pallet
Watts
6 7.52
string 2 rows of 3 + 1 pack
1225
Single 1 row of 7 or 1 pallet
Watts
7 8.78
string 2 rows of 3+4 + 2 packs
GCA08B/1400W
1400
Watts
Single
1 row of 8 or
8 10.03 string/ 2 rows of 4 or
3 String 4 rows of 2
1 pallet
+ 2 packs
GCA10B/1750W
1750
1 row of 10 or 1 pallet
Watts
10 12.54 2 Strings
2 rows of 5 + 2 packs
GCA12B/2100W
2100
12 15.04
Single
Watts
string
1 row of 12 or
2 rows of 6 or
4 rows of 3
1 pallet
+ 2 packs
GCA16B/2800W
2800
Watts
1 row of 16 or
16 20.06 2 Strings 2 rows of 8 or
4 rows of 4
2 pallets
+ 4 packs
GCA20B/3500W
3500
Watts
1 row of 20 or
20 25.07 2 Strings 2 rows of 10 or
4 rows of 5
2 pallets
+ 4 packs
GCA22S/3850W
3850
1 row of 22 or 2 pallets
Watts
22 27.57 2 Strings
2 rows of 11 + 4 packs
Above are a sample of standard kits available
What about larger systems?
On completion of the Grid Connect "Installers Project & Order Form"
we will supply a quotation for the relevant kit required.
Systems under 4kW fall under G83 regulations.
For systems over that capacity G59 regulations should be used.
Download the Installers Project & Order Form at
www.gridconnnect.co.uk
Solar Panel Layout Configurations
The Grid Connect PV Home Energiser can be fitted to almost any roof,
simply request fixings to suit slate, concrete or rosemary tiles and we
will supply appropriate brackets. Flat roof fixings are available too.
525W (3 Module Kit)
Nominal Array Size:
2475 x 1587mm
(based on o/a rail length supplied &
25mm between rows
1050W (6 Module Kit)
1225W (7 Module Kit)
Nominal Array Size:
2475 x 3200mm
Nominal Array Size:
3350 x 3200mm
or
or
Nominal Array Size:
4950 x 1587mm
Nominal Array Size:
5825 x 1587mm
Installers
Project and
Order Form
1.4kW (8 Module Kit)
Nominal Array Size:
3350 x 3200mm
or
Nominal Array Size:
6700 x 1587mm
1.75kW (10 Module Kit)
and
2.8kW (16 Module Kit)
Nominal Array Size:
4150 x 3200mm
(10 Module kit)
Nominal Array Size:
6625 x 3200mm
(16 Module kit)
or
Nominal Array Size:
8300 x 1587mm
(10 Module kit)
Nominal Array Size:
13250 x 1587mm
(16 Module kit)
11
2.1kW (12 Module Kit)
Nominal Array Size:
9900 x 1587mm
Nominal Array Size:
4950 x 3200mm
or
or
Nominal Array Size:
2475 x 6423mm
With so many
variables on a roof
mounted PV
Installation download
and complete a simple
sheet for any sized
project
3.5kW (20 Module Kit)
or
Nominal Array Size:
8300 x 3200mm
Nominal Array Size:
4150 x 6423mm
3.85kW (22 Module Kit)
Nominal Array Size:
17950 x 1587mm
or
Nominal Array Size:
8220 x 3200mm
www.gridconnect.co.uk
Kit Contents
AC current alternates between positive and negative poles and
should repel you in the event of accidental contact.
DC current is only on the positive pole and will not repel you in
the event of accidental contact."
Installers
Project and
Order Form
Roof Mounts
As an MCS qualified PV installer you will undertake site visits to assess a number of aspects individual to the property where you are
proposing to install a PV system. A key feature is the roof type and here below we help you to identify the different types most
commonly found. An illustration of the type of anchor that will be supplied in the kit is shown.
Pantile
Plain Tile Slate Pressed Metal
Pantile Adjustable Flat Roof Corrugated Metal
6m Frame Supports
12
Essential to get the
installation right first
time with correct
roof layout and tile
type, length of solar
cables required,
site address and
contact details
download from
gridconnect.co.uk
Switch Disconnectors
These enable separation from and within the PV system for safety when
carrying out an installation, upgrades or during planned maintenance.
DC
Cable and Connectors
For Isolation of the Solar Array, a
single two pole padlockable DC
Isolator is included in the kit,
IP66/67 Grey/Black Interlocked
with lid, to prevent opening in
the "on" position. This is
mounted between the Array
and the inverter, preferably as
close to the array as possible.
In the kit you will receive solar cable with special Multi-
Contact (MC3/MC4) connectors pre-fitted to make
installation safer, simpler and faster. As standard these solar
cables are 10M long to extend from the rooftop PV array
through to the inverter board. If longer lengths are needed
please inform us on the Installers project and order form at
the time of ordering. In some cases longer cables will be of
higher wire size gauge and a supplementary cost will apply.
AC
For local isolation of the inverter
2 three pole padlockable
isolators are included in the kit,
IP66/67 Grey/Red and Yellow
interlocked with lid, to prevent
opening in the "on" position.
One would usually be mounted
near to the consumer unit and
another close to the inverter.
Sealing the Cable Inlet
In your Grid Connect kit we’ll include a lead flashing with grommet to ensure you have all you need to make a good quality
waterproof connection through the roof. Your training will show you how this is done.
Inverters
G83 accredited inverters must be used for approved
grid connection in the UK so that FITs can be claimed
Grid Connect Inverters
The inverter supplied in your Grid Connect PV Energiser Kit has been selected to operate within the permitted range of all the
components of the system and in particular to suit the power rating of the BP Solar photovoltaic array. These are designed to
optimally convert the electricity from DC to 230V AC and typical efficiencies achieved are 90-95% ensuring your energy yield is
maximised. Rugged and high-tech these are built to last and typically carry a 5 year warranty.
Steca Inverters
The StecaGrid inverters are included primarily in kits up to
2kW and are “mini-string” inverters. This makes them highly
versatile in use and in particular applications where multiple
facets of a roof have PV panels installed on them, because
although they are plugged together they each operate
independently. This means that if one roof is shaded whilst
others are not, the performance of those unshaded panels
will be maintained rather than the whole array
shutdown. Stecagrids work very
efficiently with the BP4175T type
solar panel and are available in 2
models to take 2 or 3 PV panels.
These Stecagrids do not have a
transformer and therefore have a
low operating temperature.
Sunny Boy Inverters
There’s a wide range of Sunny Boy inverters available
starting at the SB1200 model for 6 panel systems. Further
models include a 1750W, 2500W, 3000W, 3300W & 3800W
nominal ratings all suitable for systems
MC
MC
Photovoltaic Module
Panels must be MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme)
approved so that the Feed In Tariffs can be claimed.
BP Solar has been manufacturing solar wafers, cells and modules for more than 35 years. This experience shows that the best way to
optimize module life and electrical energy production is to attend to every detail in the design and manufacture of our products, our
process controls and testing methods. BP Solar’s latest generation of 72 cell, Monocrystalline T Series solar modules offers the
following benefits:
Electrical characteristics
(1) STC 1000W/m 2
Maximum power (Pmax)
175W
Voltage at Pmax (Vmpp) 35.8V
Current at Pmax (Impp) 5.03A
Short circuit current (Isc) 5.58A
Open circuit voltage (Voc) 43.6V
Module efficiency 14.4%
Tolerance -3/+5%
Nominal voltage
24V
Efficiency reduction at 200W/m 2
Support/Warranty
Peace of mind comes naturally
Support
When an energiser kit is installed in a home or business it has to be installed by
a professionally qualified installer certified under the Microgeneration
Certification Scheme. The installer has to notify the electricity provider to make
them aware electricity is being generated and some electricity will be exported
to the grid. A clear wiring scheme needs to be attached to the system for future
reference.
Roof mounted solar panels have no moving parts and problems rarely arise but
the warranty gives information about what to do in any event. The Grid
Connect Inverter should be inspected annually and isolators are provided to
enable the system to be safely shut down. As a specialist installer you will be
able to deal with any system issues should they arise but don’t forget that the
Grid Connect PV Energiser Kits comprise some of the best materials available in
the market place, eg BP Solar have sold many hundreds of thousands of solar
panels worldwide.
Warranty
BP Solar panels carry an industry leading manufacturer's guarantee of solar cell
performance of 93% of rated power after 12 years and 85% after 25 years
backed up by a 5 year product warranty. They have an expected life of around
30 years. Inverters carry a 5 year warranty.
Our Promise to the MCS Installer
From time to time, according to availability of components, we may substitute one or more items in the kit for another of
equal quality but always with our undertaking that it falls within the requirements of the MCS so you can continue to give
your customers consistent quality and access to the Feed In Tariffs.
BP Solar outstanding features
Positive measured power, more energy production
All modules are factory tested and classified such that measured power is greater than nominal to
take into account the LID effect. This means extra kWh produced in the field.
Check out
BP’s
Unrivalled
performance
guarantees
15
Latest Spec
available @
gridconnect.co.uk
Long lasting, innovative frame design
The aluminim frame has a rounded profile for better handling comfort and is optimized for use
with anti-theft bolts to increase security. It can withstand heavy snow loads (5400Pa - 540kg/m 2 )
even in end mounting.
Increased energy production
High transmission ARC glass and enhanced design push the laminate to the front, maximizing the
energy production and reducing dirt accumulation and soiling losses.
Improved reliability with effective cooling
IntegraBus technology ensures reliable cable management while positioning the bypass diodes and
junction box away from the cells ensuring cooler operation and greater energy production.
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