Hi all,
A client had just purchased a house which has a 2yr old 4kw solar array with Sunnyboy Inverter.
His wife hates the appearance (old property in conservation area) and whilst roof is being repaired/altered, the solar system is being removed.

Now, I was about to install a system on my own house anyway (have been quoted £5200 Inc VAT for an MCS registered system) but my client has offered me the 2nd hand system for £600.

My questions are:

1. Can I register for FIT with a 2nd hand system?
2. What is likely cost of installation by MCS registered installer?
3. Is £600 a decent price? Obviously saves me capital cost but potentially lose FIT long term.
4. Any other pitfalls I should take into account?

Thanks in advance.

Posted By: hairydudeHis wife hates the appearance (old property in conservation area)

I'd make her pay the equivalent of the FIT, export tariff and electricity savings for the remaining 18 years and see if that sharpens the mind as to how much she 'hates' it ;-)

Ed

Posted By: SteamyTeaBasically you can't get fits on second hand kit.

Where does it say that Steamy? Have just applied for FIT on our PV, had to prove we owned the kit, had to get an MCS certificate from a friendly installer but nothing to say the kit was unused previously. Our panels were new, bought them ourselves, but just thinking.

If you don't want it for 600, I will pay that for it and come and take it away!

I can't see any particular pitfalls other than generally buying second-hand equipment - it may not work as well as brand-new and there is no warranty.

I don't see why you should struggle to find an installer.

I think the definition of generating equipment rules out panels that have previously been used to claim FITS: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/ofgem-publications/58858/generating-equipment-decision.pdf

I too would take them if unwanted in Bristol area!

Inverter is an IBCsolar Sunnyboy. I'm collecting tomorrow - seemed like too good a chance to refuse.

I think I have an installer lined up, but suspect that no FITS will be forthcoming. As steamy suggested I'm going
to feed it into thermal store to capture anything generated as hot water.

I will probably still get a registered array and claim the FITs - do I need to watch how it is wired to avoid awkward questions if audited? (I assume if only the MCS
system is wired through the generation meter I'll be fine).

Separately, the best location for my panels is ground mounted on a 45degree south facing bank - any suggestions suppliers for mountings? I was thinking small concrete pads to take mounting rails but wondered if there was a way to avoid the concrete?

Oh, that'll be something else for the cat lover next door to complain to the council about!
It is bizarre that you're allowed 9m2 as permitted development (half a standard domestic 4kw system).
I've asked the planning officer if it can be added to the planning consent for the house as a non material variation

Posted By: hairydudeI will probably still get a registered array and claim the FITs - do I need to watch how it is wired to avoid awkward questions if audited? (I assume if only the MCS
system is wired through the generation meter I'll be fine).

Are you on a single phase connection?

If you already have this 4kWp second hand system grid connected then any additional capacity is likely to take you over 16A potential export and thus into the territory where you have to ask permission from the DNO in advance...

For 600 quid Id snap his arm off to buy it! Wow

Now I'm confused, I had thought I'd have 2 separate systems: one new, grid connected and earning full FIT rate, the other a 2nd hand system, not4kwid connected and powering my home office and any excess directed to an immersion coil on the thermal store storeis my thinking flawed?
I presume if I do this I'll need two inverters and hence can't sell the one I've got cheap?

BTW, SWMBO isn't quite as excited with my bargain - "let me know when you can get a 4 oven AGA for £600" was her response

<blockquote><cite>Posted By: hairydude</cite>

BTW, SWMBO isn't quite as excited with my bargain - "let me know when you can get a 4 oven AGA for £600" was her response</blockquote>

Haha. I have the same thing with my partner. We both have our stock answers,

hers is: "yeah thats great, but wheres my swimming pool?"

mine is: "yeah thats great, but whens my boat arriving?"

One connected and the other not is fine for getting the higher fit rate. The cut off is 3.86 kWp.
You can get a lower rate on a secondary system if you fulfil of the other criteria i.e. local grid being strong enough.

Grid connected inverters sense disconnect though the gird loop impedance. So they cannot be used as a stand alone unit without serious (and probably illegal) modification. Though nothing to stop you using the secondhand inverter as your grid connected one and buy a new (or secondhand) islanding one.

<blockquote><cite>Posted By: tony</cite>you will need planning if not on the house roof</blockquote>

Looks like the first "stand alone" system is PD...

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/solarpanels/

Edit: Ok so only if under 9 sqm which is useless.

That PD threshold does allow solar thermal to be fitted, or PV when it is cheaper than running mains cables. E.g. a pump that is some distance from the house.

Here is a calculator for a roof mount:
http://www.mountsolar.co.uk/calculator/