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New install in Scotland

Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2026 10:57 am
by Craigbeats
Hello everyone,

Finally took the plunge.

Solar / Battery system installed at the end of August (as per signature, 18 x panels, 6kW Inverter, 2 x EP6 Batts (11.52kWH)). Up in the NE of Scotland. Produced a nice 650kWh from the panels in our 1st full month in September.

Frustratingly still waiting on the full DNO paperwork to setup any benefit from exporting excess - probably missed the boat for the remainder of the year. I keep chasing but nothing yet (6 weeks elapsed so far).

Pictures of our install (sorry couldn't figure out the alignment of 2nd pic)
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20261013_094802.jpg
Looking for tips on setting up scheduling etc, how best to run this system once etc etc, so will go and scour through the topics. Hoping to just continue to use the granny charger to charge the small hybrid battery through the night, rather than splash out another £1k for a EV charger, without draining the system. Sure it can be done somehow.

Thanks

Re: New install in Scotland

Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2026 4:21 pm
by MaterialBarracuda48
That looks nice and tidy.

How to setup your system depends on many factors, and it's a very individual thing. Choosing the correct tariff(s) is going to be a factor too, once you have DNO paperwork back.

Re: New install in Scotland

Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2026 5:05 pm
by Craigbeats
MaterialBarracuda48 wrote: ↑Tue Oct 13, 2026 4:21 pm That looks nice and tidy.

How to setup your system depends on many factors, and it's a very individual thing. Choosing the correct tariff(s) is going to be a factor too, once you have DNO paperwork back.
Thanks MB,

Yeah trying to keep it a simple with sticking to the granny charger. Away from the smart tarrifs while it's still possible.

Current plan is the EDF Go with 6.6p overnight.

Looks like force changing the battery and ensuring it reverts to Standby mode once at planned SOC is the way to go for me to keep charging the car through the 3-pin without draining the battery. A matter of playing with settings when we are good to go.

Have been using Axle export events in the meantime and load shifting where possible to use excess solar during the day to plug the car for a few hours here and there.

Been a positive science experiment so far

Re: New install in Scotland

Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2026 5:58 pm
by MaterialBarracuda48
Unless your power used is excessive, then the cheap EDF rate would be worth sticking with for sure. It's only during the darker Winter months you are going to probably need some import for later in the day/evening. A small bit of peak day rate will still mean you average price kWh will be low.

Just before you begin Winter, make sure your Inverter/battery are on the latest versions, so you heating controls work (unless that's a heated garage)