Results
The systems were commissioned on 24th June 2015 and have been left to run without interruption until the 24th of June 2016.
Final meter readings taken:
- System 1 Non PV+ 1558.66kWh
- System 2 PV+ 1744.97kWh
As shown in the table below both systems easily out performed the expected generation. However the PV+ unit achieved an additional 186.31kWh or 11.95% compared to the system without the PV+ unit fitted. <see the PDF for the table>
Conclusion
While the additional 11.95% increase is significant in monetary terms, especially for the early adopters on higher FiT rates, It should be noted that the test was carried out on an industrial estate where heavy loads on the local grid significantly lower the voltage during the working week. Thus reducing the need for and the benefits of installing the PV+. This theory is supported as most of the increase in generation was gained during early evening after local factories had stopped production but mainly during weekends when they are closed. It would be fair to assume grid voltages in residential areas would be more consistent during the day, therefore in areas of higher grid voltage, inverter off times would be more frequent meaning further loss on generation