Changing MCS PV system and FITs

[Ivan]

Every quarter I get a request from SWALEC to sign a declaration that my FITs-qualifying system has not been altered in any way. Which makes me wonder (playing devil's advocate, as usual) - what are the consequences if it is altered, specifically:

1) What if a module/generation meter/grid tie inverter failed and needed replacement? Would you simply notify them that a repair had been carried out, or would this in some way invalidate your entitlement to FITs?

2) What if you replaced a component or components which were not faulty, but in doing so made the system more efficient (MCS-installer does the work) - eg if you had a 2kW PV system fed into a 4kW inverter, and changed for a 2kW inverter, so the inverter operated more efficiently. An alternative scenario - you have an old technology 90% efficient grid-tie inverter, and you replace it with an ultra-modern 97% efficient inverter.

3) What if you replaced 4kW of manufacturer X PV modules with 4kW manufacturer Y PV modules?

4) What if you relocated the PV modules to get a better exposure to sunshine eg if you built an extension with a large S-facing roof, and moved your PV (MCS- installer, of course) from an East-facing slope to the new S-facing slope?

[Richard Owen]

You are obviously not busy enough.

[Ted]

Once you have a FiTs contract in place with a supplier you must ensure that you meet all your obligations in the conditions in the contract. This usually includes a condition that requires you to inform them of any changes. So for 1,2,3 and 4 you should simply inform them of the change. Quite what they would do with the new information I cannot imagine. Most likely it would be filed in a bin.

The only really material consideration would be changing a generation meter or inverter where they are supposed to keep a note of the serial numbers. Changing a meter would obviously screw the readings as well which could cause problems.

I doubt many suppliers have even thought about handling these things in their procedures.

[Ivan]

Thank you for the feedback Ted. So you're saying that all of the above scenarios would not impact on FITs entitlement - which is good news. Maybe I'll try telling my utility company that I've made some minor changes just to see what they do!

[Baz]

I would think they already have covered a change in meter since at least some must fail in the first few weeks. Then owner has to call in the original MCS installer to get it fixed under warranty so off goes the relevant info with a nice rubber stamp on it.

[cj]

Small essential changes like changing a failed Generation meter must surely be accepted by them, however, changing a 2kwp system to a 4kwp system just MIGHT be grounds, say after 4/2012, for the applicant to be shunted down onto the then lower tariff?

[Ivan]

No, the specfic scenario I was illustrating was the same size PV array (2kW), but changing the inverter for one with a different rated output. The reason I highlighted this, is that the serial number of the inverter is something that is 'recorded', so changing this would necessitate a change in the records.