3 phase FIT question

[Anony999]

Not done one before so thought i'd ask as all info i have found is confusing

FIT rates

for a 3 phase 4kW system (thats 12kW total) do i go on the FIT rate for 4 kW as its 4kW per phase or the FIT rate for 12kW (i.e. added as a total)

[BruceB]

You would get the 12kW rate.

A good place to be would be to have a 10kW installation over 3 phases as that gives you the up to and including 10kW FIT rate and is below 16A per phase so generally no DNO permission is required in advance.

[nowty]

I guess you could still stick 12kw of panels up if you can find an inverter with a 3.3kw output.

3 x 3.3kw = 9.9kw

[Anony999]

Thanks

By 12kW (my Bad Type) i did mean 3 x 16 amps so G83 rather than G59

[nowty]

But 3 x 16amps would put you over the 10kw installation threashold, so you would need to use the smaller 3.3kw inverters as opposed to 3.6kw ones.

Which would work out to about 14.5 amp per phase.

[BruceB]

SMA make the Sunny Tripower 10000TL, which is 10kW output over 3 phases and can take 11-12 kWp of panels if you wish.  Power One and others also  have models in that area.

[regen]

"I guess you could still stick 12kw of panels up if you can find an inverter with a 3.3kw output.

3 x 3.3kw = 9.9kw"

I thought the FIT rate was based on the rated KW of the panels not the size of the fitted inverter.

Please correct me if i have this wrong.

Regen

[BruceB]

FIT rate is based on the Total Installed Capacity (TIC).  It has a statutory definition, but in simple terms it is the nominal output of the inverter, or the output of the panels if that is less than what the inverter is capable of.

[Anony999]

Thanks Bruce, TIC thats what i needed to know !

[GavinA]

FIT rate is based on the Total Installed Capacity (TIC).  It has a statutory definition, but in simple terms it is the nominal output of the inverter, or the output of the panels if that is less than what the inverter is capable of.

Best summary I've seen yet.

To the OP - just use a 10000TL or equivalent, as the cost per watt is far lower than 3 x 4000TL, is more efficient, it will ensure a balanced generation across the phases, and allows generation from 2 orientations if required (dual MPPT).

[zippy7272]

I use a 10000TL - great bit of kit.  But why they used bluetooth rather than wifi is beyond me.