Possible System Upgrade?

[russ_fae_fyvie]

I may have brifley asked this before but I can't find the thread !

Just looking for some tentative advice regarding the possibilty of upgrading our PV System.

At the moment we have a 1.44Kwp array of 8 panels, they go into a Sunny Boy 1700 which then feeds the AC into the MCB.

After a few initial problems we think we are more or less now running as it was supposed to (I know its not ideal but we are going to have to get on wih it !)

We get FITS but I would like to look at getting possibly 8 more panels and although getting FITS on those would benice, the additional cost of getting MCS approved panels and fitters to me, isn't worth it.

I appreciate the SB1700 is sized for the 1.44 array so I was thinking that if we got a totally seperate PV System that used a seprate Inverter and was wired in a similar way to the existing (i.e. its AC into the MCB) can anyone see any problems.

Alternatively can you suggest a different method coz I am still pretty much in the dark, still !

The guy who installed the original system is VERY expensive ut I do know a sparky who would be able to fit up a new system without the FITS.

Just looking for suggestions from those who have gone through this before.

ta

[supremetwo]

The guy who installed the original system is VERY expensive.

Is now?

Perhaps ask, since panels have come down and his prices might be less with more installer competition.

I appreciate the SB1700 is sized for the 1.44 array so I was thinking that if we got a totally seperate PV System that used a seprate Inverter and was wired in a similar way to the existing (i.e. its AC into the MCB) can anyone see any problems.

I see no difference between what you propose and two strings with two inverters on separate roofs.

[ovonrein]

When you contrast inverter efficiency small v big, you see a material difference.  Also, the 1700 isn't 50% of the 4000.  You would more likely yield more going with 2x strings into the 4000.  And if you have any shading issues at all, the 4000 or PowerOne 3.6 (both have GlobalPeak).

A large part of the installation cost is the actual roof work, which often involves scaffolding.  Not sure how much you can save with DIY.

You should be able to get some FiT, just no longer that of the original 8kW.  russ is right - the industry is under massive margin pressure.  Judging by the slow activity on this board, I'd estimate there's a lot of slack if you ask around now.