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3 Solar Quotes – Looking for Advice Please
3 Quotes – Looking for Advice Please
We’ve had quotes from Devon Renewables, Future Proof Solar, and NanoPro Tech.
All three are quoting a very similar setup:
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Tesla Powerwall 3
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Powerwall Gateway 2
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14–16 AIKO panels, evenly split East/West (we’re East/West facing)
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Bird protection
Pricing is all very similar.
The main difference is around optimisers. One company is recommending optimisers on the rear roof because we have some shading from next door (their extension sits slightly higher than our roofline). Another installer says Tesla doesn’t support the use of optimisers with their system.
So now I’m unsure what’s best:
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Are optimisers worth it in this situation?
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Is it an issue using them with a Powerwall 3?
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Should I be considering a different battery/inverter setup instead?
For context, we have 2 EVs and use around 10,000 kWh for charging plus about 4,000 kWh household usage annually.
Also, if anyone has had experience with any of these companies, I’d really appreciate any feedback — good or bad — before we make a decision.
Thanks in advance
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14 Replies
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If optimisers are used an additional string inverter will need to be installed and Tesla set up as AC coupled system.
Tesla isn’t compatible with optimisers and will show up as arc fault.
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I’d look for local companies – you have quotes from Devon, Essex and Doncaster? If something goes wrong how much support will you get?
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it’s really hard to search, find and then see reviews from local installers.
Where is best place to look for local?
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You could try the UK Solar Installer Finder:
https://my-home-projects.co.uk/14mdkfhjfxnbrdgc667-solar-cost-calculator/
my-home-projects.co.uk
Solar Panel Cost Calculator | Solar Installer Finder | How Much For A Solar System | Compare Prices
Solar Panel Cost Calculator | Solar Installer Finder | How Much For A Solar System | Compare Prices
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Tesla does not support Tigo optimisers. They register as an arc fault. Aiko panels are designed to accommodate some shading, so is likely the better option.
I’d definitely recommend someone local to you, as the aftercare would/should be so much better than a national company.
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it was Jamie who suggested we have optimiser on back panels due to shading (and would do FOC), only when I have requested to other suppliers being told I shouldn’t.
For reference Jamie I thought was great and very knowledgeable, only supplier that made effort to visit our home, but now worried info given is incorrect.
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there’s no need to worry. It may be that he misunderstood, or it may be a bit of a training thing. Either way, we want to make sure that all recommendations are accurate.
The other option would be to see if the back panels could go on there own string, depending on the voltage. Are you free tomorrow for a call?
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you can’t connect optimisers directly to the PW3 but it does have three independent inputs so you could have one string east, west and shaded panels. This will isolate the shading issue to those panels alone and negate the need for optimisers.
I would say a price of around £11,500 would be acceptable for that 14 panel setup with Aiko 475W G3 panels
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Price means nothing if the install is botched, make sure you do a deep dive on the contractors and their accreditations as well.
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Just had an install from future proof solar early Feb. They were really good. The price was good and I was worried about that workmanship would be an issue. It wasn’t. Dealt with g99 application and MCs was emailed through. Then they’ve never shied away from questions either. Positive experience for us
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Optimisers are effective against diffuse shading like trees but not hard shading like roofs/chimneys, where built-in bypass diodes do the job as well as optimisers.
Optimisers cannot be used with PW3 directly. If optimisers are required, then a separate string inverter must be installed with the PW3 being AC connected.
Never install fewer than the absolute maximum number of panels that will fit on the roof(s). 14-16 sounds a bit vague. If 16 will fit, don’t consider 14. If 20 will fit, don’t consider 14 or 16, etc. Max it out!
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Well each installer gave us a different number of Max panels that would fit (all same panels) 14,15 or 16.
And you wonder why I’m here asking questions. Lol
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Do your own sums.
Count the tiles on your roof. Measure a tile. Calculate the roof size. Work out how many will fit.
Bin the installers that got it wrong!
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Ask each of them for an analysis of expected output, how much you will use and how much lose/export. Make sure they do a proper shade assessment rather that put in an arbitrary shade factor. Particularly ask the company offering microinverters to do the two analyses.
Compare with and without the optimisers, so you can see for yourself whether the addition makes enough of a difference to be worth the extra cost.
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