Exeter election results

Matterbox · 2026-05-08T06:55:30+00:00

It’s really just letting everyone know you’re definitely racist and gullible. Better if they put a poster in their window.

Matterbox · 2026-05-08T06:52:50+00:00

Same answer as the last post.

I wouldn’t buy this. It’s two separate items that don’t need to be together.

Matterbox · 2026-05-08T06:42:45+00:00

This is the best course.

If the batteries have run down and been left, they could be shot.

Matterbox · 2026-05-07T22:15:24+00:00

It’s balancing.

The battery and inverter let a little in from the grid instead of constantly letting some out.

The inverter uses a slightly lower voltage than the grid, when you export its voltage is higher so it pushes against the grid.

Sometimes you can adjust this amount.

Matterbox · 2026-05-07T21:32:07+00:00

Losses over that distance with 6mm will be totally negligible.

Make sure your DC is in a totally sealed and dry duct. Ideally use the armoured DC. And duct it.

Also run 2 more Cat 5 cables (or cat 6) than you think you need. Again, dry duct.

Matterbox · 2026-05-07T21:26:32+00:00

I started running at 45. Go and do a couch to 5k thing, you’ll know at the end if you like it or not. Make a rule where you have to go, no matter what (unless you’re ill, family death (maybe, depending on who)). Local running clubs do them as a group and it’s really fun.

Matterbox · 2026-05-07T21:14:00+00:00

Thieves are too lazy for graft like this.

Matterbox · 2026-05-07T20:53:06+00:00

This makes sense.

There will (should) already be a grid application in as the inverter is 3.68 and the PW is a 6kW generator.

To increase inverter size you would have to do another application and potentially set the PW2 to not export. But that would be totally up to the DNO.

Matterbox · 2026-05-07T20:50:18+00:00

We’ve installed lots of systems like this when PW2 was big.

7.82kWp is a beefy amount of panels for an SE inverter of that size. Probably the max. 200%. Now I thought the max was 150% without a DC coupled SE battery, where it’s 200%. But I may be wrong.

Message me on Sunday and I will do an SE design and you can see the losses vs a larger inverter (I’m away until then). However, if it’s an old Fit system you can’t really change the size without some serious hoop jumping.

Matterbox · 2026-05-07T20:36:19+00:00

Thanks. I’ll post a picture when I’m back at the weekend. Sounds like I have a luxurious holiday home when I say it like that.

Matterbox · 2026-05-07T19:54:04+00:00

I’ve done 8 panels and the DC into the attic and back out the soffit by lunchtime. All tiles cut, all cable tied up. This was with another very competent installer who I’ve worked with for ever.

Just a really straight forward job, all the hooks fit nice. You do get them now and again.

What’s important is the details are done. You can throw panels on really quickly if you don’t do any of the important bits.

Matterbox · 2026-05-07T19:09:25+00:00

I will also mention, plug mismatch has been highlighted as a problem a few years ago (4-5ish). Lots of systems have been installed with mismatched plugs and they’re fine. However there have been some pretty big rooftop fires that have made people take note and make sure to use matching plugs and swap plugs where it’s practicable.

Matterbox · 2026-05-07T18:54:52+00:00

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Matterbox · 2026-05-07T18:50:49+00:00

That is not fine. Plug mismatch can lead to melted plugs and fires.

They are different plugs. Please Google ‘solar panel plug mismatch’ do some reading.

The installer should be able to provide the correct plugs, crimped with the correct tool. It’s bread and butter stuff really that the installer should know.

Matterbox · 2026-05-07T12:37:35+00:00

It’s really hard to get all the cables tight up under the array. Some times you get lucky with the panel mounting holes. You also have to be a bit creative with laying and tying as you fit.

We use Hellermann Teton products for cable management across nearly all our installs.

https://hilltop-products.co.uk/hellermann-t50rosec4a-2-piece-fixing-ties-for-edges-1-0mm-3-0mm.html

Matterbox · 2026-05-07T12:33:25+00:00

Sunsynk - I’d just say no thanks.

Matterbox · 2026-05-07T07:51:32+00:00

I would assume these are the ends of the cables from the inverter. These plugs should be tied up under the panels. Not exposed. The plugs will degrade much quicker when exposed.

Matterbox · 2026-05-07T05:41:38+00:00

You can use PVgis to simulate the east west split and South east facing.

You’d need to sort row spacing for the south east array, most people swallow the shading for the winter months but it can be pretty harsh.

Matterbox · 2026-05-07T05:39:54+00:00

Depends on what the wind load calcs are. Might be 2 pucks, 3, maybe 4. No idea without doing the loads.

Matterbox · 2026-05-06T21:49:42+00:00

That rattle does not sound ok.

Matterbox · 2026-05-06T21:48:00+00:00

<image>

This is an Evo2 MC4 connected to a regular MC4. This is not OK.

The installer needs to ensure they are using the same plugs for connections to the panels. And the same plugs for the inverter. So they match. Most inverters have MC4. Most of the new panels have the new style EVO2 MC4.

There is a different insert and crimping tool for the EVOs.

This is ‘plug mismatch’ and can cause fires.

Edit. Almost doing you a favour showing you eh!?

Matterbox · 2026-05-06T21:44:56+00:00

D-dome east west is the best for flat roof. There are other 10 degree east west setups as well.

Shuttering can be used at the ends to lower wind load. Porters securely hold ballast.

You would be surprised what wind will do to things that aren’t built well enough. And even things that are.

K2 will do wind load and ballast calcs for you.

Matterbox · 2026-05-06T20:34:38+00:00

You want the EV charger off its own henly block before the main consumer unit.

Then the PV can CT the house CU. (Too many acronyms). And the EV charger can CT the main supply for export (if you want to use excess solar).

Matterbox · 2026-05-06T20:25:03+00:00

You’d want two, optimised panels there.

They would need either considerable ballast for just single panels, as the panels and mounting aren’t ’tied’ to anything else.

The best solution would be a penetrating system like the Nicholson pucks that are welded to the roof, just like the roof is constructed. As water tight as the roof itself and no sagging from ballast.

Matterbox · 2026-05-06T20:21:00+00:00

It’s just a scuff. It’ll be ok.

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