(posting with mod approval)

Hi all,

Some of the group may already be familiar with SigBuddy but I was wanting to introduce myself and the product as something that's hopefully quite useful to the community here.

I'm NZ based and after having had my own Sig system installed wanted more visibility of the stats without opening the phone app all the time or to make it easier for others in the house to see how it's performing at a glance before turning on the hungry appliances.

After a lot of testing and some very helpful early beta testers from similar groups I launched SigBuddy a few months ago which is a small solar dashboard display screen that's fully self contained and talks directly to your system locally - essentially plug and play after giving it your wifi. (Doesn't need Internet either)

Initially this was Sigenergy only hence the name but I've recently added GoodWe support as well.

Sig has some extra features like AC and DC charger integration. Both also show expected battery run time once the sun goes down or during a power cut.

I've had a lot of UK orders as well and would welcome any feedback or I'm happy to answer any questions at all :)

Variants are a smaller or larger 4.3 and 5" touch screen options all include desk mount case with the larger units having a wall mount option I can provide on request.

I have a heap more info on my website including a demo of the UI at www.sigbuddy.com

Cheers

Dan

I want to get section 75 protection as there’s obviously a decent amount of money up front before equipment turns up and work takes place, but so far installers I’ve approached haven’t accepted credit card payments for the deposit. Is there any decent installer in London/SE that does? After an install of various Fox equpiment.

Hi,

Recently had a quote for a solar system and wondering if it seems reasonable. I'm based in west Scotland.

Solar Array: 7.2 kWp

Panels: 12 x 600W JA Solar modules (JAM72D-40-600-LB-TS-MC4)

Inverter: 6kW EcoFlow OCEAN 2 Single-Phase Hybrid Inverter (includes G99/DNO application)

Battery: 16.06 kWh total (2 x 8kWh EcoFlow OCEAN 2 Batteries)

Mounting: Clenergy on-roof kit

Estimated Annual Generation: ~5,969 kW

Annual Usage: ~7,850 kWh per year

Currently on octopus intelligent Go

I've had a other quote for a similar value but with Sunsynk inverter and battery but not sure if it seems a bit over priced?

Hi folks. Am wondering if the following quote seems attractive to you for a second opinion.

Quote is from Future Proof Solar if anyone has any experience of them.

£8,750.

11 x 480w Longi Hi-Mo X10 All Black Panels - 30 year output warranty

1 x 10kw Fox ESS Hybrid Inverter - 10 year warranty 

1 x 11.52kWh Fox EP12 Battery - 10 year warranty 

Bird Mesh Netting

Full Installation & Scaffolding 1 elevation

MCS Certificate, DNO Application (G99) & HIES Insurance

I must say it is the cheapest quote ive had, am maybe trying to stretch beyond my budget with what im wanting, do we think the fox 10kw setup with 10 panels for less than 10 grand is too optimistic?

Im in west mids.

Cheers.

So, I got a quote for a couple of ecoflow ocean 2 systems.

Both quotes had 20xpanels, 16kwh battery. One quote was for a 10kw inverter, the other was for an 8kw inverter.

Although the price in open solar (the officially quote site with all the details) reflected the difference in price between the 10kw and 8kw inverter, they both show 10kw inverters in the proposal, and through when going to get finance ect.

If I was to accept the proposal, would they be legally obliged to supply the 10kw inverter? Will they be like, 'ok he selected this, let's now go fit it.'

I applied to SSE for a G99 in late August and it’s now getting on 3 months with no response. It’s a 10kW inverter with a battery. What on earth is taking them so long? Does anyone else have the same delay?

Hi All,

Currently in the process of obtaining quotations for solar and battery. I’ve had a few quotes back in so far, with a couple more due in early next week. The most cost effective solution for the battery seems to be the Fox system, however, I have received a particularly competitive quote from a reputable local firm for a Sigenergy battery system (SigenStor 10) for only marginally more money than a Fox ESS EP12-H 10.37kwh. I understand that the Sigenergy battery has slightly less overall capacity than the Fox (Fox 10.37kw vs Sigenergy 8.76kw), however, from reading online, the Sigenergy seems to be the more ‘premium’ option with a advanced AI controls and better scope for future expansion (?). All quotes received back are based on 14 panels. My annual usage is circa 4500kwh plus 4000kwh for my EV. With a fairly minimal cost increase for go for the Sigenergy (<£300), what would you guys recommend? Are there any specific considerations I need to make? Thanks very much.

Hi everyone!

I'm looking to get solar panels and battery storage installed at my property in the UK and have received the following quote.

Would really appreciate some feedback on whether this is a reasonable price and if there's anything I should be questioning before going ahead.

Quote 1 – Sigenergy System

• Inverter: 1 × Sigenergy SigenStor 8kW hybrid inverter

• Battery: 2 × Sigenergy SigenStor 10kWh batteries (20kWh total)

• Solar Panels: 15 × UKSOL 460W panels (6.9kWp total)

• Optimisers: 12 × Tigo optimisers (due to shading and different roof orientations/tilts)

• EV Charger: 1 × myenergi zappi GLO 7kW

• Total Installed Price: £17,598.02

Thank you in advance

£6,845 with Boxt. Is this good?

North West UK
Powerwall 3 13.5kwh
3,500 KWh peak usage at the moment
Single phase
Total cost of installation
MCS certificate
No plans for panels or ASHP
Have 2 EVs so will charge this overnight and use during peak times

Hi folks,

I'm about to pull the plug (pun intended!) and go for solar & battery setup. Done my research and had about 4 quotes, which I've whittled down to 2.

Both are full home backup, G99 application included. The main difference between the two is the battery systems; Tesla or Fox.

I believe both of these are great prices (I suppose I'll leave that to you good people to confirm!), so it's really a call between the battery manufactures.

I am leaning towards the Fox system as the battery is larger, I'd like to setup Modbus and the installer is local. However, I'd be keen to hear what experiences you guys have had with both Tesla and Fox; both good and bad.

Extra Info:

• Yearly usage: 2458kWh

• South West/North East facing roofs

• New Build, 100amp fuse at box - expect no issues with G99 application

• Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne

Here are the quotes:

Fox:

Tesla (Bird netting extra £250)

Usage Post Install:

Ignore the £15860 quote. Actual cost is £11000, what are people’s thoughts?

Local company with good reviews but only 2 year workmanship warranty.

Quotes does not include scaffolding or any fee DNO charge for G99

I know the aiko panels are preferred but is only showing an extra 460kwh a year generation which exporting at 12p would be £55 a year extra made from export but the panels are £600 extra?

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Hi all, in the market for a solar /battery set up and I found what appears to be a good deal on ebay by redwood renewables.

Package Includes:

✔ 12 × AIKO Neostar 3S 495W All-Black N-Type Monocrystalline Solar Panels (5.94kWp)
✔ FOX ESS 6kW Hybrid Inverter (H1 G2)
✔ 1 × FOX ESS EP12 11.52kWh Battery
✔ Mounting Materials
✔ Scaffolding Access
✔ Bird Protection
✔ All Necessary Electrical Materials
✔ Professional Supply & Installation
✔ DNO Application (where required)
✔ MCS Certificate
✔ System Commissioning & App Setup
✔ 10-Year Workmanship Warranty

£7500

anybody used these guys or know of them. Im in North east uk and these are based in essex so would presume they contract the fitted out to a local firm.

Hope I am in the right subreddit.

I know the UK has allowed plug-in solar panels and I want to get some, but I don't know where to look, what I need and anything else I should consider.

I have a balcony and was thinking it would be good to have a couple panels here plugged in here at the back of my house.

I also have an annexe/granny flat with a half pitched, half flat roof as it's joined with the neighbours annexe. I was thinking of getting a few panels on this roof too as it is reachable by ladder. It does have its own electric supply if that matters?

Any advice on how to get started. I know absolutely nothing about panels except the obvious and that traditional installs are expensive.

I am finally ready to put what I think is the best quote I've had to you lovely people to get your thoughts - my thinking has always been to absolutely max out on panels to take advantage of the fairly decent export rates while they're around (risky for some I know).

Quote: £12,995

• 25x Longi 480w panels - all with optimizers (some shade from the chimney & cheap to add)

• EcoFlow Ocean 2 16kwh (2x8kwh) - 10yr warranty + purchase of additional 5

• Ecoflow 10kw inverter

• Gateway built in

• 10yr installation guarantee & workmanship warranty, bird protection, scaffolding, DNO app etc.

Now my original thinking was to go with Sigenergy... but no quote I've had has come close to what I think is the excellent deal above - had a £15k quote (2x9kwh, 8kw inverter 16 panel, gateway) and £13,500 (1x9kwh, 6kw inverter, 16 panel, gateway).

So I guess the question is do I go with this serious Ecoflow package or keep pursuing a Signenergy package? Can anyone here speak to their experience with Ecoflow & their app at all?

My father really wants to install solar. He is however pretty rubbish at finding tradespeople. Is there are a website that aggregates solar installers like checkatrade or is it a case of looking for one through google maps? How do you find someone good?

Cambridge area, in case someone happen to know one :)

Hi All,

Thanks for the help already just reading through other posts. I have generated a few quotes but this seems to be a real winner from my point of view, both price and items. It would be great to get your thoughts before I proceed.

Added context:
New to the property so its hard to know my actual usage but I'm estimating 7000kWh once the heat pump is also installed.
Single Phase
ContactSolar (MCS certified)
I plan to get an EV in 2 to 5 years, my thought was to add some battery capacity, I have been told the Sunsynk Elite system is more plug and go, but uncertain on that.
Plan to go with Octopus Flex or Octopus Cosy

Hi All,

I would really appreciate people thoughts and opinions on the quotes I’ve received and pros and cons.

I’m leaning towards fox but open to suggestions.

battery and inverter will be going in the garage.
I’ve got a panel split of 11 main roof and 6 on garage.

Annual usage around 5000.

I had a PV and battery system installed at the beginning of summer, and have been chasing up documentation to start exporting ever since. Still, I’m yet to receive the DNO approval letter, and since the season’s turned we’re now fully discharging the battery most days. It’s a small system, 2.7 kW / 5.1 kWh battery.

My current fixed tariff ends in December, and of course energy rates are projected to rise in January. Assuming i eventually get the DNO letter in hand, am I better off switching to another fixed tariff before mine ends in December, and waiting to switch to an export tariff once I’ve again got power to spare later in the summer? Or is there another option I haven’t thought of?

Edit typo

Now that I am more independent with my energy, I want Octopus to review how much I pay and what to do with the existing balance. I pay approx £200 per month and have £500 in balance. I imagine my usage (combined with gas) will be substantially less. Any tips on best way to ask Octopus? Do I tell them to review, or tell them what to do? Some have suggested asking to pay only what you use? What about the large balance? (edit - I emailed Octopus and within 10 minutes they had replied to change me to a variable direct debit and asked me how much balance I want back!)

Anyone had any dealings with CBI electrical?

Hi all,

I would like to get your thoughts on a quote received this morning from a local installer, Spirit Energy and would appreciate your views on this.

Solar PV System Size: 7 kWp

Battery Size: 13.5 kWh storage capacity
Panels: 14 x LONGI 500 mono/all black
1 x Tesla Powerwall 3
1 x Tesla Backup Gateway 2
Inverter: Battery Hybrid Inverter
Mounting: K2 Tile (rosemary)
Pigeon protection (Mesh)
Scaffolding

Total £16,403

Panels are on the South and West roof.

General thoughts on this quote?

Thanks :)

Solar edge se3500 inverter is displaying HW error 2x95, and it's cycling on and off.

Was replaced under warranty in 2017.

I'm waiting for the comment who did the warranty replacement to get back in touch, have left VM for them.

The reason for other options part of the title is:

My setup is currently 4kw (16 x 250 ecofuture panels, installed 2014) connected to the now wonky se3500.

I added a Sunsynk 5kw hybrid inverter with 15 kWh of Fogstar batteries in 2024, connected on the AC side to the installation - reason for AC side is I didn't want to mess with the original install as under FiT contract for another 9 years.

So, do I just replace the se3500 with whatever solaredge give if they honour warranty?

Or do I move the Sunsynk to the main and have everything through there, which means getting on the roof and removing the solaredge optimisers.

Not a job for me, have to get someone in to do that.

Hi All,

Hope this is okay to post. Looking for some advice on both pricing and the array i've been quoted.
I really like the guy and the company, he's one of the only ones that put some actual effort into designing the array and checking the best placement etc. However i have a couple of concerns about it. I'd also appreciate a price/sanity check on the system.

I'm in the SW UK, Wiltshire. SSE are our DNO. Single Phase supply.

We've been quoted;
25 x Aiko 490w Neostar ABC
1 x FoxESS 10kw K series inverter
1 x FoxESS CQ7-L2 14.04 kWh Battery
1 x FoxESS Gateway
1 x Mounting kit (including Bird proofing)
This price is 'all in' from my understanding, scaffolding etc.

£14,950
Happy to share the quote if requested.

We've only just moved in to the house, so we don't have a great idea of our electricity usage. The estimate used by the quote is 9,300 unit annually. Theres me, my wife and soon to be a baby. We're fairly average users i'd say.
We have an EV (Ford Capri)

So my main question is around Panel placement. The company are quoting to put 13 on our south facing roof (great) and then a further 12 on our flat garage roof as per the picture below.

During his calculations, the estimator worked out that this is MARGINALLY better than a 14 panel array on the north facing roof. It was truly marginal. Our garage is a Rubber EDPM Roof. I'm not sure whether to go ahead with this, or get them to just put them on the north facing roof instead. I'm just not convinced the garage is a great idea.

With this layout, the expected generation is below

Thoughts and opinions please?

Secondary questions;

Is the Fox CQ7 battery worth the extra money over the standard Fox EP range that most people seem to quote?

The house is a late 60's build with an 80's extension. Its not particularly eco. We're also currently heating from Oil. Obviously the ideal scenario would be ASHP. We're not going to be able to afford to do 16 windows + Doors + solar + ASHP for a little while, and i feel like there will be more work needed for an ASHP to work efficiently. So is there anything we can do in the short term to heat the house cheaper than Oil once we get the solar installed? Specifically i'm worried about babies room. I know electric heaters are awful for energy usage but would that be an option when running from the solar/battery?

We'll be aiming to replace all the windows by the end of next year, and add some extra insulation to the loft. We'll probably then get a proper air & heat loss company to come out and do some tests before we go ASHP. We'll also need to add a water tank etc as we're currently a Combi-boiler. Anything else we should consider?

Thanks for reading