[DebF_EONNext]

Shape the future of solar energy!

We're big fans of all things sustainable here in our community and some of you have already embraced solar, putting you at the forefront of energy innovation. Now imagine maximising it's potential and getting even more out of your energy ⚡

At E.ON Next, we're building a future of energy and we believe that we can only improve our energy solutions with real customer feedback. That's why we're asking for a hand-picked group of solar-savvy households to join the test team for our latest solar innovation and who better to ask than you, our lovely customer community members! 🤗

This isn't just about your home's energy. It's about leading the next big leap for solar and helping others follow your lead.

Already got solar panels?

Great news! If you already have solar panels or a solar panel and battery system installed then you're one step ahead and could be a great fit to become a solar tester. If you don't have a battery or the battery you have isn't listed below, it's still worthwhile signing up as you could be a great fit to become a tester!

Compatible home battery / inverter systems:

One of the following systems must be installed at your property:

• GivEnergy
• Alpha SS
• SolarEdge
• Sungrow
• Fronius
• SigEnergy

Not got solar panels or a battery?

Don't worry, as mentioned above if you haven't got a solar panel or battery it's still worthwhile signing up as you'll be added to the wait list and will be the first in line to hear about news and opportunities to become a solar tester.

How to become one of our exclusive testers...

This pilot has limited spaces available so if you're up for testing 👉 sign up today!

If you're eligible, you could receive up to £120 bill credit for participating 🎉 T&C's apply

[rwh202]

So what is the pilot? Seems a little light on details. You need a compatible inverter, so you’re connecting to that?
If I’m handing over control of my inverter, diverter, battery etc. then I’d like to know!
I suppose it might just be monitoring to build up usage data of customers who have already optimised and learn from that, but you could just buy that data.
If controlling, there will likely be a conflict between E.on and the customers optimisations.

[Thewookiewon]

@DebF_EONNext ditto I've signed up but the information is sparse and kind of off-putting to others.

I just want a cheap rate identical to next drive or as close as possible with similar time slot 0000-0700 and then let the sun do the rest.

Eon likes sustainable methods is great but your actions have penalised solar/battery users by removing us from your only good tarriff (next drive) before anything better is released.

[HannahD_EONNext]

As always, really appreciate the feedback @rwh202 and @Thewookiewon

I've asked the project team if they can give us any more information on the trial so we'll update you once we hear back 😀

[alankh]

@HannahD_EONNext I’ve signed up too despite the lack of information. Sadly though, unless battery/solar users can renew Next Drive I will have no option but to switch.

[Battman]

It seems to me that the missing component in a lot of energy system design is simplicity. It's easy to spin all the benefits of future performance, but in what is still an industry in it's infancy, all the claims for new gear and diversity of functions across many products have yet to prove their long term credentials.

In truth, the effort needed to try and optimise equipment performance to the highest level is pointless. Users and weather can be very unpredictable and by implication, the entire elevated cost and complexity of systems capable of highly optimised performance has to be justified by relatively marginal gains / savings.

If energy providers had their own 'hub' or signalling unit that allowed them to give a couple of predictive indications (high cost energy tomorrow, low cost energy now, high value export now etc) system designers could integrate that with almost any home energy systems and gain the majority of benefits. More importantly, future redesign and maintenance would be easier if systems are not tied in to very specific hardware and software versions.

Another risk that I suspect is not fully understood is that of unnecessary (and inefficient / costly) energy flow between grid and battery storage. Buffering demand in one direction seems simpler. If every house operated on a maximum peak supply of say 50 amp cf 100 amp, buffered by local capacity, peak grid loads would be reduced massively.

It feels that a lot of current development and testing is based on some very uncertain assumptions and very much driven my the usual techno gear sales and marketing.