[piggles73]

My current system is 20 x 285W panels (5.7KW but inverter capped at 5KW). It is 9-10 years old so starting to show it's age.
Unfortunately I need a full roof repair (front and back) so the whole system needs to be removed temporarily.
I would like to replace it with a slight upgrade in size - 14 x 455w panels as they will be more efficient going forward - so system would be 6.37Kw - inverter would still be capped at 5Kw.
Trying to get an answer about my FIT payments going forward - that the payments would be prorated...so I still receive the 5.7 portion out of the total 6.37. Hey I would be even more eco-friendly going forward and giving more energy back into the grid (I already send about 3/4 back!)

Hope someone at Eon Next can confirm this would happen
Thank you so much

[Lee_EONNext]

@piggles73 Hey

Great to hear from you, so the rules in terms of upgrades in this case could void your FIT Agreement.

You're allowed to replace like for like, so as long as the upgrades do not increase your Total Installed Capacity (TIC) or the Declared Net Capacity (DNC) you can have those replaced.

I always advise this replacements need to be like for like - Equipment in 2024 is alot more efficient than it was when you had your original install.

Have you spoken to the FIT Team at all?

Thanks

[piggles73]

Yes...that was the first answer, but then I have spoken to various Eon next FIT team and keep getting conflicted answers...Liam sent me the Ofgem consultation
and have attached screenshots of the text...so I am disappointed that Eon next cannot confirm what has been put into a consultation

[Lee_EONNext]

@piggles73 Replacing the System and adding an extension are a little different, this is why you could be receiving conflicting information.

Now in terms of an extension, you can add panels, however we will need paperwork explaining the split. The installer can help with this. Now any panels that exceed your current agreed TIC/DNC will be considered as an extension and be non payable, you will still benefit from the energy they produce.

In terms of replacing the panels, you can again replace the panels, these will obviously be more efficient compared to originally installed solar, however again you not allowed to exceed your TIC/DNC with this, replacements as advised need to be like for like and again not exceed TIC/DNC

Ultimately Eon Next would act as the licensee in this regard and any change you make, the system being yours would need to be a decision you make without Eon Next advising what you should do etc, all we have done here is relay the guidance provided by Ofgem.

6.11 States the above and confirms that any additional panels will not be eligible for FIT Payments not impacting the original agreement in place.

I hope this makes sense feel free to pop me a message if I can clarify anything further for you. If you do go ahead with newer technology we will potentially ask you for evidence via photo of your reads for the next 4-8 read windows while the tolerance catches up in the new system etc.

Thanks

[piggles73]

Hi Lee
Thank you...have spoken to Russell in the FIT Team and got clarification. Appreciate your time

[Lee_EONNext]

@piggles73 Oh that's great!

I worked with Russel for many years, he was the king of finding lost application forms.

Let me know if you need anything else, pop back on here after your changes, let us know how you get on etc

Don't be a stranger

Take care