Virtual Power Plant discussion thread

[JeremyH]

Hi all, welcome to the Community's Virtual Power Plant thread!

This is the place to discuss all things Virtual Power - whether that be to share your experience, discuss progress, or to ask any questions you may have about the project. We'll also keep you up to date with how the project is progressing.

[TheRealDaveyG]

Hello Frogster, we can help you out with that information. It's the SolarEdge Single Phase StoreEdge Inverter for Europe, APAC and South Africa SE5000-XXS/SE6000-XXS. Hope that helps! Thanks, Dave.

[Frogster]

Thanks for info TheRealDave

The choice of SE5000-XXS/SE6000-XXS surprises me, firstly because it is DC coupled (unlike PowerWall and Sunverge SIS) so will interface directly to the existing solar panels and will replace customer installed inverters.

Also as I understand it each solar panel will have to be retrofitted with a SolarEdge power optimiser, which will involve some cost and labour.

https://www.solaredge.com/products/power-optimizer

Lastly it does not appear to be the latest generation of the SolarEdge product family, such as https://www.solaredge.com/sites/default/files/se-single-phase-HD-wave-inverter-datasheet.pdf or their AC coupled inverter https://www.solaredge.com/sites/default/files/storedge_ac_coupling_inverter_datasheet.pdf

As per the spec sheets these two devices seem to be fanless.

I am no expert on this so it is quite possible I am overlooking something, I guess I will wait for the offer to see the configuration.

Thanks again for quick reply.

Frogster

[Benibasha]

I can't understand how I import electricity from the grid on days when the battery at any time never gets as low as 30%. Any ideas?

[Sar]

Hi all,

i was wondering if anyone has had their new battery installed yet and how you are finding it.

sar.

[idare]

We paid our deposit for the Virtual power system in November 2017 & still havn`t heard from anyone 🙂 Is it still happening or are they waiting for an election?

[TheRealDaveyG]

Hi Ian, our sales team will be in touch with you shortly regarding this. Cheers, Dave.

[LetThereBeLight]

We signed up for a VPP panel and battery system with AGL in March. Now in December we are still waiting for the installer to contact us with an installation date. 

The site inspection was organised relatively quickly and took place in April, and all required prep work has been completed (by us). Solar Vic have done their bit and have been most helpful.

Our AGL VPP sales contact has also been good to deal with and always responds when we have contacted him with questions.

What I am finding frustrating is the opacity of the process. AGL can't, or won't,  put us in contact with the installer (or vice versa) to find out when, or if, the install will take place. 

I am aware  that there has been a global pandemic (!). And that there were restrictions on installations. But these were lifted 2 months ago!

Has anyone else had a similar experience? Any suggestions on who at AGL to approach to get some information?

[brendanjwhelan]

Hi @LetThereBeLight 

Thanks again for your solar battery purchase. We sincerely apologise for the delay.

Our team is working hard to ensure your solar battery is installed as soon as possible, but due to the challenges posed by COVID-19, it’s meant we're experiencing longer than anticipated wait times. 

Please send your contact details to batterysupport@agl.com.au and we will contact you regarding your solar battery installation. We look forward to supporting you on your renewable energy journey this year.

Thanks again

Brendan