National Energy training Academy – Consumer Guide – Microgeneration 2009.
Microgeneration is the small electricity generation although it can mean up to 500kw
generators which would be significant from a consumers point of view.
What can I use to generate my own electricity?
You can use wind power, solar electric panels, CHP (combined heat & power) from
Gas, Oil, Biomass, Diesel generator, - there are some other options which are not
commercially available (if ever).
Will I get paid for my electricity?
Yes, in early 2009, an interim tariff payment will be in place. You will need a new
meter, either Interval or SMART to calculate the payment and it will be paid annually.
The current draft price is 9c per kw/h. It will be an offset process so you will only be
paid for excess, i.e. you will consume your own energy first and export the excess.
This is good because you will pay approx 21c kw/h for purchasing your electricity. In
effect you will be paid 21c kw/h for your own electricity that you consume on site and
9c kw/h for excess that you export.
Can I install a DIY micro-generation system?
In simple terms, from 2009, No. To get a SMART meter to calculate your exports and
to get approval to connect to the grid, you have to submit much documentation. Most
DIY equipment does not meet this standard and equipment that does is only supplied
through recognised and trained supplier installers. If you do not meet the many
requirements, you will not get any payment and your house may be disconnected from
the grid if you don’t remove the offending equipment.
I know somebody who has connected to the grid but it was a DIY installation?
As the DSO (ESBN) has only a handful of licensed installations registered as legal, 15
domestic wind turbines in the whole of the ROI. These will get SMART meters and
tariffs in 2009. An installation which is grid connected and is not legal is called a
rogue installation and will not receive a tariff or SMART meter.
Is there a size limit for getting metering and tariffs?
Yes, EN50438 is the European standard which applies. Before you purchase, you
should ask your supplier for the manufacturers EN50438 conformity certificate. On a
single phase connection (normal house), you are limited to 25 amps maximum plate
rating. This is 230 VAC x 25 Amps = 5.75 kw maximum rating. If you install larger
than this, you will not receive a meter or tariff at this stage.
If it is 3 phase connection, you can install up to 16 Amps per phase or 11kw
maximum rating.
Is there a lot of bureaucracy and risk associated with getting the installation
correct so that I get a meter and a tariff?
© Copyright – National Energy Training Academy 2009
Yes, and it is even risky for suppliers and installers as the rules are unique to the ROI
and are always changing/evolving. Only use a professionally trained installer and one
who is a member of the trade association, in ROI’s case, the Irish Wind Energy
Association as their membership in that association will keep them informed after
there training.
Training covers many things from legal, insurance, technical, liability, indemnity,
support, customer care, maintenance plus all the grid connection, metering and other
system processes.
Am I guaranteed a SMART meter?
No, but anyone who has a legal licensed installation will get priority for a SMART
meter. This however WILL NOT mean that you won’t get a tariff. You installer will
apply for an interval meter for you and this will calculate your export. As regards
getting a free SMART meter now, you should install some micro generation and get
on the list as a current micro generator.
What size system should I install?
Simple, for wind, you should install the maximum size under the rating, at least above
5kw plate rating on single phase. If you don’t have the space for it, install solar
electric panels from 1kw upwards. These can be expanded as modules over time. 3kw
solar PV is approx the same price as a 5.5 kw wind turbine installed. (please note, we
assume legal and professional systems, with wind turbine on a tower)
I have already installed a 10 kw wind turbine at my house, can I get a meter and
the tariff?
No, the turbine exceeds the EN50438 standard on sizing if you have a single phase
electricity supply (every normal house) but you would also have to comply with all
the other product standards issues if you have a three phase system, i.e. not three
phases from the turbine but 3 separate grid-connect inverters.
Why has it taken so long to get a micro-generation tariff?
The public rarely see the quantum of work which had to be undertaken to be in a
position to offer a professional tariff to a professional industry. The process started in
2005 with work on the legal licensing process by the Commission for Energy
Regulation. The Micro-generation rules were published in late 2006. At the same
time, the DSO was working on simplifying the application process which is on place
since 2006 also. The metering options had to be addressed and a SMART metering
program was developed and the pilots are currently underway. Now the installer
training and product standards rules are being implemented. The tariff offer in Ireland
is a sustainable tariff value, it is has a long term future. 2009 will be the year of
micro-generation. There are currently (Jan 2009) only a handful of legal wind and
solar installations in the country.