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John-in-Cornwall
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October 31, 2023
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Is a good mobile phone connection vital to be able to export surplus power from Solar EV system?

  • October 31, 2023
  • 16 replies
  • 298 views

Hi, simple question, I hope.

Can we export surplus EV power back to the grid if we do not have a good mobile signal? We have repeatedly applied for a Smart Meter and been told they will not work here because our mobile signal is not good enough. 

In an effort to reduce our inexplicably high bills we have installed a solar panel system the returns of which were predicated in part on being able to sell surplus generation back to the grid, via our supplier Octopus. At no time did anyone mention the requirement for a good mobile signal, we have wifi calling via a high speed broadband, but no reliable mobile signal indoors.

All this only became apparent when we applied for Octopus's Export Guarantee and they make clear we need a Smart Meter and when we applied we were told they are not currently available in our area! I can't find any advice about this, the lack of Smart Meter seems to be assumed to be a matter of choice not technology, Quite happy to invest in an Export Meter if that makes the difference but if that also requires a mobile signal doesn't seem to help. 

Are we screwed until mobile coverage improves is is there an alternative?

Any help or advice most gratefully received. Many thanks

Best answer by Firedog

This must be frustrating. 

You ask a very specific question, to which I suppose the answer - as given by BPLightlog - is ‘not necessarily’. However, the ‘good mobile phone connection’ is related to whether a smart meter will work at your house or not. 

Those responsible have of course considered the case of properties where there is no convenient mobile phone mast close enough to pick up and transmit the signal between the meter and the data collector. The solution in many cases is the mesh network; if there’s a property nearby that does have good communication with the data collector, your meter and others in the neighbourhood may be able to piggyback on this connection. You may find this site helpful; it’s packed with good information about smart meters.

I can’t find out how to determine whether there’s a potential mesh connection available where you live, although I’m sure someone has that responsibility. You could start by canvassing your neighbours - within a couple of miles - to find out if any of them have a working SMETS2 smart meter.  

It’s important to note that smart meters use secure communications technology similar to that used by mobile phones, but it’s not the same. 

 

16 replies

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J
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John-in-CornwallAuthor
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November 1, 2023

Ah, many thanks,😄

J
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John-in-CornwallAuthor
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November 4, 2023

Had a very positive reply from Octopus:

Seems there is a hope that they may be able to connect us via  the WAN (wider area network) will post as soon as I have more news.

 

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    November 4, 2023

    Had a very positive reply from Octopus:

    Seems there is a hope that they may be able to connect us via  the WAN (wider area network) will post as soon as I have more news.

     

    Just be ready in case it gets aborted. The Predicted Technical Abort isn’t triggered for no reason.

    Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
    Firedog
    Super User
    FiredogSuper User
    Super User
    January 4, 2024

    Seems there is a hope that they may be able to connect us via  the WAN (wider area network) will post as soon as I have more news.

     

    How did you get on, @John-in-Cornwall? Or is no news just bad news 🙁?

    Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
    S
    Newcomer
    SFR
    Newcomer
    January 6, 2024

    I have a similar problem. A smart meter was installed in Spring 2023. The Technician added an external antenna to the communication unit and he said it had a good signal. The smart meter worked perfectly until September 2023. I reported the problem. A technician came to look at the problem on December 14th 2023 and concluded that the O2 mobile phone signal, previously adequate, had somehow changed and was now very weak. I live in the Black Moutains area of the Brecon Beacons. Until 2021 we had no mobile phone signal at all. Then BT/EE put up a mast for the Emergency Services Network and added a consumer mobile phone signal to BT/EE. 3, O2 and Vodafone still have no usable mobile phone signals in the area. Proposals to install new masts are objected to very strongly by residents who believe that masts will destroy the beauty of the National Park. Perhaps OVO could use all four networks for the smart meter?

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    January 6, 2024

    Not an OVO decision I’m afraid - that’s up to DCC. Sorry about that

    Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
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