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DIY home battery storage with an EE degree? Where to find electricians with correct qualfication?

benforone

I want to have a ~7kwh home battery storage, they cost more than £4000 (without installation) if I buy an all-in-one solution (inverter + DC batteries in a wall-mounted pack).
Given an EE background, I started digging into what such a system contains, and it turns out only take £2,870 and a server rack to build AC-coupled storage (like building a PC). 

The problem I have is I googled a few battery/solar installers in the Cambridge area, but they only install products with existing dealerships (for cashback reasons?).
I am wondering if additional qualification is required for electricians to install a battery storage system? i.e. if I can hire anyone with an NICEIC certification?

PS: Please shout out if you know where to search or if you want to take the job.

The inverter wiring schematics looks straightforward to me. I understand I probably need an AC and DC switch on both ends of the inverter to be fully compliant.

/cfs-file/A__key/communityserver-components-multipleuploadfilemanager/298edce6_2D00_e269_2D00_4897_2D00_ba7e_2D00_9d909e6ca28d-64262-complete/Manual_5F00_RAI_2D00_3K_2D00_48ES_2D00_5G.pdf

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In the worst case, can I do it myself?
I know I need to disconnect the consumer unit from the meter (and solar panels), and the CT clamp can't be open-circuited.
But I remember somewhere it is against the regulation to open the consumer unit?

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    Hmm, No regulation stops you opening your own CU. But certain types of wiring and a new circuit is one is notifiable to the local council under building regs.  In principle they can inspect, but in reality they prefer you to employ someone belonging to an organisation that allows self notification. When comparing electricians quotes, also perhaps call the council and see what they would charge to inspect if you did it yourself, but be prepared for a level set high enough to discourage.

    Mike

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  • 0

    Hmm, No regulation stops you opening your own CU. But certain types of wiring and a new circuit is one is notifiable to the local council under building regs.  In principle they can inspect, but in reality they prefer you to employ someone belonging to an organisation that allows self notification. When comparing electricians quotes, also perhaps call the council and see what they would charge to inspect if you did it yourself, but be prepared for a level set high enough to discourage.

    Mike

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