Solar self-consumption estimates

A solar self-consumption estimate is a pre-sale, design or modelling calculation that estimates how much solar PV electricity a property is expected to use on site instead of exporting over a stated period. In MCS solar PV paperwork, MIS 3002 (the MCS solar PV installation standard) requires a self-consumption estimate before the contract is awarded, using MGD 003 (MCS guidance document 003) for in-scope domestic systems or another no-less-valid method where MGD 003 does not fit. The MGD 003 method uses expected annual AC generation, annual electricity consumption, occupancy archetype and, where included, usable battery-storage capacity; it does not account for extra self-consumption from non-typical loads such as heat pumps, EV, power diverters or electric water heating. The estimate is not a measured self-consumption record, savings forecast, export payment forecast, DNO approval, SEG eligibility, battery-sizing tool or guarantee of self-consumed energy.