Solar panels

[foxy]

Mine has produced 37,899 kWh, not only saved me money but made me money. I was reading that it is becoming a major headache disposing of the panels once they are rooted.

 

[Tanglefoot]

They are doing something similar here with large communal batteries, a lot of people putting in big systems and making about 100-150 GBP a week selling electricity to the grid plus having all their own power.

That sounds a good scheme, this is different however.
The idea is that by bulk purchasing all the participants benefit from cheaper individual installations.
From what I've read however there are problems with contractors over reaching themselves and lengthy delays in surveys, parts and completion dates, scaffolding left up for months and delays in getting tariffs up and running.
The nominated contractor for my area is based hundreds of miles away up north and I can't find any reviews of recent installations which does'nt inspire confidence.
Trust Pilot is full of negative reviews from similar schemes and the price doesnt look that competitive after looking around online.
I'm going to try local firms even though there is a long wait even to get a survey.
At the moment its a bit of a minefield as there is so much demand and companies looking to cash in so very much a case of let buyer beware.

 

[robfor]

Just wondered if anyone had experience of the Solar Together schemes.
These are organised by local councils as a group buying venture in which firms tender for large contracts in the given locality.
After registration you pay a deposit after which you get a home survey and subsequent installation date.

Price doesn't seem that competitive and looking on TrustPilot and Facebook reviews are poor.
Thinking I'll probably go with a local firm even if it takes a bit longer as demand is so high at the moment.

I'm in Bucks but these schemes are running all over the country.
Any feedback would be appreciated - cheers !

Hi,

I've applied for the solar together scheme, only for batteries though as i've already got panels. Only have 3kw panels and decided to go for a 4kw battery to run off solar and eco7. Tried to get other quotes but only 1 company came back @ +£1000 over the price i had been quoted. Will let you know how it progresses.

 

[foxy]

Hi,

I've applied for the solar together scheme, only for batteries though as i've already got panels. Only have 3kw panels and decided to go for a 4kw battery to run off solar and eco7. Tried to get other quotes but only 1 company came back @ +£1000 over the price i had been quoted. Will let you know how it progresses.

That's cheap, they are dearer over here about 2,800 GBP for a 4 kW but we do get a 50% rebate from the state govt. I can't get a battery until 2024 when my feed in tariff expires, so hopefully they will be better and cheaper.

 

[Brewnaldo]

Anyone got any data for daily average generation through the UK winter? 4kW array

 

[robfor]

That's cheap, they are dearer over here about 2,800 GBP for a 4 kW but we do get a 50% rebate from the state govt. I can't get a battery until 2024 when my feed in tariff expires, so hopefully they will be better and cheaper.

Unfortunately £1000 was the price difference. They are about the same price here but without the rebate, think the quote was £4500 for 4kw. Hoping to get mine before the forecast 82% price rise due in Oct in the UK (and similar price increase due for April too!)

 

[aolcot]

Anyone got any data for daily average generation through the UK winter? 4kW array

This is from a 6kW system, SSE facing roof.

December 2021 (which was quite a gloomy month)

January 2022 which was quite a bright month

 

[Benfleet Brewery]

Anyone got any data for daily average generation through the UK winter? 4kW array

I have a 3.2 kw array which was installed at the end of 2011. The graphs below show my monthly generation stats from the last two years and another showing annual generation since installation.

 

[Tanglefoot]

Unfortunately £1000 was the price difference. They are about the same price here but without the rebate, think the quote was £4500 for 4kw. Hoping to get mine before the forecast 82% price rise due in Oct in the UK (and similar price increase due for April too!)

That makes my quote sound more reasonable - £4300 for a 5.2kw battery and 11 panels for a 4.3kw system at £7885.
I've seen cheaper prices online but by the sounds of things getting hold of stock is increasingly difficult due to high demand, global supply chains etc. so I might have to put my worries about the scheme aside and take up the offer.

 

[Brewnaldo]

That makes my quote sound more reasonable - £4300 for a 5.2kw battery and 11 panels for a 4.3kw system at £7885.
I've seen cheaper prices online but by the sounds of things getting hold of stock is increasingly difficult due to high demand, global supply chains etc. so I might have to put my worries about the scheme aside and take up the offer.

Is 7885 your supplied and fitted price for the full lot?

 

[Tanglefoot]

Is 7885 your supplied and fitted price for the full lot?

That is panel installation cost, add battery total price is £12,185 - what do you think ?

 

[Benfleet Brewery]

Hi,

I've applied for the solar together scheme, only for batteries though as i've already got panels. Only have 3kw panels and decided to go for a 4kw battery to run off solar and eco7. Tried to get other quotes but only 1 company came back @ +£1000 over the price i had been quoted. Will let you know how it progresses.

When did you have your panels installed? What is your FiT?

 

[Chippy_Tea]

I think i may have left it too late.

How Long Do Solar Panels Take to Pay for Themselves?​

Depending on the size of your solar panel system and the export tariff, your solar panels can be paid off after 15-25 years. A larger system is more expensive, but it can generate more electricity and, therefore, can bring you more savings in the long-run.

A 5kW solar panel system can break even after 15-20 years, while a 3kW system can take 21-25 years to break even.

To protect the lifespan of your panels, ensure you always adhere to solar panel maintenance and cleaning tips.

https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/08/what-is-the-installation-cost-for-solar-panels

 

[Benfleet Brewery]

I think i may have left it too late.

How Long Do Solar Panels Take to Pay for Themselves?​

Depending on the size of your solar panel system and the export tariff, your solar panels can be paid off after 15-25 years. A larger system is more expensive, but it can generate more electricity and, therefore, can bring you more savings in the long-run.

A 5kW solar panel system can break even after 15-20 years, while a 3kW system can take 21-25 years to break even.

To protect the lifespan of your panels, ensure you always adhere to solar panel maintenance and cleaning tips.

I was very fortunate and got in just before the FiT’s started being reduced. In fact, I don’t think there is a FiT now. I recouped my outlay in 5 years. I get paid just over 60p for every kWh my system produces, regardless of whether I use it or not. This is guaranteed for 25 years and increases annually in line with inflation. I supply a generation meter reading quarterly and receive a cheque shortly afterwards. My last payment which covered May-July was for just under £750.00, but it’s a lot less in winter.
Until December 2021 when my last fixed energy tariff ended, I got paid more than I paid out so had minus energy costs. Not anymore though.

 

[Brewnaldo]

That is panel installation cost, add battery total price is £12,185 - what do you think ?

Will send you a PM mate

I think i may have left it too late.

How Long Do Solar Panels Take to Pay for Themselves?​

Depending on the size of your solar panel system and the export tariff, your solar panels can be paid off after 15-25 years. A larger system is more expensive, but it can generate more electricity and, therefore, can bring you more savings in the long-run.

A 5kW solar panel system can break even after 15-20 years, while a 3kW system can take 21-25 years to break even.

To protect the lifespan of your panels, ensure you always adhere to solar panel maintenance and cleaning tips.

https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/08/what-is-the-installation-cost-for-solar-panels

As I understand it, and with prices going mental, the key thing is not the export tarriff, but maximising what you DON'T import. That is to say, if you have a battery, the payback comes down dramatically, and moreso int he coming months when the govt sit back and allow the power companies to ride us that bit harder.

 

[robfor]

When did you have your panels installed? What is your FiT?

They were installed in 2013, think we were on 16p / 4p export, 60p I wish! Payback for once has been quicker than expected, though i did remove a large tree that was in the shading calcs! On the FIT payments I've had over £4k back before the saving on electrical usage and system was £4.5k.

 

[Justin Dean]

Bad economics, just when finance is paid off the panels are inefficient. And all the while it is not enough to provide power for the house. Fine if you have the money and roof space etc...but otherwise, it is not worth the debate. Does not make sense

 

[Robin54]

Would having a storage battery in your house affect your insurance? Just asking

 

[Brewnaldo]

Bad economics, just when finance is paid off the panels are inefficient. And all the while it is not enough to provide power for the house. Fine if you have the money and roof space etc...but otherwise, it is not worth the debate. Does not make sense

I have generated around 5 x what I have imported from the grid since I had them put in. Winter will set that back, but this will be offset by the battery allowing me to hoover up cheap overnight power.

At peak generation when the sun is out, I would need to be running multiple high power appliances at the same time for it not to cover my usage.

 

[Justin Dean]

I have generated around 5 x what I have imported from the grid since I had them put in. Winter will set that back, but this will be offset by the battery allowing me to hoover up cheap overnight power.

At peak generation when the sun is out, I would need to be running multiple high power appliances at the same time for it not to cover my usage.

Thanks mate, I am not convinced though, do you have figures that explain the economics being good comared to the install and materials price? every quote I have had does not add up based upon 6 panels with a 10 year lifecycle