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Green & ethical MoneySaving

Archives for July 2015

Short Dissertation Survey about EPCs
I am looking for responses for my dissertation questionnaire and would appreciate anyone who is a landlord (of a residential let) or homeowner in the UK take this short survey (in the correct link) about your property's energy efficiency: (Add www. before the links) If you are a homeowner =…
SolarPV monitoring
I've had my Solar PV system for around 5 years or so now and now with having 2 kids I find it really hard to monitor how much energy were all using and the bills are ramping up. Am I right in thinking that I will need 2 energy meters ? 1 for my Solar PV = http://www.amazon.co.uk/geo-Solo-II-PV-microgeneration/dp/B00QVEXPYM…
Solar quotes, Cheshire
Hi everybody Need some input...have an East, South East facing roof, some shading issues and apparently only room for 10 panels. Was quoted a tad under £6000 for 10 x 300w ECSolar panels + Solaredge optimizers and inverter. Normal warranties etc. Reputable company, in business 20 yrs+ Any thoughts? I know the returns may…
Free Solar Panels - Previous experiences?
Hi Guys, We don't intend to move, and may have the money for a system in the future but with the news of the possible cuts for solar funding we are looking more seriously at free solar panels. We've looked at companies like A Shade Greener etc but realise the pitfalls of using them as they will own the system and take all…
Is it still ok to get Solar
Good Morning, I am due to move house this month and want to get solar panels for it. However I am a bit confused about the recent news about the government no longer supporting solar and something about ROC no longer being given to systems below 5Kw. From reading past posts it seems to be that 4KW are the ideal system size…
Immersion Diversion
Hello again from "The We*t Country" :) Could I please have some learned comments ( you all know who you are :) ) on why a Immersion, or iBoost etc. is required, when I am at home all day, can see when the sun is out, and only a fridge/freezer is using a few hundred watts, so I can just turn on the immersion myself, or plug…
MSE News: Government pulls plug on Green Deal funding
The Government's axing funds to the Green Deal Finance Company which helps to make homes energy-efficient... Read the full story: Government pulls plug on Green Deal funding Click reply below to discuss. If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply. If you aren’t sure how it all works, read our New to Forum? Intro Guide.
Help and guidance please on solar energy
Have received a quotation for 14 seraphim 285w panels with a solis inverter and solar i boost (for hot water) ad BMC (whatever that is?) We are in norfolk and the panels would go on two different roof aspects, one is SW and one is S. The estimated output given is 3363 Kwh. The quote is for £7195 The costings given show…
Solar Quote in Bristol
Just had a quote for a 4Kw system, 14 x 280w Sun Edison with enphase. £10,600 from My Planet solar. Comedy quote? What should I be looking at, and does anyone have good experience with an installer locally. We have some shading issues from an extension next door which will be particularly bad in the winter so I need…
Solar phone charger
Hi all - my neighbour has a "SilverCrest Solar Power Bank SLS 2200 B1" that he bought from Lidl. (I'm in his house now!) He has switched it on, it is sitting in full sun and plugged into his phone charging cable point, but there's no sign on his phone that his phone is charging - there's no little "lightning" icon. He…
Solartek - anyone used them?
Anyone any info on this company? Seems they fit panels, we get a third of the income and don't pay anything as the fees are covered by the energy they generate. New to all this so don't know anything about it.
Solar quote
Just got a quote for 12 Sunworld 250w panels Black on Black and sunplug inverter for a 3kw system for £6200. Seems a little high, but includes remote monitoring etc. Not sure how good the inverter or panels are. Any advice ?
6 x 2 solar panels????
hi everyone I have been quoted £4500 for a 6 on the back of house and 2 on the side., of SunEdison 280w Solar PV modules linked to Enphase micro inverters as can't fit no more., is this value for money or is there better out there say 330 panels but what do I do about the 6x2 split thanks matt
Forum newbie & home worker needs advice re solar panels
Hi all, I’ve been inundated with calls re solar panels and have tentatively looked into the subject in the past. However, with my electricity bills increasing at a quicker rate than Greece’s national debt, I’ve recently been looking at reducing them where I can. I put energy saving bulbs in where I can and installed an…
Solar PV to power electric rads / underfloor
Hi All, Just getting started on looking at solar PV and thanks all for the useful information in the forums. I am struggling to understand why people don't use solar PV to power electric radiators / electric underfloor heating. If you are generating the electricity, then isn't it better to use it to heat your home than…
green deal but eco and epc 83
I have to have a green deal assessment to apply for rhi. There is nothing further that can de done to this eco house to improve its insulation, everything is triple insulated and more, heat sink floor etc etc What a waste of money this will be. Do you think there is any way around this
Self funding solar panels
I looked into solar panels in the past, with a company that didn't charge. They told me as the house was not completely south facing they wouldn't do it. I now have a company coming round to discuss self funding I have been told it day light rather than sun light (the house is SE facing) When I have been looking into it I…
Advice on PV quote please!
Today I had an excellent guy from Project Solar call to survey our house and give a quote for a PV installation. He was very thorough and explained everything very well with absolutely no pressure to buy. The rear of our roof faces 10 degrees west of south and has a 38 degree pitch giving a KK value of 987 and a SF value…
R.E.D. on my supply meter
I have noticed since a few days ago my normal electricity meter alternates between the meter reading and the letters 'R E D'. I understand that this means 'Reverse Energy Detected' which is of course correct, but I have read in some places that this could also indicate tampering with the supply meter. So, is it ok to just…
Q? small solar panels 20w / 40w amp output.
Looking for a small 40 - 80w (ish) panel(s) for the shed to keep some batteries topped up. Checking the figures puzzled me, why does a 40 watt panel only produce 2amps at 12v instead of the expected 3amps? Checked a few sites explaining the different types but did not spot an explanation for the watts/amps not being what i…

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MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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