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Green & ethical MoneySaving

Archives for July 2018

Solar PV quotations
I've just bought my first house and I'm planning on getting a solar PV system soon, so I've been browsing some of the discussions here as well as gathering quotations. So far I've got numbers from about 6 different companies, and I was wondering if I could solicit people's opinions here? For reference, due to some local…
As A collective could we start a .org and fit solsar panels
Hi all The members here have some of the best knowledge of the pitfalls of solar selling . and of the gains that can be made, do you think as a collective between us we could help this. become a sort of foundation to improve our children future. Regards gefnew
Solaredge app
Despite having the same version and release numbers on android phones, a work colleague has a slightly different layout and pictograms than myself. His is like the google play pix. Do the installers activate different aspects that a user can see?
Lifestyle Change
I'm a long time reader of these forums but I've never posted here before. Now I want advice so I'm reaching out. Not sure this is really the right sub-forum but it seemed the most appropriate. I'm looking to change my life. I've tried hundreds of cost saving tips I've picked up on here and I've succeeded in living frugally…
Martin - please help stop the senseless use of plastic
Hello, I am posting this in the hope that Martin or one of the team will read it. I put together an e-mail to send to MSE, but then I realized that I can't e-mail them. I tried posting in another forum, but it didn't get noticed, so I am trying to post my own forum now. Thanks Martin, please help stop the senseless use of…
Catching crayfish
I understand that trapping crayfish (the non-native signal crayfish, of course) requires a license. However, everything I can find refers specifically to trapping. So does anyone know if one would need a license simply to catch signal crayfish, using a line and bait as one might catch crabs at the seaside? Obviously I…
Installing solar panels and battery storage in 2018 - expensive hobby or viable proposition?
Hi all, Long time listener, first time caller. I had recently taken a plunge and leased a Leaf to cover my daily commute and I have since become sold on the whole idea of EV lifestyle. LEAF was just a gateway drug and I started toying with the idea of installing solar panels and battery storage. I really want to do it but…
The pros and cons of an over spec PV install (ie going large!)
I'm curious to get the thoughts of folk about getting as much PV on your roof as possible. I've just had my annual electricity statement through and once again my yearly usage has dropped. In the past few years my usage has dropped through 4200kWh, 4000, 3800, 3600 and the most recent one says an estimate of 3400 for next…
sourcing off grid gel batts
Does anyone have any advice regarding sources of gel batteries for delivery to Greece and best cost? I have an acquaintance in Greece who wishes to extend off grid storage capability, can source batts in Greece (they came from uk via Athens but maybe made in far east!). I wonder if there would be a more cost effective…
Solar panel advice
Hello, I am after some advice regarding getting solar panels. I have had three quotes, one from Project Solar (who I can tell from reading a couple of threads on here are not exactly favourites!) by someone who came out to my house. One from Solar Century (who are linked with IKEA?) who have done it from Google Maps views…
Home EV Car Charger
Hi Guys Recommendations for a home EV charger? Needs to be value for money (not necessarily cheapest). I'd rather buy right than buy twice. Appreciate any help
Latest Project Solar UK quote advice
Hi everyone, I've asked for Project Solar UK to give me a quote for solar panels. I had a gentleman coming in, explained how we would benefit from solar panels and then he carried out a survey. He made me and wife watch a video on how they install the solar panels. I showed him our bill and he noticed we had a very high…
Solar PV Quotes
Hi Everybody This is my first post. I have received three quotes to install Solar PV. The last from Project Solar was eyewatering and will be binned. The other two are from EEC and Forever Green. Once I decided to ignore the battery in the package offered by EEC and made a prorata calculation I was able to compare them…
Ikea solar deal
Hi I'm hoping one of you smart number crunching people can help me decide if this is a good offer. Ikea are currently offering a deal on solar panels 6 x Blue Canadian Solar 270W modules for £2999. Judging by the size guide 6 (or maybe 8 at a push) is the maximum I could fit onto my roof. I live with my wife we used…
Plastic free shopping: 26 of the UK's best zero waste stores
This came through on one of my feeds this morning and I thought this might be the best part of the forum for it :T Zero waste shops have become a real force for showing how conscious consumerism can change the way we buy and eat our food. As well as cutting down on pointless plastics and single use packaging, zero waste…
Ecopartners and TP Solar
Hi all, I have a system installed by TP Solar with Enphase inverters that has been running fine. I recently received a letter from Ecopartners informing me that TP Solar had gone out of business (no great surprise there) but they could offer to take over monitoring my system and offered a free health check. I had put this…
Are Solar PV Payments Taxable ??
As the title suggests. Are the payments made to you subject to tax ?? Do you declare them on your tax return or not ??
Smart meter with solar PV??
Hello lovely people :) Can I ask how you measure self-consumption of your solar PV? We can monitor our generation, and also what our diverters are sending to the immersion heater / car charger BUT...... I haven't got a way at present of measuring total self-consumption. My energy supplier, TONIK is offering to install a…
Does domestic solar make financial sense?
I have just sold my home with a 2.12kWp array that generates an annual income/savings of c.£1000 a year. Despite getting a raft of (often daft) questions from the buyer’s solicitor, I am convinced that the income/savings from my array was a factor in my sale. I am now struggling with the advantages/disadvantages of getting…

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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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