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Green & ethical MoneySaving

Archives for April 2022

Solar Install Confustion, East West Split
Hi, I am based in Cheltenham and I am getting Solar Installed Soon, Quote is as below. 16 JPSOLAR 395w Full black Panels. (East West Split 8 East, 8 west) Giv energy 3.68 KWH Hybrid Inverter. Giv Energy 5.2kwh battery. Zappi Charger My usage comes about 8-9 kwh per day. The Install total cost is about £10,400. Do you think…
Solar install
Hello, Just wondered if there is anything I can do prior to the install to help the SEG to go through smoothly ? Just in case light renewables give me the certificates I need , MCS and G98 anything else? Also how long does the process take from application to receiving export payments roughly. Although the SEG element will…
Solar Panel System quotes
I have received two similar quotes - one for a 4kWp system with 5kw batteries for £8k and the other for a 5.8kWp system and 6.4kW batteries for £10k. Both propose the same make of kit with a Solis inverter capped at 3.68 export. I am now with Octopus Energy and planning to get on the tariff with SEG at 7.5p/kWh (no idea…
managing battery inverter output.
I realise that there are Battery Management Systems but I could be wrong that they only control input? I am currently planning and installing extra solar generation capacity (about 2.5kWp max) following purchase of an electric vehicle (phev) and Zappi. At many times there is sufficient spring to autumn excess to charge the…
Solar Panels on R2B
Hello I am currently going through the R2B process and I have been presented with a few options regarding the solar panels on the roof. I wondered if anyone had any advice on the potential pros and cons and impact when reselling of each. 1. Have the panels outright (unknown whether this bill will be to me or the housing…
Sorry, put this in the wrong place
I have received great advice over the years from this forum and am hoping for some more..... We have a Powervault P3 4Kwh battery attached to our 8kwh solar panels and would like to add 2kwh more. During the installation (3 years ago) Powervault assured us that this upgrade would be a simple 'just plug them in' process,…
Solar Reliability
Hi All, I have seen numerous posts about solar on here but I really wanted to understand a few more things before committing to getting them installed. * How reliable are they in general? I have been quoted Solar PV system for 5k for 12 modules (which is so much better than any other quotes I have had) will the warranty…
VHS ,CDs and DVDs and records
A close friend has died 17th April 2022 and they have loads of the VCRs and dvds and cds and single and albums,is there someone who recycles or takes them to sell no one wants them,I hate to think these all going to landfill its such a waste and I have taken some VCRs to try and take them to charity shops.We are in…
Solar panels on single story extension flat roof - permitted development?
Hi All, I am reading the permitted development rules for panels which states they must not protrude more than 200mm from a roof surface and not go over the top of the roof (excluding chimney). I already have a set on my pitched roof. I have space on a single story extension (the house is 3 story) for extra panels. Since…
PV home battery storage and EV charge point conflicts.
I couldn't find an answer anywhere on here, If I have a Hybrid DC coupled battery set up with my PV, when I plug my EV in at night what's stopping the EV from emptying the home storage battery? I've seen how this can be avoided with the Zappy by using the export margin but I'm talking about a bog standard wall point. Is…
Solar Panels Quote advice (again sorry!!)
Hi All Sorry to bother you again but I'd like some advice about panels. I've a fairly heavy user as I have a hot tub (turned off for alot of winter) and a plug in hybrid car. Also our hob is electric and very thirsty if used for a few hours cooking. First quote - Project Solar (I know) 14 panels, 5.6KW system plus a 6KW…
Lloyds mortgage cashback on green improvements
Lloyds offering 1000 cashback for heat pump installs for existing customers, £500 for solar/insulation/heating controls/windows: https://www.lloydsbank.com/mortgages/help-and-guidance/eco-home-hub/eco-home-reward.html Nice perk if you are with them already.
Suntech vs. Hyundai 400W panels
Got a chance to inspect both brand's black panels up close and personal and was surprised at the difference in quality. Both are 400W but Hyundai (made in Australia) was the clear winner despite being less expensive and having a better warranty. See for yourself below: HYUNDAI REAR SUNTECH REAR HYUNDAI FRONT SUNTECH FRONT…
Solaredge Physical Layout
Hi - in my solaredge app, the physical layout is not showing. Any idea how to get it to show? I have asked the installer but they're not replying.
Reputable and reliable installer in West Yorkshire?
We are thinking of adding a battery, a hybrid inverter and a few panel to our FiT registered installation. The output from the additional panels will be kept separate from those on the original installation to keep the FiT safe and we will be replacing our ageing inverter with the hybrid. Can anyone recommend (from…
Solar Panels
Good evening we are fortunate enough to have been offered solar panels FOC under our local council scheme which we are going ahead with. Has anyone any advice as to what questions we should be asking the company who are doing the installation? The company we have dealt with are an electrician company but nowhere on their…
Solar Panel Quote Help
Hi all, Just wondering if the following seems a bit expensive: 1 SUPPLY OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM (5.93 kWp) 15 x TRINA SOLAR 395W VERTEX S 1 x HUAWEI 5KW HYBRID 2x HUAWEI HUAWEI LUNA2000 5KWH BATTERY MODULE 15 x HUAWEI 450W OPTIMISER 1 x EMLITE BI-DIRECTIONAL METER ECA2.NV 1 x K2 VARIO All for £13730 (£1200 of this is for…
Solar PV - going bigger
Hi all, looking for some advice on going bigger with solar PV. I've been quoted for 12x Hyundai 400 W solar panels + 3.68 Kw inverter due to be installed next month. Since then I've had the roof covering replaced and the ridge to gutter dimension has been increased. So I think extra panels should fit. Instead of 2 x 6…
Solar quotes - Confused!
My wife and I are really interested in getting solar panels, partly to save some money but mainly to lower our reliance on fossil fuels. Our house has two roofs, one adjacent to the other. One is flat and the panels (8) can be orientated directly south with no shading. The other is pitched and faces slightly south west…
Solar Quotes - any help appreciated
Hi All, back after a long break but a big purchase decision here. I have been looking at getting some quotes in for solar as I am thinking its about the right time to get it, here are the 2 I currently have. Jus to note I have read a few posts on here prior to posting but wanted to see if I could get some bespoke guidance…

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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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