Solar Panels

Time_Travellers_Wife

Hi, I'm new to this site, and have done a quick check to see if I can find this elsewhere so bear with me if I'm only repeating what others have asked, but does anybody know how to go about getting solar panels on your roof, ie:

• what are the costs for an average 3 bed bungalow?
• decent contractors in Northern Ireland who have the experience in doing this? (I'm based just outside Belfast, North Down area)
• whether grants are available for this?

Our NIE costs are going through the roof, and I'm trying to think of other ways to save for the long-term.

Thanks!

ballyblack

Don't bother, the 'long-term' will take forever;


http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/solar-panels-take-100-years-to-pay-back-installation-costs-917202.html

hieronymous1927

I used a company called 2020 Solar Ltd. I got complete solar hot water system installed for £3049. It only took 2 days to fit and we're reaping the benefits right now even in the winter. The solar tubes are the new superconducting ones and work well even in our terrible climate. We are a family of three (including a messy muck magnet daughter who needs a bath daily) and the system is coping very well. So pleased we did it.

Solar Hot Water Panels can pay for themselves within the first few years if you buy the right ones.

dmxdave

hieronymous1927 wrote: »

I used a company called 2020 Solar Ltd. I got complete solar hot water system installed for £3049. It only took 2 days to fit and we're reaping the benefits right now even in the winter. The solar tubes are the new superconducting ones and work well even in our terrible climate. We are a family of three (including a messy muck magnet daughter who needs a bath daily) and the system is coping very well. So pleased we did it.

Solar Hot Water Panels can pay for themselves within the first few years if you buy the right ones.

Yeah yeah yeah

In Northern Ireland??

s2sap

Yeah yeah yeah - In Northern Ireland??

Actually yes yes yes in Northern Ireland.

We had solar panels installed in early May last year and they provided about 90% of our hot water from May to October without needing to use oil boiler. Even this weather they heat the water up to luke warm which means the boiler does not have as much work to do to bring it up to full temperature.

I was a cynic before but not now. We effectively turned our boiler off for 5 months, and we have teenagers who use a lot of water. It saved us a lot of oil.

I reckon payback on our solar panels about 4 years. But we are in this house for the long term ( I hope ) so they should payback many times over.

But......pick the right installer, talk to other people in your area - just look up at their roofs - to see who has it already.

dmxdave

Thanks for that, what company did you use as you are pleased with the result.

typhoon

I moved into a house two years ago that has 18 year old solar panels on the roof that are absolutely useless. I would love the name of a reputable firm so that I can find out if these tubes are upgradeable and if so how much?

s2sap

Pm Me for company details - I have good reports about them but also some reservations ( albeit small ) - thats why I dont want to publicly name them. But no issues about the product whatsoever.

darrenpollock

About 28 years ago my parents did a self build and the local university asked them to help with an experiment.
Long story short basically 2 ordinary 6ft radiators painted black behind perspex panel cut in south facing roof. Sensor on rads and dual coil tank with pump that operates when temp is 10 degrees more in rads than tank thereby heating tank. Paid for itself within a couple of years.
They don't need boiler on for 5 months and even now system is enough to run washing machine, utility sink and kitchen sink. On clear day water would scald you!!!
They are now replacing system as rads are dated and sensors are past their best. I got a quote for new flush panels at £1670 and on tile panels at £1450 fitted by accredited plumber. PM me for his details.

According to plumber grants are due to come back this Apr (09).

D.

Wookey

Anyone who is handy can make there own at a fraction of the cost, plenty of sites to read up on making them with a quick google. I'm currently making some up over the winter to fit early next year, aluminium sheet, 10mm coiled copper tube and some glass and timber, total cost about £250. Upgrades to my hot water system and plumbing will be about £450. Other work i estimate will cost about another £200-300.

dmxdave

s2sap wrote: »

Pm Me for company details - I have good reports about them but also some reservations ( albeit small ) - thats why I dont want to publicly name them. But no issues about the product whatsoever.

Have done on 22nd - no reply so far