Tell me good things about solar panels

albyota

"Today I think I'll go ahead with boiler replacement and a fitting new tank that will acoommodate thermal should I ever install it."

Tomorrow you really should be looking for an alternative to using LPG.

Cardew

albyota wrote: »

"Today I think I'll go ahead with boiler replacement and a fitting new tank that will acoommodate thermal should I ever install it."

Tomorrow you really should be looking for an alternative to using LPG.

I second that!

Obviously an ASHP is worthy of consideration - albeit you may need bigger/extra radiators.

However if not the above, and you need a new boiler and tank, why not oil CH rather than LPG?

A._Badger

Just to reinforce Cardew's advice, my house came with oil CH and I was expecting the worst. In fact, used carefully and with oil bought wisely, I have been pleasantly surprised how manageable the costs have been.

MatthewClements

This thread makes the whole thing sound so complicated. I have been toying with this idea if it is cost neutral, I can't see why I wouldn't do my bit t help the planet. I had a quote last week and the salesman said it could save 50% of my bills. Given that my electricity and gas bills combined are £110 per month, then I can only save £55 per month and this would take me until my 104th birthday to pay for itself... Am I missing something?

albyota

It depends whether you are commenting on solar thermal or PV??

albyota

If its solar thermal...that makes you 57 then!!

jasper12

I've 'inherited' a solar thermal system in my new house. Seems to work well, the last few days the temp has got up to 60 and we are just north of perth. Not sure however if it is worth the installation costs. I like it as I didn't have to pay out for it

albyota

jasper12 wrote: »

I've 'inherited' a solar thermal system in my new house. Seems to work well, the last few days the temp has got up to 60 and we are just north of perth. Not sure however if it is worth the installation costs. I like it as I didn't have to pay out for it

I'm not saying they don't work.....I too have 4 Sq M of thermal on my roof (fitted Myself) they do give me a good amount of hot water.....when the sun shines.....have probably yielded £200 worth of 'Free' hot water in 2 years....hence the 47 year or more payback. Mine were factored into the build as per planning requirements, I would advise against purchase for investment or saving money. Those that have paid for them are likely to put up a defense and tell everyone they are great.

Cardew

MatthewClements wrote: »

This thread makes the whole thing sound so complicated. I have been toying with this idea if it is cost neutral, I can't see why I wouldn't do my bit t help the planet. I had a quote last week and the salesman said it could save 50% of my bills. Given that my electricity and gas bills combined are £110 per month, then I can only save £55 per month and this would take me until my 104th birthday to pay for itself... Am I missing something?

I am assuming that you are talking about solar thermal i.e. a system to provide you with hot water. (Solar PV provides electricity for which the government provides a subsidy for all electricity generated.)


As said many times, Solar thermal is a joke in money saving terms. If the salesman states it will save you 50% of your bills he will FOR ABSLUTE CERTAINTY NOT PUT THAT IN WRITING.

In the summer months it may well provide you with 50% or more of your Hot water, in the winter virtually nothing.

If you have gas you are looking at savings of £30 to £40 a year. The Energy Saving Trust state on average it will save 5.5% off you energy bills.

If you want to find out about Solar Thermal salesmen - call your local trading standards office - or Google.

crphillips

Don't forget that the actual 'hot water' side of your energy bills is tiny.

It's the central heating that costs the money to run and the solar doesn't contribute to this.

Also....if you have electric showers and a dishwasher then the hot water produced by the solar is next to useless....it's just sat there getting cold.....unless you have young kids taking a lot of baths but most people use the shower nowadays.