The Great 'Get Paid To Generate Energy' Hunt

teachergirl

Should I worry that my FIT supplier has not asked if my meter runs backwards?

Dave_Fowler

teachergirl wrote: »

Should I worry that my FIT supplier has not asked if my meter runs backwards?

I would only worry if the application form asked the question about the meter and I said 'no' when it was obvious to me that it did. At the moment, if I had just had a system installed and I were filling in the forms, I would not know one way or the other as there is no likelihood of exporting during this dull weather.

Further, the import meter is your supplier's responsibility; they know the make and serial number and should know that it runs backwards.

My only query would be what the supplier will do with the charges when they finally get round to changing the meter. Will they send me a bill for a estimated usage which the meter has not recorded or just write it off.

Dave F

John_Pierpoint

When EDF changed my meter I eventually, some 18 - 24 months later, got a reading and an extra bill from a previous supplier purporting to be the final meter reading.
I said "prove it".
They wrote it off.

Changing the meter was nothing to do with me - in fact the new electronic meter went on to cause chaos because it was incorrectly numbered and I was getting someone else's bill and the meter readers (that makes 4 companies involved) did not know how to read it correctly (it is accurate to 1/100 of a unit in theory).

soupdragon10

I have been thinking for some time about getting solar PV panels as I have a large south facing roof with a decent pitch.

There would be little problem in using all the energy that I generate even during the summer, as I keep snakes which need to be kept at tropical temperatures all the time (I long for hot summers to cut my bills) and would welcome even a modest reduction in my electric bill.

I quite like the idea of being paid to generate electricity that I then use - I believe this is how the new system works isn't it? especially as power prices seem set to continually increase in coming years. However I am totally bewildered by the technological terminology (was hopeless at physics at school).

Is there somewhere that I can find a simple guide to what to look for?

Cardew

soupdragon10 wrote: »

I have been thinking for some time about getting solar PV panels as I have a large south facing roof with a decent pitch.

There would be little problem in using all the energy that I generate even during the summer, as I keep snakes which need to be kept at tropical temperatures all the time (I long for hot summers to cut my bills) and would welcome even a modest reduction in my electric bill.

I quite like the idea of being paid to generate electricity that I then use - I believe this is how the new system works isn't it? especially as power prices seem set to continually increase in coming years. However I am totally bewildered by the technological terminology (was hopeless at physics at school).

Is there somewhere that I can find a simple guide to what to look for?

Cornwall is a good place for PV electric generation.

Essentially the major issue is a fairly large South(ish) facing roof that is not shaded by anything(trees etc)

Systems can range from £10,000 to £15,000 and you get a large subsidy for every kWh(electicity unit) you generate, regardless of where it is used.

The amount you use in the house is a bonus - but not a major factor in the income.

There is a mass of information on the web, try not to read the manufacturers blurb but some 'independant' sources. There are some 'downsides' to consider.

All in all a good, but very long term, investment.

zeupater

Hi

Inverter manufacturing overcapacity continues to force price reductions .... and yet more capacity is being installed.

Prices are expected to fall by a further 10%-15% in the mature German market, with larger price falls in countries where prices are currently inflated (that's the UK then !! ). It's also interesting to see that the report effectively accuses distribution companies of 'capitalizing on the short supply situation' even though there was overproduction .... as if they would actually do such a devious thing ! :eek:

Full article here .... http://international.pv-tech.org/news/ims_research_expects_continued_strong_growth_of_pv_inverter_market_despite

With continuing factory gate price reductions is there any news of standard price reductions yet ??? ...... Looks like there's no reason why a 4kWp standard system utilising decent kit should be over £12k(inc VAT) (£3/Wp) on 2011 economics, that would be a 15% to 20% discount over spring 2010 prices and still well above prices elsewhere in Europe .......

Z

khris210

Perhaps a few notes on our experience. We had a 2.2 kw installation fitted on 17th Nov and so far it has produced (today) 106.6 kw. Our average usage here over the past 3 years has been 7.2 kw a day, but since inception that has fallen to 2.98. It is of considerable relevance that our meter runs backwards, a fact which had to be noted on the application form for FIT. Our kit cost £10500 which was actually the cheapest of 3 quotes, although the reason why we went for that firm was that the rep seemed to be the only one who knew what he was talking about (PVSolarUK,,,no connection etc). Our supplier is Npower and I have to say that we have had absolutely no problems (so far X fingers!) Any more info please ask.

Cardew

khris210 wrote: »

Perhaps a few notes on our experience. We had a 2.2 kw installation fitted on 17th Nov and so far it has produced (today) 106.6 kw. Our average usage here over the past 3 years has been 7.2 kw a day, but since inception that has fallen to 2.98. It is of considerable relevance that our meter runs backwards, a fact which had to be noted on the application form for FIT.

106.6kWh is reasonable in the 71 days the system has been fitted.

That works out at 1.5kWh per day.

However even allowing for the fact that your electricity meter runs backwards, how would your consumption drop by 4.22kWh a day from 7.2kWh to 2.98kWh?

i.e. in the 71 days since 17th November you are stating that you have used 299.62kWh less over this period than you did in the previous 3 years and, I understand it, you are claiming that this was caused by your panels generating 106.6kWh over the same period.

I am afraid I don't understand the point you are making - or have I missed something?

smartn

January has been a bad month for PV generation when compared to an average January. Apparently on the news this morning we have only had 41% of the expected sunshine hours so far this month and with a few days to go it doesn't look promising.

I am pleasantly surprised with a 2.1 kw system I have still manage to generate 66 units so far this month (albeit concentrated into just a handful of very good days in the main).

I'm only in month 3 of having a system but so far so good. Ask me after say 12 years whether its been a good investment and I can then tell you for certain, but at this stage I am happy with my decision to install.

Cardew

This BBC Money Box is of huge importance to those contemplating ‘rent a roof’ schemes; and even those who bought their systems.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00y1vxr/Money_Box_29_01_2011/

Listen to introduction and again at 6mins 30 seconds.

Perhaps the most important is that many Banks and building societies will not lend/mortgage to houses with leased roofs. (I wonder if there is to be a health warning on Rent a roof brochures)

The BBC has also learnt that the Government is concerned at private companies(the rent a roof companies) are creaming off the subsidies meant for individuals. As mentioned many times on MSE, this is the ‘loophole’ that they are exploiting.

Apparently PV systems will cost £8.6Billion in subsidies and save £420 million; which all consumers – even those in flats etc on low income pay.

The Minister gave an assurance that the Government would honour existing PV subsidies, but couldn’t speak for future Governments.