Free solar panel discussion

Mcfi5dhc

quoia wrote: »

You've STILL not actually read what digitaltoast has explained and I've posted in post # 311

I have read both posts, and as it happens, I agree with you 100%

Apologies, I thought he was multiplying a +6kwp system by 41.3p's, which you can't do.

The 6.57* 0.43 bit lost me

thorsoak

I'm almost too cowed to ask this question when I see all these erudite arguments for and against solar power .....but - here goes

We purchased a bungalow two years ago which has four solar panels (sunseeker) on the south-facing roof. These panels do give us hot water when the sun shines (for the last 3 weeks, I think I've only had to turn on the immersion heater when we've had rain.

Last week we had additional (free) insulation in the loft - carried out by EAGA (OH has reached the age of 70) and the guys that carried it out seemed to think that our solar panels can be "converted" by changing the wiring into electicity generating panels. I'd be extremely interested in this - but is it a fact that "ordinary" solar panels can be converted in this manner?

digitaltoast

thorsoak wrote: »

These panels do give us hot water when the sun shines [...]
Last week we had additional (free) insulation in the loft - carried out by EAGA (OH has reached the age of 70) and the guys that carried it out seemed to think that our solar panels can be "converted" by changing the wiring into electicity generating panels. I'd be extremely interested in this - but is it a fact that "ordinary" solar panels can be converted in this manner?

There's something I'd like to see. Get them to explain it to you! I should imagine if you can somehow generate superheated steam to drive a turbine then in theory it should be possible, but turning hot water into volts? One of the people suggesting it could be done wasn't wearing a crown of thorns by any chance, was he?

Cardew

thorsoak wrote: »

I'm almost too cowed to ask this question when I see all these erudite arguments for and against solar power .....but - here goes

We purchased a bungalow two years ago which has four solar panels (sunseeker) on the south-facing roof. These panels do give us hot water when the sun shines (for the last 3 weeks, I think I've only had to turn on the immersion heater when we've had rain.

Last week we had additional (free) insulation in the loft - carried out by EAGA (OH has reached the age of 70) and the guys that carried it out seemed to think that our solar panels can be "converted" by changing the wiring into electicity generating panels. I'd be extremely interested in this - but is it a fact that "ordinary" solar panels can be converted in this manner?

No they can't be converted! The two types of panels have absolutely nothing in common.

Your panels just heat water that is flowing through the panels - much in the same way that a garden hose left lying in the sun will produce warm water initially.

Solar PV panels have complex electronic circuitry that convert sunlight into electricity. This electricity needs then to be 'converted' into the same type of electricity used in your house.

thorsoak

Thanks for the prompt reply ....I thought it was too easy!

richard-

I was wondering which company is better to take advantage of for the installation/maintainance

A Shade Greener or Isis ?

quoia

richard- wrote: »

I was wondering which company is better to take advantage of for the installation/maintainance

A Shade Greener or Isis ?

From what I've read ALL 3, that's including HOMESUN, are all offering exactly the same from beginning to end of the 25 year period.

The only advantage that I can see is HOMESUN - you can buy the system from them, so that it's yours and you collect the FITs, whenever you want to during the 25 years.

richard-

Loking at some of the pictures they cover your roof? I've never seen houses with so many panels? I understand they have to make their money back but do they completely cover the south facing roof.. (semi-detached property)

quoia

richard- wrote: »

Loking at some of the pictures they cover your roof? I've never seen houses with so many panels? I understand they have to make their money back but do they completely cover the south facing roof.. (semi-detached property)

That's almost certainly because the only ones you've seen anywhere previously aren't PV Systems (SOLAR CELLS generating electricity) but the ones that have water running through them - used to heat your hot-water (and maybe a bit of other heating - got a swimming pool ?) - you don't need the same surface area as PV

These "Free" systems are about 3kW (peak output) which equals 18 panels - each is about 185W - much less and its not worth it.

Back to your previous question ...

ASG or ISIS ?

Where do you live ?

ASG are currently only installing within a 1 hour drive of Junction 36 on the M1

and I'm sure someone else said that ISIS is based around the OXFORD area and are installing in close proximity.

I'm not sure about HOMESUN but they have the largest target so far - 100,000 homes within 3 years - so I'm guessing they will be spreading their net a bit further than the others.

Jon_Tiffany

digitaltoast wrote: »

I still stand by my assertion that the money comes from taxpayers.

NO, you are still misleading people. Your wording still implies that it is taxpayer money that is used. It isn't, and you know that very well.

Your reasoning is also flawed. Yes, you are correct that the energy companies will pass on the cost to consumers to protect their profits. But not everyone who pays an electricity bill will be a taxpayer. There are many retired and un employed people in the UK. Also a major user of electricity in the UK is industry, so businesses will be picking up the cost as well.