Free solar panel discussion

Gizmosmum_2

Are the surveyors doing full SAP or just level 1? I'm not convinced about the accuracy of the SAP calculations :think::

kayBennett

I have shown interest in ISIS free Solar panels, I have also been contacted by a company wanting to sell me some! but I cannot afford to lay out over 12k, so am anxious to knowif anyone has had any luck with the ISIS company yet?:p I am on a pension and a home owner.

pauldreed

Gizmosmum wrote: »

Are the surveyors doing full SAP or just level 1? I'm not convinced about the accuracy of the SAP calculations :think::

Not sure what you mean??
The solar panel surveyors don't do SAP or level 1, they survey if your property is suitable for a solar panel installation, which usually involves;

1. Checking the size and angle of the roof
2. Checking for any potential shading
3. Loft access availability
4. Roof construction and roof timber size/spacing
5. Location and type of Electricity meter

Mine was surveyed by ASG a week ago, and it took about 30 minutes by a very competent and polite surveyor (Simon).

Pincher

Are there really that many MCS certified people out there?
Also, heating engineers are not roofers.

To the lucky people who are getting free solar panels, please report how many people turn up:

1. Scaffolders
2. Roofers
3. Heating engineer

And possibly:

4. Electrician
5. Builders

I am curious how they mount the 24m2 of solar panels. There must be a lot of mounting points requiring flashing.

Also, how do they run the cable. The simplest thing is to run it under the gutter along the top of the wall, and drill though to where the meter is. Are there batteries, how many, is space a problem? Is ventilation (inverter overheating, battery fumes) and electrical fire hazzard an issue?

Finally, do they handle the meter change (for export), or do they expect you to handle it?

Gizmosmum_2

4.3 System Performance
An estimate of annual energy performance shall be made using Appendix M of the Standard Assessment Procedure for Energy rating (SAP) methodology (https://www.bre.co.uk/sap2005), taking account of the actual orientation, pitch and overshading conditions.
This estimate, shall be communicated with the client at or before the point that the contract is awarded and shall be accompanied by the following disclaimer:
"[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]The performance of solar PV systems is impossible to predict with certainty due to the variability in the amount of solar radiation (sunlight) from location to location and from year to year. This estimate is based upon the Government's standard assessment procedure for energy rating of buildings (SAP) and is given as guidance only. It should not be considered as a guarantee of performance."
[/FONT][/FONT]Additional estimates may be provided using an alternative methodology but any such estimates must clearly describe and justify the approach taken and factors used and must not be given greater prominence than the standard SAP estimate. In addition, it must be accompanied by warning stating that it should be treated with caution if it is significantly greater than the result given by the standard method.
Issue: 1.6 MICROGENERATION INSTALLATION STANDARD MIS: 3002 Date: 28/01/2010 Page 8 of 15

The quote above is from the MCS Installation current standards so I guess you can take different calculations if you want to. Not sure who would police how you give more credence to one set of figures over another.

Bit worried about a 30 min survey - it takes that long to fill out the paperwork for loft insulation never mind something much more complex like solar pv. Maybe it's just an initial survey to assess suitability and sign you up to be followed by a technical survey??? We used to do this all the time for solar thermal so that the more expensive guys don't waste their time going to jobs that aren't suitable.

Jon_Tiffany

Gizmosmum wrote: »

Are the surveyors doing full SAP or just level 1? I'm not convinced about the accuracy of the SAP calculations :think::

I'm unsure, but certainly they should all be using the same SAP process, so should be arriving at the same answer. From what I have seen the SAP process is pretty good, if applied correctly.

Note that this applies to MCS installers providing quotes for installs.

Jon_Tiffany

pauldreed wrote: »

Not sure what you mean??
The solar panel surveyors don't do SAP or level 1, they survey if your property is suitable for a solar panel installation, which usually involves;

1. Checking the size and angle of the roof
2. Checking for any potential shading
3. Loft access availability
4. Roof construction and roof timber size/spacing
5. Location and type of Electricity meter

Mine was surveyed by ASG a week ago, and it took about 30 minutes by a very competent and polite surveyor (Simon).

When ASG/ISUS/Homesun do their surveys they can use whichever method they think is best. If an MCS installer visits you to provide a quote for an install that you are going to pay for then they should use the SAP process to estimate the output.

pauldreed

Jon_Tiffany wrote: »

When ASG/ISUS/Homesun do their surveys they can use whichever method they think is best. If an MCS installer visits you to provide a quote for an install that you are going to pay for then they should use the SAP process to estimate the output.

That's my understanding Jon, they will make their surveys based upon their individual business models, and that's why so many applicants for ASG/ISUS/Homesun are rejected.
I was basing my reply on the title of the thread - 'Free solar panel discussion'.

Gizmosmum_2

ASG etc all have to be MCS to utilise the FiT and I'm fairly sure they'll need to provide this info to the consumer even if it's only for the free electric.

My worry with using SAP calculation is that there are different levels and level 1 just takes basic data, 2 & 3 (I'm sure there's 3 levels but I'm happy to be corrected) are more detailed and need similar sort of info to that used for heat loss calculations.

None of the levels really relate to the other because the detail collected is so different. I guess I'm just feeling a touch pedantic tonight.

pauldreed

Gizmosmum wrote: »

..... I guess I'm just feeling a touch pedantic tonight.

Pedantic is good!
If we are commiting our roofs for 25 years, we need to explore this from different angles, and your point is valid.