Free solar panel discussion

Cardew

John_Pierpoint wrote: »

The "Eco Dan" bumph from Mitsubishi gives its standardised figures based on an outside temperature of +7 Celsius, it also includes some graphs from the B R E (Building Research) showing the input of a more realistic 0 and the output at 35 with a CoP cop of 3.
An input of 0 and an output of 55 (for say hot water) reduces the CoP from 3 to 2 - that is one unit of electricity produces two units of heat.

Thanks for the warning.

It is really difficult to get 'real world' COP figure i.e. what houses get in practice when defrost cycles and other losses are taken into account.

It is much like the quoted MPG figures for cars.

There is another big disadvantage of heat pumps that tends to be ignored. If you have water at 35C or 40C in your(huge) radiators or underfloor heating, you need run your heat pump pretty much all the time. If you have it off during the day when you are at work it takes ages to bring cold rooms back up to temperature. Unlike gas CH where water at 80C can heat rooms quickly.

So whilst you might have a COP of say, 3, you are using electricity when not needed.

Gizmosmum_2

Sorry should have added - ashp have a better CoP with underfloor heating and can be quite effective.

Make sure you got so a decent installaer who knows how to calculate the heat load properly. I went to a muppet who didn't know how to do it - had an 8kw ashp installed in a house with a 12 kw heat load.

After freezing for 2 months desperate to prove how green I am I calculated the heat loss and taught the installer how to do it too. Had to take ashp out and new oil boiler went in to replace it - no bigger heat pumps available at the time.

Pincher

Gizmosmum wrote: »

After freezing for 2 months desperate to prove how green I am I calculated the heat loss and taught the installer how to do it too. Had to take ashp out and new oil boiler went in to replace it - no bigger heat pumps available at the time.

That explains a lot.

I was wondering how the heat exchanger in the out- door unit can pick up enough heat energy to warm a whole house: so it can't.

This makes the £400 boiler scrappage scheme a horrible trap, as you could have replaced a 20 year old 25kW non-condensing gas boiler, which was keeping you warm nicely, and ended up with a totally under capacity ASHP. There were probably plenty of salesmen who would say yes if you wanted to go for ASHP.

jimbo3172

Hi guys

This may have already been asked but I went cross eyed trying to read 36 pages of this thread. Does anybody know any companies providing the free solare systems in the MAnchester/Lancashire area?

Thanks in advance

Gizmosmum_2

jimbo3172 wrote: »

Hi guys

This may have already been asked but I went cross eyed trying to read 36 pages of this thread. Does anybody know any companies providing the free solare systems in the MAnchester/Lancashire area?

Thanks in advance

Isis haven't knocked me back yet and I'm a bit further North than you, although they are struggling to understand my south facing roof. Their website is https://www.isis-solar.com but make sure you're fully aware of what you're taking on. The Energy Saving Trust has provided this guidance http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Solar-electricity their advice is free and impartial.

Good luck:)

Poosmate

As several people have asked for referrals and they seem to be few and far between, I thought I'd post the list of MCS installers instead. You can browse through the list and check out the ones in your own areas.

http://www.microgenerationcertification.org/Home+and+Business+Owners/Microgeneration+Installers/Solar+Photovoltaic


There does seem to be an awful lot of newly registered businesses, is that because the FiTs scheme only started this year? (I'm guessing so).

I would reiterate what others have said, do as much research as possible, take the time to read through these threads because there is the odd gem of a post here and there.

Also, some guy made a thread regarding the prices/types of installments, I think it would be fab if we could all post quotes/systems on that thread so people can get an idea of how much these things are actually costing. I'll try to find it and post a link.

Thanks

Poo

Found it!

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2670069=

Please would people post their quotes here? It may also enable us to track any trends (rises/lowering of prices).

Thanks again

Poo

Mcfi5dhc

Solargain wrote: »

Just out of curiosity, why not? I did, and I couldn't fault them. Excellent, neatly installed system at a reasonable price.

I've been away, apologies for the delay in replying

I wouldn't have gone for them, simply because I think Tesco are just too new at the business. I know they don't have the shelf stackers re-assigned to solar PV, they sub-contract the work out to their preffered list of installers. Surely you would get a better price going straight to the firms installing for them (presumably they can still do independant work).

Having said that, the feedback I have heard back from customers who have had their systems is excellent, so clearly they have done their homework.

I just hope they don't squeeze every penny out of the installation companies like they reportedly do to farmers.

I'm glad your installation worked out well Solargain

Poosmate - mine was a 1.44kwp system fitted pre-FIT, costing £7950, less £2500 grant, total £5450

Gizmosmum_2

Mcfi5dhc wrote: »

I've been away, apologies for the delay in replying

I wouldn't have gone for them, simply because I think Tesco are just too new at the business. I know they don't have the shelf stackers re-assigned to solar PV, they sub-contract the work out to their preffered list of installers. Surely you would get a better price going straight to the firms installing for them (presumably they can still do independant work).

Having said that, the feedback I have heard back from customers who have had their systems is excellent, so clearly they have done their homework.

I just hope they don't squeeze every penny out of the installation companies like they reportedly do to farmers.

I'm glad your installation worked out well Solargain

Poosmate - mine was a 1.44kwp system fitted pre-FIT, costing £7950, less £2500 grant, total £5450

I believe Tesco are using experienced installers however, pv isn't as difficult to install as you may think and what's just as important is the care taken to install, like anything else I suppose.

I'm guessing the sheer bulk buying power of Tesco is making a difference to the price but they will also undoubtedly be screwing the installation teams.

phsci

First post, so hi everyone. When suppliers quote a given kWp output for a system, are they referring to the final output in AC after the inverter or simply the DC output from all the panels?

Pincher

Poosmate wrote: »

There does seem to be an awful lot of newly registered businesses, is that because the FiTs scheme only started this year? (I'm guessing so).

Wow, that's exciting. There must be lots of jobs where one guy in the company qualifies, and five hundred guys (and butch gals) around the country can pay a franchise fee and advertise as MCS qualified. I know how to use Gripfill to glue solar panels on roof tiles, and use electrical tape to wrap around exposed wires for water proofing. Whom do I call?

I do insist on using proper scaffolders, though, because I don't want the scaffold to collapse on me, would I? So is there some way I can make sure the scaffolders are bona fide? These cowboys who don't know what they are doing make me sick.