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Solargain

Mcfi5dhc wrote: »

Integral - they are Sharp panels. I think most/all Sharp panels have Pilkington self cleaning glass

That's what the installers said about our Sharp panels - not something I noticed in the spec.

From what I've heard about Pilkington self-cleaning, though, it wears off after a few years. That may, or may not, be true.

iffy83

Gizmosmum wrote: »

I've heard that the utilities are going to jump on the bandwagon big style in the next year or 2. Also heard recently about someone getting 4kw for 9k! On hold shortly then seriously looking at pricing - I have a large south facing roof that could hold a serious amount of pv..

Be VERY wary of companies that quote CHEAP pv systems. Hunt around and get a few quotes, im certain you'll discover that £9000 for a 4kw pv systems is super cheap.

corners are likely to be cut everywhere possible with these types of company and i'd also predict that said company won't be around to see the system past its 1st year.

with the current boom in the pv industry alot of companys are popping up trying to make a quick buck. try to look past the cost aspect to a certain extent, this is an investment. thinking long term you are going to be earning 10% tax free on this investment...so go for a quality system. one that is installed by a quality installer, one that has experience in the industry (check the MCS website). Also take a close look at, not only the quality of panels but fittings, inverters used and the warranty terms.

Cardew

iffy83 wrote: »

this is an investment. thinking long term you are going to be earning 10% tax free on this investment...

I do wish people wouldn't bandy about such figures without qualifying them!

gehngus_2

Hi all.
Im just extending (upwards) and turning our detached bungalow into a 4 bedroom two story house.

there will be approx 70 square meters of south west facing roof.

we are on top of a mountain so no obstructions, shadows etc.

I was thinking about having solar panels & solar heaters at some point & thought best to see what is available before i slate the roof.

I also want a wind turbine (like i say.. on top of a mountain & by the coast so lots of sun & wind

does anyone know:

1. do these things go over the slate or is the slate removed (like a velux)

2. can you have more than one system for free. some advertise solar elec & some advertise water heaters (for the 2011 RH scheme)

is there a scheme for wind?

many thanks in advance

Elainemary

Following on from my 509 in this thread I've FINALLY heard from Homesun who say the roof is too small/ at the wrong angle/ not sunny (?) enough for the panels. Guess I'll give up as, so far, no-one on this thread can find me an installer in SW London. Mind you I did ask for a GOOD, PROFESSIONAL installer - maybe they don't exist.

hansi

Homesun didn't even reply to my follow up emails, so I've registered with British Gas. Maybe they'll be quicker off the mark.

Elainemary

Thanks Hansi. Glad to see I'm not alone!
Elainemary:beer:

DancingBadger

I think Homesun are indunated. I emailed them at least two months ago, but didn't get the following reply until last Wednesday (8/9/10). [Was going to post the link, but as a new poster I can't.]

Basically, it says they've done a desktop review of our property and that it appears to be eligible for one of the free systems. The roof needs to have a minimum of 30m2 of clear space; if not, they could offer another system 'Solarshare', which involves an initial payment of £500 and £5 per month for Solarcare.

One of their reps is supposed to be contacting us within 2-4 weeks to arrange a meeting. As the average semi-detached roof size is 70m2, it'll be interesting to see if he tries to tell us we don't qualify for the free panels.

John_Pierpoint

Where did you get the 70m2 figure from?
I would be surprised if the average modern semi has a roof area larger than 2 x 50m2 with only the one south facing, ideally 30 degree, slope able to generate a reasonable amount of electricity?

DancingBadger

John_Pierpoint wrote: »

Where did you get the 70m2 figure from?
I would be surprised if the average modern semi has a roof area larger than 2 x 50m2 with only the one south facing, ideally 30 degree, slope able to generate a reasonable amount of electricity?

Again, can't post the link, but I Googled for the information and found it on Clayridge Roofing Contractors' website. Our house was built in 1965. (I wouldn't have a clue how large my roof is... :rotfl:)