Solar panels refused on pre payment meter

angelah55

I have applied for the free solar panels from 2 companies, both eventually got back to me to say I live out of the area they are working in.
Yesterday I registered an interest with British Gas, who I get my electricity and gas from.
I have a telephone call from them today, he went through the usual questions, but when I told him I am on a prepayment meter for Electricity, I was told we cannot have solar panels fitted.

Supposedly due to if ever we run out of credit and the electric shuts off, the solar panels have to be reset.

I am now thinking what a load of rubbish, what happens when there is a power cut? Or you have to switch the electric off to have work done? Do you have to get someone out to reset them?

He also told me I might have to pay if extra scaffolding is needed.

Has anyone with a prepayment meter had any joy with getting these free solar panels?
Your thoughts and comments welcome
Angela (1st posting so be gentle LOL)

Jon_Tiffany

I cant see why having a pre payment meter would prevent you from taking up the free solar panel offer.

As for the power going off, the system is built to cope with power cuts and forms a big part of the G83/1 regulations. In the event of a power cut my understanding is that the system will reconnect automatically once it senses the AC voltage again - albeit with a 3 minute delay.

Hope that helps.

penrhyn

Shirley it would be better to start by changing to credit meter and saving money by paying up to 30% less for your electricity.
You could then look at solar.

dunloadin

It might have something to do with the fact that you'll need import/export metering, I can't see how that is possible with a key meter.

Terrylw1

Prepayment metering is not compatible with Import/Export metering in the elec industry.

Currently, all Import/Export are treated as Credit metering at industry level.

It's not that it may not be technically possible, there is just nothing to support it. Suppliers are still getting used to Import/Export.