Spending Review: solar feed-in tariffs safe – for now

pocketrocket1

Sorry forgot so say 'Thanks' to Gizmosmum for posting the price you paid that was really useful information for me. When deciding whether to go ahead or not. Can you let me know your feelings about the panels now time has moved on a little

Gizmosmum_2

pocketrocket1 wrote: »

Sorry forgot so say 'Thanks' to Gizmosmum for posting the price you paid that was really useful information for me. When deciding whether to go ahead or not. Can you let me know your feelings about the panels now time has moved on a little

Brilliant prices, make sure you get a decent inverter - SMA or Fronius. I had a SMA 400tl and wish I'd gone for Fronius. They have a usb stick which allows you to download performance and upload alterations to software and are slightly more efficient.

I installed in October because I was worried that the Spending Review would knock the Feed in tariff on the head. I've no regrets and would recommend anyone with cash in the bank to do the same. not so convinced about getting a loan for the install though ...

stuartburd

Question for Gizmosmum

Gizmosmum wrote: »

Brilliant prices, make sure you get a decent inverter - SMA or Fronius. I had a SMA 400tl and wish I'd gone for Fronius. They have a usb stick which allows you to download performance and upload alterations to software and are slightly more efficient.

I installed in October because I was worried that the Spending Review would knock the Feed in tariff on the head. I've no regrets and would recommend anyone with cash in the bank to do the same. not so convinced about getting a loan for the install though ...

We have recently looked to have solar panels installed quotes of around £12500 seem about average. We were wondering if you have received any payments yet from your FIT since installation in October?

Gizmosmum_2

stuartburd wrote: »

Question for Gizmosmum


We have recently looked to have solar panels installed quotes of around £12500 seem about average. We were wondering if you have received any payments yet from your FIT since installation in October?

No, believe it or not I missed the March deadline :mad: my fault trying to do too many things at once. I'm sending it off tomorrow, have generated 1876kwh - 28 of which were today. :j Not bad for an ESE facing roof ...

Gizmosmum_2

Ask for references and ring their customers. If they don't want to give you the information move onto the next installer. I'm a big fan of local installers and gut instinct, you usually know who you would trust once you've met them. It's a personal thing for me but I just can't bring myself to buy from a salesman - I never quite trust what they are saying. It's a good price for your system but have you got prices for other panels too??

Gizmosmum_2

I-try-hard wrote: »

For some reason they all quoted the same panels, would differant panels be any better? I have asked about some other inverters as I beleave they perform at different levels and the Sunnyboy is a slow starter.

There can be quite a big difference. Sharp are made in Wrexham (well, put together for those who are a little more pedantic!) but there are loads of other panels that produce a better yield. Don't go for Sanyo they are too expensive for what you want and if you want to stay loyal to Europe there are Schott and Bosch panels which are quite popular or REC which are made in Norway and have relatively green credentials for the way they are manufactured. All of these will perform a bit better than Sharp and will be similar in price.

If you don't mind buying from China then you can't go far wrong with Upsolar or Suntech both of which will be cheaper than Sharp and both will produce more electricity.

SMA are excellent inverters, I wouldn't stress about kicking in earlier mine starts at 5am at the minute so you can't really complain but I'd be looking for an inverter with a 10 yr warranty if I was you, there are a couple of them around and it's worth it for peace of mind.

Now that I've told you this (and this is the tip of the iceberg) do you feel that the people who are providing quotes are giving you good advice???? That might help you decide who to use....

dave1961

Hi Gizmosmum,
Just had 1.88kWp installed, I to took the £8100, they cost from my savings account, currently paying 1.2%. So 8k with an expected return of £18000 over 25 years, + doing my bit to reduce carbon emissions, I don't really feel I've taken to big a risk.

Chatty Chappy,
I checked with my insurance company, an solar panels are covered (at no extra cost) in my buildings insurance, so if we get another hurricane or tornado, and my panels get ripped off, then so be it, i'll replace them.

Regards Dave.