Current PV panel prices

zeupater

moss1 wrote: »

i have had my solar system fitted since september i confirmed my meter can go backwards on my fit form to npower can anbody tell me if i have to contact them again or do just wait for npower to get in touch with me about the meter can any body help.

Hi

I take it that the above relates to reversing meter question on the FiT application form ? ..... if so it seems that the energy companies haven't really got their act together on internal communications yet. If I was in that position I would contact my supplier to ensure that they are definately aware of the situation and then I would assess how much the reversing meter is saving and put that amount aside on a regular basis for when the bill finally arrives ...

HTH
Z

matttaylor

Thanks for all the replies and helpful advice. More than I was expecting.
Seem there are better deals to be had so I'm going to investigate now starting with the MCS website and looking for those questions that should be asked.

Thanks again!

Matt

emmatthew

What about if you were to switch supplier?
Once they have issued you with a final bill you should be ok.
Then inform your new supplier at some point soon and they should only claim the amount you owe since the switch :j

jimjames

zeupater wrote: »

Hi

I take it that the above relates to reversing meter question on the FiT application form ? ..... if so it seems that the energy companies haven't really got their act together on internal communications yet. If I was in that position I would contact my supplier to ensure that they are definately aware of the situation and then I would assess how much the reversing meter is saving and put that amount aside on a regular basis for when the bill finally arrives ...

HTH
Z

I'm curious how you would do that other than finger in the air estimate.

As far as I can it is pretty much impossible unless you are monitoring usage constantly and have an electricity monitor that can measure negative readings ie your export to the grid. Our electricity monitor always shows a positive reading to show the current that is flowing regardless of which direction it is going.

So an instant 1kW reading could be usage of 1kW or export of 1kW. Even knowing that your panels are generating 2kW at the time wouldn't help as you could have 3kW kettle on at the same time.

So are there any electricity monitors (not export meters) that can show the electricity exported that you would need to take account of for revised bills?

HalloweenJack

the problem with a reversing meter is the summer - blazing sunshine for 14 hours a day , and you give a reading thats lower than your previos? hello mr energy company fraud investigator.

edit:

your should have a generation meter which can give you an `idea` - they go on 50% fit , so as a basis use 50% of that and work onwards.

or get your meter changed.

zeupater

jimjames wrote: »

I'm curious how you would do that other than finger in the air estimate.

As far as I can it is pretty much impossible unless you are monitoring usage constantly and have an electricity monitor that can measure negative readings ie your export to the grid. Our electricity monitor always shows a positive reading to show the current that is flowing regardless of which direction it is going.

So an instant 1kW reading could be usage of 1kW or export of 1kW. Even knowing that your panels are generating 2kW at the time wouldn't help as you could have 3kW kettle on at the same time.

So are there any electricity monitors (not export meters) that can show the electricity exported that you would need to take account of for revised bills?

Hi

Exactly, but they do it ....

I believe that the base argument would be to consider that you'd been paid a standard 50% for export at 3.1p/kWh therefore you're happy with receiving according to the 50% assumption, so would it not be logical and appropriate to look at your generation whilst the meter has been reversing and then apply the same 50% rule to calculate what you owe then negotiate from there ? .... pure guess, you'll have to search for someone who's received a bill, I've seen posts on various fora regarding this ....

HTH
Z

matttaylor

Martyn1981 wrote: »

I'd add my opinion to the others, does sound a bit too high. 4kWp prices are approaching £8k, with more and more mentions of quotes / deals near this, so for 3.7kWp I'd reckon £8k is a fair target to try for. You never know ....

Mart.

Unfortunately after 8 quotes from MCS accredited installers within 10 miles of my home I've not been able to get nearer to 8K.
The average is working out at £9,850.

zeupater

matttaylor wrote: »

Unfortunately after 8 quotes from MCS accredited installers within 10 miles of my home I've not been able to get nearer to 8K.
The average is working out at £9,850.

Hi

Look at getting a fixed price from te5co or another national installer, it should come in over £1k lower, then either go with them or use the lower quote as a tool for negotiating with your local suppliers, they'll either drop their price to compete or not, but whichever they choose to do you'll still have the option of a firm offer from elsewhere.

If you do decide to negotiate it would be best to rank your local quotes in terms of preference (not price) and then work through the list sequentially, starting from the worst .... that way you will have a better negotiating position when dealing with the preferred suppliers ...

HTH
Z

matttaylor

Thanks zeupater,

I'll give them a call.

---

Update: Just called to be told it's very unlikely they'll be able to install anything before the 3rd March.

Martyn1981

matttaylor wrote: »

Thanks zeupater,

I'll give them a call.

---

Update: Just called to be told it's very unlikely they'll be able to install anything before the 3rd March.

Matt, don't know what others will say, but that sounds a little like a negotiating tool. Maybe see if they can get a little more out of people chasing the higher tariff.

If you need the higher rate, and think it's worth a punt, that's for you to decide. 43p would, I'm sure be good for you, but you don't want to overextend yourself and then get the 21p.

Prices are only ever going to fall (long term) so you could sit it out for the next few months and see who comes back to you looking for business.

Not sure if this will work, but you could tell them that you only have £8k, but would appreciate them calling you in the future if they get a quiet period and can 'do you a favour' at that price!

Hope things work out for the best.

Mart.