Free solar panel feedback discussion: Isis

MSE_Jenny

This thread is specifically to discuss feedback for

Isis's free solar panels (Link)

If you've had solar panels installed by this company, we'd love to know how it went, so we can improve the guide. Things we'd like to know:

• Whereabouts are you?
• How smooth was the panel-fitting process?
• How much did you save on your electricity bill?
• How long did you have to wait for the panels?
• What are your tips to ensure you get the most out of the free panels?
• Were there any technical glitches?
• What should other MoneySavers watch out for when signing up?

CLICK REPLY TO FEEDBACK

To read about solar panels in general, see the main:
Solar panels guide

Thank you for your help


[signupbox]test[/signupbox]

Endtoend

Explored this option last year and decided to go for it. We were sent a contract signed by their Director which all seemed to be in order we counter signed, got witnessed and sent back October 2010. I think that is now called a binding contract.

We heard nothing!

6 months later another contract hits the mat. Legal company involved is now a big gun - Eversheds. Contract signed by the same director as on previous contract but, the contract, had evolved somewhat. This now included.
1. If something stops the system generating, or you prevent re-installation, and they say its your fault you have to cover the cost of the feed-in tarriff until its fixed.
2. Buy-out cost increased.
3. We have to supply the system with AC power. I take it the system still draws this at night when there is no free electricity.
4. A guarantee by ISIS to maintain the system
5. ISIS will insure the system

I've sent an email to Isis asking where we stand with regard to the signed first contract.

Cardew

Energy Saving Trust(EST) say savings of £70 a year are typical!

ISIS say:

Question: How much will you save.

It depends on how much you currently pay and when you use electricity but we think £300 a year would be typical. Our consultants will be happy to provide you with a personalised quote.

The WHICH report talks about firms exaggerating!

Arrem

I decided to go with ISIS in the Summer of last year. Having heard nothing for a few months, I asked them why the hold up? I had a phone call from them and was told I would hear from them in November. I finally received the legal pack from them in December. I had it checked out and having completed it I posted it back to them. Nothing heard again, I phoned them in February and was told there will be some action quite soon as they wanted to get the benefits of the Spring/Summer sunshine. Nothing heard yet again, I phoned them in May and was told my survey was imminent. In the 2nd week of June, 2 surveyors turned up at the time arranged and spent about an hour measuring and checking my house, roof and electrical distribution board.
The Surveyor told me that I would hear, usually in 2 weeks about the planned installation and to arrange an installation date.
To date, nothing heard but I guess a phone call from me will set the final stages into action. In the meantime I continue to wait, but I ain't holding my breath.;)

Arrem

OK, update time. I finally heard from ISIS solar today.
They told me that my roof was not big enough to take the 14 panel minimum installation they will accept. They did offer me the name and contact details of another company that would accept my house onto the free installation system. I decided not to bother and could not help but get the feeling, that had my roof been large enough for 14 panels their minimum requirement would have been 16!
My last job with this will be to get a form of release from them I guess, as they still hold the documentation giving them the right to install.

stokieben

Like others, we decided to go for this option last year. Applied in June, got papers in August, signed them and sent back. Heard nothing. Rang them in November: "We are waiting for more people in your area - will be in touch." In February this year, new contract appeared - very opaque - no clear buy-back prices. So I rang them up and told them I wasn't signing it. Sent contract back, heard nowt since. Advice - don't deal with this lot.

In April we went ahead and bought our system - very pleased - generated over 1600 KW already.

RKH

FWIW, I contacted ISIS in July 2010 regarding the free installation. I finally received an answer at the end of October 2010 stating that my property was "not suitable":

"Currently we are looking for one or two story properties with near due south facing pitched roofs of 30m² or larger."

My roof is pitched, unoverlooked, due South facing, and very large (much more than 30 sqm - I did calculate it on the application form, can't remember the answer).

I can only assume that they are oversubscribed and use this as a standard excuse to turn away all comers until they can accommodate more business again.

beedydad

RKH wrote: »

FWIW, I contacted ISIS in July 2010 regarding the free installation. I finally received an answer at the end of October 2010 stating that my property was "not suitable":

"Currently we are looking for one or two story properties with near due south facing pitched roofs of 30m² or larger."

My roof is pitched, unoverlooked, due South facing, and very large (much more than 30 sqm - I did calculate it on the application form, can't remember the answer).

I can only assume that they are oversubscribed and use this as a standard excuse to turn away all comers until they can accommodate more business again.

Lucky escape as with the proposed changes they are are aiming to hopefully kill of these type of companies.

lilcol

My advice is to avoid ISIS like the plague.

Installation began in Nov 2011, completed April 2012. Numerous incompetent installers sent , damage to my house for which I am still trying to get reimbursed. :mad:

shanevic7

lilcol wrote: »

My advice is to avoid ISIS like the plague.

Installation began in Nov 2011, completed April 2012. Numerous incompetent installers sent , damage to my house for which I am still trying to get reimbursed. :mad:

Thank you. I was thinking about them this past week.