Help needed - quotes coming in too high for Solar PV

BornAtTheRightTime

Hi,

I having been reading the solar-related threads with interest over the last few weeks and must say thank you to you all for your highly-informative postings which have hleped me decide to go ahead with solar PV.
I have recently had several companies in for quotations and so far have felt like I've known enough from reading MSE to be able to talk sensibly with the reps about the technology, installation considerations and predicted output.

My problem however is that I've had 3 quotes back this week for a 4kWp system and they are ranging from £14k plus scaffolding costs (recently-established local company) to £18k all-in (ProLite, a well-established company). I am also being told that the likes of Anglian and Everest would charge £20-25k?

From reading here it seems most people recently ordering are being charged closer to £12k - although perhaps I am overlooking something.

What are people being quoted at the moment? And can anyone recommend a company near me - I am in NE Essex, near Chelmfsord and Colchester.

Thanks for any help.

mickyduck

Hi just been through the same process, quite tricky to decide. Most quotes (6) were in the 12-13.5 k range with one company quoting 24K:eek:
Cannot help with local company but settled on £12750 quote

Cardew

BornAtTheRightTime wrote: »

Hi,

What are people being quoted at the moment? And can anyone recommend a company near me - I am in NE Essex, near Chelmfsord and Colchester.

.

Have you tried Tesco?

Despite all the assurances about selling PV systems; it appears that the Double Glazing and Solar thermal rip-off merchants have got in on the act and will charge what they feel the market will bear.

We need show houses etc - if we can send people to view your installation etc etc

Even the 'rent a roof' merchants have got in on the act, £500 deposit and monthly 'maintenace' fees etc.

mickyduck

Cardew wrote: »

Have you tried Tesco?

Despite all the assurances about selling PV systems; it appears that the Double Glazing and Solar thermal rip-off merchants have got in on the act and will charge what they feel the market will bear.

We need show houses etc - if we can send people to view your installation etc etc

Even the 'rent a roof' merchants have got in on the act, £500 deposit and monthly 'maintenace' fees etc.

Have to agree the £24 K quote was "act now", "looking for show houses" etc etc 80s double glazing speil

keith_r59

Unfortunately you cannot stop the cowboys moving in on any industry regardless of how well it is regulated but you won't go wrong if you follow the advice in this article.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13296404

BornAtTheRightTime

Checked back on tesco's again as you recommended, Cardew, and WOOHOOO! Limited availability offer 20% off Solar PV: http://www.tescohomeefficiency.com/solar-electricity/

ETA: just quoted £11599 for 3.91kWp system by Tesco, 17 Sharp panels, will post more details when I have them

mickyduck

BornAtTheRightTime wrote: »

Checked back on tesco's again as you recommended, Cardew, and WOOHOOO! Limited availability offer 20% off Solar PV: http://www.tescohomeefficiency.com/solar-electricity/

Beats my quote after 20% off looks like a good deal

Rodders57

Found this on another site about Tesco and how they cheat the REAL code of practice

http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/photovoltaic-solar-panels-green-energy-forum/36266-do-tesco-conform-real-code.html

broke_mother_of_students

We paid just under £14,000 for a 3.86 kw system in April. We thought it was worth paying extra for Sanyo panels. We had a range of quotes and we went with the panels we thought were the best.

jetski690

BornAtTheRightTime wrote: »

Hi,


can anyone recommend a company near me - I am in NE Essex, near Chelmfsord and Colchester.

Thanks for any help.

Give this local small company a try http://www.affordablerenewables.org.uk/pv.html
I'm sure they would cover your area, they know what works and what don't work with solar pv, no fancy salesman the guy who visit's you will be doing the installation himself a long with another, he is the only person who has turned up with a hand held device and given me honest opinions on what I might achieve and if my situation was viable. Worth a try.

jetski690

Rodders57 wrote: »

Found this on another site about Tesco and how they cheat the REAL code of practice

http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/photovoltaic-solar-panels-green-energy-forum/36266-do-tesco-conform-real-code.html

Funnily enough I was just reading that myself when you posted, the boy's aren't happy are they.