Are you happy with your Solar PV System?

Freepost

Hi,
I’ve been looking at installing solar panels, a 4kWp system but I’m not too sure about all the hype Re: the return on the investment.


A system has been offered to me, 16 x Sharp NU250 together with a Diehl Ako Platinum 3800s Inverter with a projected generation of 3190kWh/annum. This will produce an income of £1381 in its first year, seems pretty good to me but is it accurate/true?


I would really like to hear from people who have had their solar system installed for more than 1 year and if the system has performed as expected/predicted.


Your comments will be most welcome.


F.

Cardew

You don't say where you live, and that has a big effect on generated output - the further South the better.

From that system, 3,190kWh pa is below what most people would expect - assuming their roof was South facing and not shaded.

For 3,190kWh you will recieve slightly more than £1381. In addition to the FIT you will get 3.1p for 50% of generated output so another £49 and what electricity you can use in your house will be worth on average £70 pa.

You need to read the various threads in this section.

free_juice?

My system is only 3.2kW but it earned £1,060 in the first seven months. South facing and unshaded.

Gizmosmum_2

We're in the North of England with Sharp panels and SMA 4000tl inverter installed since October on a SE roof. We've generated 2890 since 20th October (10 months). I'm chuffed to bits with it but probably wouldn't put Sharp in again if I had to do it again. There are lots of panels that will produce a better yield at a cheaper price.

Freepost

free_juice? wrote: »

My system is only 3.2kW but it earned £1,060 in the first seven months. South facing and unshaded.

Wow, 2450kWh, that's excellent. What was your initial forecast for the year.

F.

free_juice?

Installed 7 January 2011. Forecast 2,830 kW per year, 2,400 so far.

January and February fell short of forecast. April and May were well ahead. 47% and 30% respectively.

mackemdave

Very disappointed

Installed 12 Sharpe panels in Dec estimated 3000Kw/yr so far 1720

Location:Northampton

Freepost

Gizmosmum wrote: »

We're in the North of England with Sharp panels and SMA 4000tl inverter installed since October on a SE roof. We've generated 2890 since 20th October (10 months).

Hi, I'm also in the North with a SW (210°) orientation. With 2890kWh generated in 10 months you seem to be on course to produce in excess of 3400kWh in your first year! How does that compare with your initial forecast?

Gizmosmum wrote: »

I'm chuffed to bits with it but probably wouldn't put Sharp in again if I had to do it again. There are lots of panels that will produce a better yield at a cheaper price.

I don't, at this moment know at lot about the different panels, can I ask you to expand on that and advise what panels you would consider to be a better investment.

Thanks.
F.

Freepost

free_juice? wrote: »

Installed 7 January 2011. Forecast 2,830 kW per year, 2,400 so far.

January and February fell short of forecast. April and May were well ahead. 47% and 30% respectively.

So your installers gave you a monthly forecast, may I ask who installed your system?

I've had Tescos round to give me a quote and their forecast is just an annual one, hence the 3190 that I quoted earlier.

Thanks
F.

Freepost

mackemdave wrote: »

Very disappointed

Installed 12 Sharpe panels in Dec estimated 3000Kw/yr so far 1720

Location:Northampton

S*it! I understand you being disappointed. Do you know why the system is under performing? Which Sharp panels did you have installed/what's their capacity?

F.

Cardew

mackemdave wrote: »

Very disappointed

Installed 12 Sharpe panels in Dec estimated 3000Kw/yr so far 1720

Location:Northampton

Is that 12 x 250wp panels(3kWp)?

Which firm estimated 3,000kWh pa for that system in Northhampton?