solar PV - couple of FIT questions

LindaJane47

Dear all

we are about to get a small solar panel array put on our roof (have had 2 firms to come out so far and waiting for their quotes) but I have a couple of randome questions they haven't been able to answer:

If we were to change electricity supplier, what happens to our FIT - does it just get sorted out with a new supplier? Is that likely to be any kind of hassle?

If we were to move (no intention of doing so, but you never know...) what happens to the FIT then - do the new owners take on the contract? The first chap who came to survey thought that it would, but at whatever rate is current at that time. The second chap thought that although the panels would belong to the new owner, the FIT payments would stay with US.

If anyone knows the answer to either of these I would be very interested to know

Thanks and regards
Linda

Cardew

Firstly the FIT money does not have to come from your electricity supplier. Some of the smaller electricity suppliers e.g. Ebico don't process FITs. So you could select EON for supplying FIT and go to any other company for electricity supply; and change as often as you wanted.

My understanding on your second point is that it is up to you and the new owner decide who gets the FIT, although it would be normal for the new owner to get the FIT.

Think of the complications if you retained the right to the FIT. They would effectively have to sign a lease allowing you access to their roof and loft for repairs etc. You would have to be able to check generated output and submit claims etc.

Would you buy a house under those conditions? - I wouldn't.

LindaJane47

Thanks Cardew!!

on point one, great, that's clarified

on point two, yes, hadn't looked at it like that! and got conflicting information from the two prospective installers which didn't help.

Thanks again

bjohnson

It's a bit vague as the FITS payment is linked to the property, but you have to have a "nominated recipient" and that can be changed if you tell them in writing.