Solar heating advice?

susi

Not sure if this is the correct place but wondered if anyone could offer any advice. My parents are both elderly (in their 70's). They are contemplating the free solar heating option. I have been told that they would be better off to buy the panels outright. Can anyone give me any advice either way.

susi

Anyone????? :-)

penrhyn

If they are likely to be around for the next 10 -15 years then buying the panels would provide a useful income via the FIT payments.

Free panels would save say in the order of £50 off their annual electricity bill.
Make the property more difficult to sell, as the rent a roof schemes are for around 25 years.

They may do better by making sure the property is insulated up to current standards - for free by one of the energy companies.

energysavingexp

if they have a lot of savings and are in good health then yes if not no

UncleZen

Solar heating? or do you mean Solar PV (to generate electricity) or Solar Hot Water (to heat your water for free)?

Canucklehead

penrhyn wrote: »

If they are likely to be around for the next 10 -15 years then buying the panels would provide a useful income via the FIT payments.

Free panels would save say in the order of £50 off their annual electricity bill.
Make the property more difficult to sell, as the rent a roof schemes are for around 25 years.

They may do better by making sure the property is insulated up to current standards - for free by one of the energy companies.

O.P. has referred to solar 'heating' not photovoltaic. There isn't a FIT for Solar thermal. More here.

Canucklehead

penrhyn

OP did refer to free panels,so I assumed Solar PV, AFAIK noone is offering free solar thermal, why would they?

Mmmnnn, just reread OP's post, it could be read either way?

O well, Paxman is on with Richard Bacon shortly so that should be amusing.

James26

Edf energy do a scheme which ties you in 25 years also will be no use if your roof is not pointing south

macman

OP appears to be under the impression that solar PV is a way of heating hot water. A common enough error.

susi

I think its solar heating, I know they have had a company around offering free panels, their bungalow fits all the neccessary requirements. They do have savings but arent in good health, personally I am trying to convince them not to have it at all, its just another thing for my dad to worry about. Thanks for all your imput its appriciated

penrhyn

No such thing as free solar heating panel schemes.

Look at the literature it will say Solar PV probably.