Solar PV Feed In Tariffs - Good or Bad?

The_Green_Hornet

As virtually every other thread on the subject of Solar PV goes off topic and ends up with a discussion about whether the feed in tariffs are a good or bad idea, or even if solar PV (or renewables in general) are a good or bad idea, I have started this new thread.

Maybe then all other threads can be left to those people who have Solar PV, or are thinking of installing Solar PV, and need advice / help from like minded people.

So, who wants to start the for/against argument?

rogerblack

I'm gonna start off with 'bad'.

My argument is that - for the current prices of panels and inverters, it makes sense to 'net meter', and get sane returns.

Current hardware cost is ~5K for a 4kW system.

Net metering - where you simply run the meter backwards - is lots simpler, and avoids any need for certification on the panels, as you can't do strange things with running power from the mains to the solar meter, for extra incentives.
Assuming 12p/kWh, a 4kW panel would return 3600ish units a year - 430 quid.
Payback in 12 years is not unreasonable.

This would also (where the grid is suitable) allow those with roofs suitable for >4kW to install panels there.

This completely eliminates some of the costs of MCS certification. (no new meter, no requirement to log data, ...)
I would also make it legal to DIY install systems, for example on shed roofs, or your own house.

With the upcoming smart meter install that should all be capable of this (but may not be) a solar install could be as simple as buying a shed with a 1kW solar roof from Focus, and plugging it in.

don0301

depends in what way you mean good or bad

for the country? - your gonna get the easy to spot anti-PV (I havent got, I can't get, etc etc) people screaming how bad it is, and on the other side some people screaming how fantastic it is.

all I'm sure plucking facts and obscure figures why they are SO right


for the individual who's fitted them on the pre reduced FiT - do we really need to discuss that?

for the individual who's considering fitting them - IMHO still worth serious consideration

the fact is the Government is committed to spreading this technology in this country, other countries have used this system to encourage people to invest.

personally, I've invested in a system. I'm gonna get a great return on my investment. I've got a reduced electric bill. On a good day I can wash,dishwash, make cups of tea, hoover for free. At the moment I'm producing a constant 2.6kW. and I will be a net exporter of electric to the Grid over the year. I'm very happy. So good

Martyn1981

Roger, you'd get my vote. Sounds like a sound plan.

If the energy companies had any issues regarding admin, etc, then they would do well to swallow them, since they are trying hard to present some 'green credentials' whether deserved or not.

Simple, clean and easy. Great idea.

Mart.

don0301

remember the days you could get all sorts of wonderful (illegal) gadgets to make your meter go backwards

wonder how long before that started again if that was the system in place lol

Martyn1981

don0301 wrote: »

remember the days you could get all sorts of wonderful (illegal) gadgets to make your meter go backwards

wonder how long before that started again if that was the system in place lol

Interesting you should say that. Another acquaintance of my mine was enlarging his already, registered system. Whilst the OFGEM stuff was still going through for the extra, he sent in the scheduled meter reading. 2 days later they rang him to ask why it was higher than the system specs would suggest.

Obviously, this one was fine, and they were happy, but quite surprised how they spotted the issue so quick. Presumably their little computers have a profile (like PVGIS) to check against. A smart meter would probably get suspicious when you connect your gennie up to the mains!

Mart.

don0301

wait til some chinese guy hacks it lol

John_Pierpoint

In a European Union (?) where it is now illegal to do more than change the plug on a kitchen appliance, I just cannot see a DIY option being allowed.

Anyone got any cable in the "old" colours?

rogerblack

John_Pierpoint wrote: »

In a European Union (?) where it is now illegal to do more than change the plug on a kitchen appliance, I just cannot see a DIY option being allowed.

Anyone got any cable in the "old" colours?

'Part P' was not european legislation.

John_Pierpoint

..........but the concept of "the expert person" is very European , as is the pressure to do away with the UK "unsafe" three pin plug in favour of a Euro design?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europlug

Martyn1981

Just been reading an article in New Scientist (page 3 17/12/2011 I'm a bit behind). A couple of things struck me that might help to explain the worldwide roll out of FITs schemes regarding renewables and CO2 reduction.

Statements from Durban, S Africa

1. "By delaying the imposition of new emissions targets until 2020, the policy wonks in Durban all but condemned the world to decades of rapid warming. Over the next decade, global carbon dioxide emissions could rise by as much as 50%. that will make it vastly more difficult and expensive to curb global warming: UNEP says it would almost double the pace of emissions decline required thereafter. Many believe that it will be almost impossible to stay within the 2deg target."

2. "We may, in truth, have to forget about the world's governments and the folly of their short-sighted and parochial ways, and instead seek technological fixes. If going green can be made profitable, it will become a no-brainer. Self-interest may serve the greater good where national interest does not."

If I'm reading the article and those two selected paragraphs, fairly. Then spending now, to more quickly develop financially viable technology for the future is not only wise, but a necessity as time is simply running out, and we can't wait for natural market forces to do the work. Fixing this in the future is only ever going to cost us more, so we need to speed things up a little now!

Mart.