PV install - upset neighbours

spinybif_2

Have just placed an order for 4KW solar panel install, has to go on front of house as south facing ( roof is perfect aspect). Neighbours in the close are upset - solar panels go on council houses !!, generally we get on really well, what would you do.

jamesingram

How upset ? wouldn't want to create planning problem with nimby neighbours and renegade councils ignoring permitted developement rights.
Are they the type to be upset by any change , such as an extension ?

tanith

Presuming its the look of it thats upsetting the neighbours? but do any of them have unsightly digital ariels or sky dishes? We have neighbours who have them and after a while you don't even notice they are there . I know thats not much help but you either cancel or put up with the moaning I guess.

newtonflotman

Just go with it! How often do you look up at peoples roofs? Bet you could easily spot the odd tile lifted etc in your road that no-one has noticed. Give it a month and people forget. You could always paint your front door Luminous Green to attract their attention rather than the roof!

BargainGalore

I rather have a neighbour who has solar panels and is a good neighbour than a neighbour who is noisy, or untidy house/garden any day and no solar panels. Cant see why they got the hump as long as no damage to their property, maybe they are just jealous.

BargainGalore

Is this rent a roof scheme or private install. If private how much does it cost these days I am sure you can get a 4kWh solar panels for under 7k now

Cardew

BargainGalore wrote: »

I rather have a neighbour who has solar panels and is a good neighbour than a neighbour who is noisy, or untidy house/garden any day and no solar panels. Cant see why they got the hump as long as no damage to their property, maybe they are just jealous.

However many would prefer good neighbours who are not noisy, don't have an untidy house/garden and also don't have solar panels. You make it sound like solar panels are just a lesser evil.

Many people dislike the appearance of solar panels. Which is why most councils will not allow them on houses in conservation area if the house can be viewed from the road.

However I suspect that the views of OP's neighbours will get little sympathy in this particular thread;)

jamesingram

What rights do neighbours have in this scenario ,
If I find somethings ugly , should I have the right to remove or stop it, if another wishes to have it , finds it attractive or beneficial.
???
I find houses without soffits or eaves projection grate me for some reason , nonsense I know , but i do

Cardew

jamesingram wrote: »

What rights do neighbours have in this scenario ,
If I find somethings ugly , should I have the right to remove or stop it, if another wishes to have it , finds it attractive or beneficial.
???
I find houses without soffits or eaves projection grate me for some reason , nonsense I know , but i do

This thread gave details of a council ordering removal of panels after neighbours objected.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3872225

Martyn1981

spinybif wrote: »

Have just placed an order for 4KW solar panel install, has to go on front of house as south facing ( roof is perfect aspect). Neighbours in the close are upset - solar panels go on council houses !!, generally we get on really well, what would you do.

Going back some, I remember when people used to say that Velux's shouldn't go on the front of houses, because they look ugly.

I hope you don't think I'm laughing 'at' you, but I do find it funny that the neighbours think 'there goes the neighbourhood!' because they associate PV with council/LHA properties.

Hopefully once you get them installed the neighbours will realise it's a storm in a tea cup. My father was quite concerned about the appearance when I told him I was getting it installed. When he popped round for a look he was surprised how neat they look, and his opinion has completely reversed.

You never know, they may get interested and end up installing too - at least they won't have to look at their own roof.

"There's nowt such queer as folk."

Mart.

EricMears

spinybif wrote: »

Have just placed an order for 4KW solar panel install, has to go on front of house as south facing ( roof is perfect aspect). Neighbours in the close are upset - solar panels go on council houses !!, generally we get on really well, what would you do.

To avoid the problems the Prestwich chap had, you really ought to contact local council asking them to confirm that such an installation would indeed be classed as 'permitted development'.