Tesco Solar Panels - Anyone used

jimpix12

Hi all, Looking into getting PVs and landed across Tesco who seem to be slightly cheaper than other installers. Does anyone know what panels they use, installers used, and if they're any good? I assume they're not using their own installers. Anyone know?

TailSpin_2

I had them install my panels in October last year.

No real complaints, it all does as it says on the tin. A little bit sloppy with paperwork in that they forgot to give me manuals etc etc, but they are easy enough to get on the phone and chase down.

At the time I was rushing to get all the installation paperwork to get it registered before they cut the FiT's. They were very good at getting all that out, managed it in a day if I rememebr right.

Used a local sub contractor. A small issue in that their surveyor said I could have 16 panels, but the installation team could only fit 15 on the roof. They did try hard though ...

All in all 7.5 out of 10.

If there is anything else you would like to know ...

jimpix12

Thanks! What model/make did they fit? I am looking at getting a 3.5kw system and their quote is about £600 less than any others I've had. They seem to have a 20% Sale on during the summer.

Also how long did it take from initial assessment to being completed?

And were their output estimates reasonable compared to what you're seeing?

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

I had a quote from Tesco when I was planning my system. When I tried to get them to requote with different inverter and panels they never got back to me. Very sloppy way of doing business, I thought. They had a 20% off sale back then too.

In the end I went with a local company who weren't the cheapest but who did inspire confidence.

jimpix12

Do you know which panels they were using?

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

spunko2010 wrote: »

Do you know which panels they were using?

I did but I've thrown away the paperwork now.

smiffy_99_uk

Round my way they are using ET Panels and Growwatt Inverters.

The Cheapest Chinese S**T on the market. the panels have a 5 year warranty. (Everything else has 10)

Use a local company, You will get a far better service and a more honest opinion on the type of gear that you should use. I would rather spend £7k at Aldi rather than Tescos (If they Did Solar Installs)

jimpix12

smiffy_99_uk wrote: »

Round my way they are using ET Panels and Growwatt Inverters.

The Cheapest Chinese S**T on the market. the panels have a 5 year warranty. (Everything else has 10)

Use a local company, You will get a far better service and a more honest opinion on the type of gear that you should use. I would rather spend £7k at Aldi rather than Tescos (If they Did Solar Installs)

ET Panels have good reviews. Are you one of those people who just dislikes Chinese products or is this based on your own findings?

Chinese panels such as Suntellite and Kinve appear to be the same if not better than the more expensive brands based on what I've read?

The installation and sales aspects are my main concerns with Tesco, but if they're using non-pushy local salesman who work for other Solar companies, I can't see a problem.

smiffy_99_uk

spunko2010 wrote: »

ET Panels have good reviews. Are you one of those people who just dislikes Chinese products or is this based on your own findings?

Chinese panels such as Suntellite and Kinve appear to be the same if not better than the more expensive brands based on what I've read?

The installation and sales aspects are my main concerns with Tesco, but if they're using non-pushy local salesman who work for other Solar companies, I can't see a problem.

I have absolutely no problem with Chinese Panels. I would recommend Suntech, and kinve panels, Even certain Chinese built Inverters to customers who are after a budget system.

The Key to comparing PV Modules is to take note of Independent testing every year. A test like photon's is good as they test panels in a German Climate (Similar to ours)

You have to understand that most of the cheaper panels on the market are developed in China and these manufacturers quote there cell efficiency figures under 1000Wm2 or 800Wm2 radiance. Nothing like northern European weather.

I have no problem with Budget panels, I just believe that Tesco's customers should be made aware of the different options available. I do not think its right that Tesco only push the absolute lowest end, cheapest stuff on the Market.

A cheap Inverter may have to be replaced 2 or 3 times over the 25 year life of the system and will impair yield, Where as a well built and well tested German Inverter I have no doubt would last far longer and yield far more with its advanced technology.

The important thing to consider that Tesco will not tell you, Is that by spending maybe £1000 more on European designed and built gear, Your system will peform far better yield far more over the 25 years returning that extra money in no time.

Everyone is impressed when a Budget system produces 20 KWH on a sunny day, But its the cloudy and winter days that no one compares in online forums.

Tesco should paint there gear in Blue and White stripes so that you know you are buying Tesco Value!! maybe they should offer a Tesco's finest as well!

ruatua

I work for the company that manages the Tesco service so thought it may be useful to clarify a few points. Other panels are available to Tesco customers including Sharp and Sanyo but we have selected ET Panels as a lead option due to their excellent efficiency and warranty (10 year on product and 25 years on performance) coupled with value for money. ET are one of the largest manufacturers of PV in the world and if I was installing solar I would use their panels. As far as I am aware we also only specify European inverters (Fronius/SMA etc) unless there is any industry wide stock shortage and we can install the higher efficiency micro inverters on request.

As for system output, we carefully design the systems in-house to ensure maximum efficiency by careful matching of inverter to panels and whilst taking into consideration any overshading. Here are some recent comments from a customer.

"Your original quotation for my 3.96kWp system estimated a likely system output of 3,339kWh...I have today received confirmation of my 4th quarterly FIT payment and my actual system output in my first 12 months was near on 4500kWh ..."
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I am happy to answer any questions anyone else may have

thehouseofsolar

I Want Solar Panel,photovoltaic roof tiles,portable solar panels,solar roof tiles as well as services of solar panel installation.Please give me some good places where i can get these products and service in a cheap & best prices.
thehouseofsolar