4 solar coming to quote us ?scam

peachespeaches

I have had a phone call today from 4 solar in doncaster who want to come and quote me for solar panels, and told me I would be eligible for some sort of grant?? but we have to pay for solar panels.

I havent been able to have the free panels because we have a dormer window which means they couldnt fit enough panels on to qualify for free scheme. Our house does face south though.

Before the high pressure salesman calls, please tell me if this is worth doing and if it will over the years pay for itself. I have read a lot of the guides on here and the discussions and it seems that there are as many people for it as against it. If it is installed in the next few months, what grants and feed ins are available and is it worthwhile please? We use a lot of electricity as we are in a 4 bed house, 4 kids and approx 8 tropical fish tanks (this is my hobby) so anything that reduces our monthly outlay will help. However, I just cant see the wood for the trees, there are too many variables (weather, cost of power, grants being cut etc.) . Can you help? Please?

Martyn1981

Hiya, rushing at moment so some quick pointers. Rather than explain each bit in detail, you can check this thread for explanations of FITs, PVGIS etc

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3872445

'Slapping' Doncaster (as a guess) into PVGIS climate, gives a suggested annual generation for south facing of approx 900kWh's for each kWp (kilowatt peak) installed.

If you have room for say 3kWp (approx 12 panels) then generation would be about 2,700units per year, depending on shading.

Income, from 1/8/12 FITs is dropping from 21p per unit to 16p and exported units rising from 3.2p to 4.5p. Exported is simply assumed (guessed) at 50% of generation, so each unit will earn you 18.25p (16p + 2.25p).

Also you should save about £100 in leccy savings. From what you've described you might well save £150+ pa, but best to estimate low.

So income would be approx 900*18.25p = £164 per kWp installed + leccy savings.

For a 3kWp system (just guessing again) that would be 3*£164 = £492 + £100 (savings) so approx £600.

If install cost was approx £6k then that's a return of approx 10% if you ignore the cost of capital (perhaps 3 or 4% in an ISA).

There's very little you can do at the moment as the tariff is about to change, but getting an idea of your roofs potential install size would be useful, then sit back and study the prices as they will almost certainly fall again after next wednesday.

The tariff period is also being reduced from 25 years to 20 years, after which you'd lose the generation element (16p).

Got to dash, but ask as many questions as you like.

Mart.

Cardew

The above, understandably assumes they intend to supply a Solar PV system(panels generate electricity)

However could they be talking about Solar Thermal??(produces Hot Water). They mention a 'grant' being available, which you can get for Solar Thermal, and not Solar PV(the Feed in Tariff is an ongoing payment).

If it is Solar Thermal the costs are huge for little savings.

If Solar PV, income is covered above, but don't be conned into paying above about £7,000 for the largest system(4kWp). Get a WRITTEN quote, and post details here. If they offer £thousands discount to sign straight away, tell them to 'go away' in as strong a term as you want.

peachespeaches

Thank you both, Im still reading through the links. Its so complicated I dont want to bother.