First4solar ( Solar Europa Ltd) - anyone used them?

Martyn1981

solarsavingexpert wrote: »

BEWARE OF MISLEADING INFORMATION

(engineering recommendation G83/1-1 Stage 1).

This applies if your solar PV system is up to 16A per phase,equivalent to 3.68kW, which is based on the lower of:

· the rating of the inverter (based on 230V) and

· the sum of the ratings of the PV panels, multiplied by themaximum efficiency of the inverter.

You appear to have ignored the 'the rating of the inverter (based on 230V)' bit!

If the inverter is 3.68kW, or capped at 3.68kW then that is the part that the DNO is interested in.

My concerns were and still are valid, the installer appeared to be capping the system via the panel specs, not the inverter specs. This rang an alarm bell, as it suggests somebody doesn't know what they are talking about.

solarsavingexpert wrote: »

BEWARE OF MISLEADING INFORMATION

If you install a 4kW system you must have DNO appoval, thistakes approximately 6 weeks and costs £250.00.

Yes, if you install a 4kW (or 3.68kW+) uncapped inverter and more than 3.68kWp of panels, then you'll need to apply for permission. But most people do it the other way around, 4kWp of panels on a 3.68kW inverter.

I suspect you are getting your kW's and kWp's confused.

I was told by WPD that a G59 domestic app costs about £40. I assume processing times will vary, but can take months, mine took about a week for a G83-1 stage 2 (and was free).

Mart.

PS:

solarsavingexpert wrote: »

The difference in yield between 3.68kW and4kW is negligible.

Actually, since a 4kWp (not 4kW) system will not run above 3.68kW's for more than a tiny of fraction of the time (regardless of inverter size), the difference isn't negligible, it's actually nearer to a loss of (4-3.68)/3.68 = 8.7% give or take! M.

EricMears

Fruit_and_Nut_Case wrote: »

Quote:
Originally Posted by solarsavingexpert
this takes approximately 6 weeks and costs £250.00.

Really? Mine took less than two weeks.

'My' DNO application ('my' in inverted commas as I took no part in making it) also took less than two weeks. Not sure exactly how long but it was much quicker than waiting for the boatload of panels to arrive.

No idea of how much it cost to make the application but I'd be amazed if it was anything like £250 (and pretty surprised if it was anything at all !) since my contractor didn't ask for any contribution towards making the application (and I really don't think he's a registered charity)

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

Martyn1981 wrote: »

I was told by WPD that a G59 domestic app costs about £40. I assume processing times will vary, but can take months, mine took about a week for a G83-1 stage 2 (and was free).

EricMears wrote: »

'My' DNO application ('my' in inverted commas as I took no part in making it) also took less than two weeks. Not sure exactly how long but it was much quicker than waiting for the boatload of panels to arrive.

No idea of how much it cost to make the application but I'd be amazed if it was anything like £250 (and pretty surprised if it was anything at all !) since my contractor didn't ask for any contribution towards making the application (and I really don't think he's a registered charity)

I've no idea of the cost of the application for my setup. I just assumed that if there was one, the installer just factored that in to the quotation.

slenderbabe

Hi, yes we used them. Screw up from start to finish. Heavily loaded with "subis", the surveyor was not properly equipped and arrived in the dark to do the survey?

Installation team took 5 visits to complete the work. On 3 occasions they did not turn up. Several complaints and threats got the installation completed.

Warranty \ docs did not arrive. This took 3 more communications to get a result and finally arrive 3 months after completion of the install

oranjeboom wrote: »

Sorry for another 'anyone used this mob' post...

Can't find much about 'first4solar' on the net. They have the usual flashy website with the usual fab returns. They have quoted me a 16 panel system (3.6Kw) for just under 5k which seems a great price.

I suspect they may use cheaper panels and inverters (need to ask them about that) which would explain the price. Looks like you have to pay extra for a better inverter.

They are HIES Accredited.

Just wondering whether anyone has used them for the ir SP installation? I'd prefer to stick to with someone who has a (good) reputation so any alternative names would be welcomed.

Thanks in advance.

OB

ed110220

oranjeboom wrote: »

Sorry for another 'anyone used this mob' post...

Can't find much about 'first4solar' on the net. They have the usual flashy website with the usual fab returns. They have quoted me a 16 panel system (3.6Kw) for just under 5k which seems a great price.

I suspect they may use cheaper panels and inverters (need to ask them about that) which would explain the price. Looks like you have to pay extra for a better inverter.

They are HIES Accredited.

Just wondering whether anyone has used them for the ir SP installation? I'd prefer to stick to with someone who has a (good) reputation so any alternative names would be welcomed.

Thanks in advance.

OB

That's not bad, but I'd aim for the full 4kW for that price. You might as well squeeze every watt out you can, given it's going to be up there for 20+ years.

Ed

Edit: Sorry, just saw how old the original post was!

bobknows_2

Company Solar Europa T/as First4Solar, There is a Notice of Administration on the Company are they still trading

Bobknows

theboylard

Even if they are still trading, that would set bells ringing very loudly!

Certainly wouldn't give them any money upfront, payment on completion with mcs cert, part p sign off and clearly marked paid receipt exchanged for credit card - I'd want the extra protection as any warranty will be as useful as a chocolate fireguard.

bobknows_2

I just checked with the notices and it seems they have gone BUST !! Notice at LEEDS High Court CASE 778 of 2015

bobknows

Cardew

bobknows wrote: »

I just checked with the notices and it seems they have gone BUST !! Notice at LEEDS High Court CASE 778 of 2015

bobknows

They will probably start up with a new name tomorrow;)

bobknows_2

Thats correct they have changed a previous company name Firs4Solar (UK ) Limited to Tanrec Limited and guess what !!! the previous resigned Director is the Director "Shameless"

Bobknows