Official MSE Free Solar Panel guide discussion

Cardew

Cheryl_1961 wrote: »

Hi this is the first post I have made but here goes.
I had A shade Greener solar panels fitted on my roof in 2015. I agree great service when installed and regular feed for energy production. However I have a pigeon pest control problem, they roost and have bred under the safety of my panels. I have contacted a number of pest control companies in my local area who state this is an increasing issue. I also contacted A shade greener for support. Quotes are coming in at around £800 to evict and pigeon proof my roof .... I requested advice from A Shade Greener they just replied with a quote of £450 plus scaffolding to rectify.
I am now faced with this astronomical charge without actually benefitting from £800 return on my bills, as a full time worker I felt my carbon footprint was important and anything I gained was a bonus.
When advising anyone regarding solar panels please advise pigeon proofing is a necessity and needs to be considered and agreed before installation.
I am an unhappy pigeon breeding and hotel at present saving hard to resolve the issue before the spring so my family can enjoy a pigeon poop free summer
regards

Welcome to the forum.

This has been covered many times on this forum, and this is the latest thread. https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5617212

IMO A Shade Greener's(ASG) attitude is an absolute disgrace and I would take them to the Small Claims Court.

Alternatively doesn't the contract commit ASG to remove the panels from the roof twice?

Smodlet

In case anyone is interested I have just tried every number I can find for ASG and not one is in service. Doesn't bode well, does it?

I also remember a clause stating they will remove the panels and re-fit them free of charge twice within the 25 year contractual period but can I find the paperwork?

Emailed for a copy of my contract which arrived this morning and clause 5.1 definitively states they will remove the panels free of charge twice in the 25 years for a maximum of three months at a time. There is also a whole load of bumf in section 4 prohibiting the landlord (i.e. us) from removing, damaging or in any way interfering with their panels so I would advise care when pigeon proofing without involving ASG.

Gripper.marseglia

I took 7 free solar panels in Jan 2016 with Global Heat Source part of Levantera Development Limited.

Global benefit from the FIT.

I received a letter from Solar Maintenance Services (SMS) advising me that they are now servicing and maintaining the PV system and there appears to be a fault with the system.
I need to call them so they can inspect and repair the PV system.

I found out very quickly that Global Heat source is now Dissolved as of May this year.
SMS and Global (Dissolved) have the same Director and both have links to Levantera Development Limited.
Levantera Development Limited recently went from having multiple people in London to only one, and now all officers (people of interest) reside in Toronto, Canada.

1) Should I be concerned that the letter was addressed to Owner/Occupier?
2) Does this sound like they are fishing and need me to sign another lease with SMS as Global is Dissolved?
3) Would my electricity provider know if the PV system is faulty?

Any advice, greatly received
Thanks

Froggitt

Sounds like the call I had about my Sky dish maintenance contract being up for renewal. Took about 20 minutes, but I negotiated a cracking deal with the guy on the phone, which he then rescinded once I told him that I don't have a Sky dish, and never have done.

50Twuncle

Why are the government reducing the export rate to zero and also reducing the FIT ?
Surely - they should be increasing both - to try to get people to fit panels - to protect the long term future electricity supplies to the UK ?
It makes no sense at all ...

System

50Twuncle wrote: »

Why are the government reducing the export rate to zero and also reducing the FIT ?
Surely - they should be increasing both - to try to get people to fit panels - to protect the long term future electricity supplies to the UK ?
It makes no sense at all ...

Because they will argue that the cost of installations has dropped markedly over the past 7 years, and looking forward over the next 20 years, consumers that install PV solar panels will be no worse off financially than those that don't. It is worth remembering that ALL energy consumers pay the FITs for those that have panels on their roof.

If you carry out a web search, you will see Govt and industry quotes along these lines:

BEIS said that the closure will allow the government to develop a system that takes into account the growth of technologies such as batteries and the changing energy landscape. It will also save an average of £1 a year per British household according to the impact assessment. However, this will do little to alleviate the lost export value of those who have already purchased solar panels.

The good news, as we look beyond FITs, is that solar is coming of age and while solar always makes great environmental sense it now makes economic sense for most investors without public subsidies given fair treatment by government. An average domestic solar system cost £12,000 in 2010. It is more like £5,000 today.

Source: power-technology.com

Edit:

It is also worth pointing out that Government schemes can have unintended consequences. Free insulation has resulted in mouldy homes. A £2500 subsidy on PHEVs has been 'sold' to businesses as a way of reducing taxes not saving the planet.

JonTownsend85

Hello, I don't suppose if anyone can assist? A few years ago we had our solar panels installed with HELMS as part of the green deal. We are still with the same utility provide (First Utility) but are looking elsewhere for a better deal. The issue we are having is that numerous other companies we have approached have stated they won't accept us due to having solar panels under the green deal?? Does anyone know which suppliers do accept this?
Thanks in advance

Cardew

JonTownsend85 wrote: »

Hello, I don't suppose if anyone can assist? A few years ago we had our solar panels installed with HELMS as part of the green deal. We are still with the same utility provide (First Utility) but are looking elsewhere for a better deal. The issue we are having is that numerous other companies we have approached have stated they won't accept us due to having solar panels under the green deal?? Does anyone know which suppliers do accept this?
Thanks in advance

Welcome to the forum



I suggest you 'cut and paste' your post and re-post it in the Green and Ethical section of this forum' that is where all matters on solar panels are discussed.

zorba_g

Would it be possible to add the pigeon advice to the Official guide? If the protective mesh is added at time of installation it's much better and cheaper.

ConsumerJoe

I don't really want to pay for solar panels as I have 3 Companies out in the past and all with varying prices. It is not really an important issue for me as I would rather spend my money on my garden. However, if anyone on here can recommend a good Company who wants to come and install free solar panels to my house then I'd certainly be up for that. In return I would be happy to save a few quid on the electricity.