Solar panels for free or buy and get the F.I.T?

M.Johnson_2

We are considering getting solar panels fitted for free or borrow some more on our mortgage and installing them ourselves.

I would love to hear from those with experience the advantages and disadvantages of both options at the moment? And are there any changes in the pipeline?

For example I hear the new generation panels coming out of China are said to last a lot longer, the currenct ones lose about 10% efficientcy every year.

Is it worth waiting for the new generation panels?

Andy_WSM

M.Johnson wrote: »

the currenct ones lose about 10% efficientcy every year.

No they don't

I have a 4kW South East facing system that was installed just over 2 years ago on the higher FIT scheme. I paid £12.5k for it, so you can see how prices have dropped in that time, but also so has the FIT to compensate.

The current system has a 5 year Inverter & Labour guarantee and a 25 year panel guarantee - and that guarantee states that they will only lose a maximum of 10% over 10 years and 20% over the 25 year period.

I have noticed NO decrease in efficiency over the last 2 years and the system monitors and keeps track of it's own performance. In fact, this year has been much better than last for overall output, and hence, payments.

Would I do it again - hell yes! I'm actually considering a second system on the other side of the roof (SW facing) but would need permission from the DNO to feed even more energy into the grid.

I would NOT have a free system fitted. I am fortunate that I spend a lot of time at home so am able to use the power during the day, heating, washing etc, otherwise the usefulness of the system is very limited. It's the regular payments that do it for me - they pay all my utility bills currently.

M.Johnson_2

Could anyone clarify how much efficientcy the currenct generation solar pannels lose each year?

Andy_WSM

M.Johnson wrote: »

Could anyone clarify how much efficientcy the currenct generation solar pannels lose each year?

Here you go - I did get my 10% in 25 years figure wrong, it's 10% in 10 years.

http://solar2000.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Suntech-Panel-STP250S-STP245S-Spec-Sheet-.pdf

Actual spec states:

Output warranty:

95% after 5 years
90% after 12 years
85% after 18 years
80% after 25 years.

So less than 1% per year - Guaranteed maximum reduction.

tunnel

Hi,

If your serious and can/possibly afford them yourself then maybe better to head over to here and repost on there.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=100


Your more likely to get a better answer there.

Andy_WSM

tunnel wrote: »

Your more likely to get a better answer there.

Harsh

What is wrong with my answer?

oldskoo1

Are people still offering free install schemes?

My roof is bang on south facing, 50 degree slope and unobstructed.

We aren't on benefits, average family etc. I'd have them put on if they were free and i got decent power to run the electrical items, maybe hot water. Do they earn their money from the feed in's and does such a scheme exist still?

tunnel

Andy_WSM wrote: »

Harsh

What is wrong with my answer?

Nothing at all and no offence was intended. I was merely stating that most PV'ers tend to post on the green and ethical board, myself included. On there the OP is more likely to get a better response and there are several threads on there covering the rent-a-roof companies.

This thread shows news of any technical advances that are in the solar news which may be of interest to the OP if they're waiting for some fandango new panel that's supposed to be hitting the market soon.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4377643

tunnel

tunnel

oldskoo1 wrote: »

Are people still offering free install schemes?

My roof is bang on south facing, 50 degree slope and unobstructed.

We aren't on benefits, average family etc. I'd have them put on if they were free and i got decent power to run the electrical items, maybe hot water. Do they earn their money from the feed in's and does such a scheme exist still?

Yes there are companies that do free panels. Around our way the main company is A shade greener. Do bear in mind though that they will have a lease on your roof for the next 20 years once you sign up which could cause problems should you wish to sell up and move on.

here's a thread about them

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4354641

oldskoo1

tunnel wrote: »

Yes there are companies that do free panels. Around our way the main company is A shade greener. Do bear in mind though that they will have a lease on your roof for the next 20 years once you sign up which could cause problems should you wish to sell up and move on.

here's a thread about them

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4354641

Thanks I saw this company early and sent them an enquiry.

Still unsure about leasing the roof I will need to really read up on this.

I don't want to spend 7k on panels as I won't be there in 10 years. We will likely move out to a more rural house once our kids are in the local school.

Would be nice to benefit from panel electricity with our bang on South facing roof.

[Deleted User]

oldskoo1 wrote: »

Thanks I saw this company early and sent them an enquiry.

Still unsure about leasing the roof I will need to really read up on this.

I don't want to spend 7k on panels as I won't be there in 10 years. We will likely move out to a more rural house once our kids are in the local school.

Would be nice to benefit from panel electricity with our bang on South facing roof.

If you are not planning to stay in the house then personally I wouldn't bother with panels free or otherwise. Cheers