Solar Panels

voodoo_child99

Ok so from what started as a wacky idea between myself and a friend - enthusiasm towards the idea of looking into solar/wind investment suddenly got pretty serious after doing a little research.

Firstly it seems for the time being, as far as my situation is concerned, home wind-energy is out of the equation (not enough wind in my suburban area apparently).

That led me to the researching of solar energy. Okay so it seems as though I and my family don't qualify for the freely-installed schemes (as far as ashadegreener is concerned) as our roof is covered with large windows due to a loft conversion. However - what this has led me to research further is why it may be in my/our benefit to explore the private purchase and installation of panels - the FIT scheme in particular. Companies such as ashadegreener pay for their panels and installation through the government initiative of the FIT Scheme as of the 14/4/14 these payments were 'slashed' from £650 per year guaranteed for 25 years to £630 per year guaranteed for 20 years wow, horrific .

Okay so doing a little research (emphasis on LITTLE!) it seems that the solar panel SunPower E20 is one of the most efficient around and, although I couldn't find hard facts on prices/installation - it seems that they cost around £6,000 - £6,500 plus installation ofcourse.

Let's for arguments sake say that altogether the cost is £7k with installation included, that means that purely from the government grant your money would be recouped within 10 - 11 years. Plus the yearly savings of energy bills that we haven't even mentioned of course.

Considering this then, the investment starts to sound a little too silly not to consider. Therefore, understanding that my research has been enthusiastic but limited, I am very interested to find out people's experiences in this department - people who have had panels installed for free/privately; people who are thinking of installing panels or those just interested in the idea for financial/environmental/other reasons. New to this great site/forum, posted this topic as I could not find a similar one - please move if one is already around, all posts very much appreciated!

EDIT: I initially posted with links to all my assertions - the FIT scheme, SunPower E20 panels etc. but as a new user I am not allowed to post them, I will post them to the thread later!

Cardew

Welcome to the forum.


You need to re-post in the 'Green and Ethical' part of MSE where you will find literally thousands of posts on the subject of solar panels; with every aspect covered.


Be aware that in order to claim FIT the installation will have to be by a MCS registered firm.

Smiley_Dan

SunPower panels' chief advantage are higher efficiencies so you can have fewer panels, however you pay a bit extra for that. If you are really concerned about payback and you have enough roof space then you can go for the more standard panels and you'll get faster payback.

The other advantage is that they provide much longer guarantees for panel efficiencies than other manufacturers... panel installers tend to like them because they provide new panels and pay installers in a very "no quibble" manner. So I'm told.

voodoo_child99

Brilliant, thanks for the advice Cardew; and Dan - that sounds great, I'm going to need to do more research but I'm glad that the SunPower panels have a positive reference from yourself in this way. As it happens, roof space is a bit of an issue - as I have a large window covering a lot of our south facing side and, due to the shape of our house, the south facing roof isn't the largest part. Very informative indeed - much appreciating a little insight!