which solar company?

gpduffy

thanks for the advice -- most people say it will take 10 years to recoup the 6k cost of installation

1/2 person is always at home during the day which makes the free scheme seem good for free power plus for £500 they can offer a hot water heating system -- any more advice before I make my decision by the end of this week would be great

warmhands.coldheart

gpduffy wrote: »

thanks for the advice -- most people say it will take 10 years to recoup the 6k cost of installation..

Have you checked how long they will tie you into their "Free" system? 20 Years +?
What Happens if they go bust or go into administration? (Not an uncommon situation for small businesses now-a-day) Who will "Own" the system... can the administrator/new owner or bank come and take the system out whether you like it or not?
What is their breakdown policy? i.e. if there is a problem, what timeframe do they give for sorting it out (Obviously this will depend in the system/failure)
Are there any "Hidden" costs for you.... i.e. if there is damage done to the system by an "act of God/Nature" who foots the bill?

Lots of questions... just make sure you know what you're getting yourself into..... Good Luck and let us know how it goes please as would be good to get some first hand experience....

gpduffy

again ive been speaking to solar NI - they want 8k for 16 panels (best technology etc), seems v expensive

irishjohn

My system is 16 panels and cost less than this - Installed November 2012

gpduffy

this is the micro system (not string) with iboost also to provide hot water -- the PowerNI system quotes £6k but not sure of the spec.

has any1 used them?

gpduffy

ive also heard today that while ROC payments are guaranteed for 20 years - the rate of payment is not

any advice please?

irishjohn

What is the source of the ROCS payment variation possibility?

saverbuyer

It's already out for public consultation to reduce solar PV to 1.6 NIROC.

http://www.detini.gov.uk/deti-energy-index/renewable_electricity-2/northern_ireland_renewables_obligation_.htm

waltsalt

It is important to note that the new ROC levels will apply to generating stations accredited on or after 1 April 2015.

warmhands.coldheart

irishjohn wrote: »

What is the source of the ROCS payment variation possibility?

saverbuyer wrote: »

It's already out for public consultation to reduce solar PV to 1.6 NIROC.

http://www.detini.gov.uk/deti-energy-index/renewable_electricity-2/northern_ireland_renewables_obligation_.htm

waltsalt wrote: »

It is important to note that the new ROC levels will apply to generating stations accredited on or after 1 April 2015.

Note; Yes it is the case that the ROC's payment can change from the level it is now to a lower level, it has done on a few occasions over the last number of years... HOWEVER... once you are signed up to a scheme at a set rate, that rate will not change, it will only change to new contracts/installations....