Where to start with PV

tunnel

Even if you factor in an SMA at £200 extra, £4950 with an iboost(normally around £3-400), you're getting a flipping good deal


It's only my personal point of view but SMA is a very well known inverter manufacturer in the world of PV(not saying Omnik aren't) and if I was getting solar for the first time then I'd want to get it with kit that has been around the block(so's to say) a few times.


At the end of the day its your choice, spend £200 less and get a better return from something that's not quite tried and tested or pay the extra for an established make.


Whichever you do you're looking at 10%+ return on your money and that's not even taking in to consideration the savings from electric!!!

Martyn1981

tunnel wrote: »

It's only my personal point of view but SMA is a very well known inverter manufacturer in the world of PV(not saying Omnik aren't) and if I was getting solar for the first time then I'd want to get it with kit that has been around the block(so's to say) a few times.

Just been nose-ing at Omnik, for my own interest. Found them for sale:

http://www.swithenbanks.co.uk/shop.php?c1=Solar%20Photovoltaic%20Equipment&c2=Grid%20Tie%20Inverters&c3=OMNIK

they are pretty cheap, but very good efficiency, especially the smaller models. (Pedantic point, but when the site says 'retail price' shouldn't that already include VAT?).

The warranties look a little confusing with ads that state both 5 and 10 years on them, and I believe are extendable to 25 years, assuming the company is still around.

Also had a look at their website:

http://www.omnik-solar.com/company

So, they are a Sino-German joint venture, and have a UK service centre (Birmingham). No idea if they are a good company/product, and if they have genuine German links, or are simply 'buying' a German-like facade. But at the very least, I know a little more than I did 30 mins ago.

Mart.

evomatt

Another great quote looks like the instalers are being a bit more reasonable.

As tunnel said for a bit more id go for sma but the other one will probably do just as good a job.

lackingwedge

evomatt wrote: »

Another great quote looks like the instalers are being a bit more reasonable.

As tunnel said for a bit more id go for sma but the other one will probably do just as good a job.

I asked if they can move on the price and able to negotiate the SMA for another £100. Should i dig, my heels in or go for it. Other quotes are about £300+ more for the same kit.

tunnel

Don't suppose there's any harm in asking but in all honesty for the kit you'd get with the iboost included you're certainly getting a good deal.
£200 is only £10 a year for a better known make of inverter and at £300+ cheaper than the competitors is it worth cutting your nose off to spite your face


Makes me wish I'd waited an extra 12 months for my WNW installation, with the prices now that install would've been around £1k less(sigh)

lackingwedge

I think they knocked a bit off as its going on a ground floor extension so they would be working off a platform rather than having to erect scaffolding.

Price agreed and a survey booked in for monday with possible install date from end of November onwards.