Solar Panel advice

sheltont

Hi all,

Just wondered if anyone knows about my query.

I've had 4kw system solar pv installed for just over a year, with a sap score of 3380 estimated on the original quote. When the installation certificate was given this showed 3200. The company told me this was an admin thing and not to worry. I got 3211 last year and have complained. No change in story. In addition we haven't saved as much electric as predicted. My wife is a stay at home mum and we've used the panels well but we use far less than national average for electric. We've said this at the quote time and now but been told we should still be achieving £253 saving but we've only got £125.

The company have offered us £250 compensation as a gesture of good will as they say they are within the 10% government tolerance for sap readings so have done nothing wrong.

I worked out we are likely to get £1700 less than was predicted after everything is taken into account in the first 10 years.

I need to know...
Does a sap tolerance exist?
Should I further complain to hies and risk losing the offer?

Thanks in advance.

System

Have a read of paragraph 5.3 of the attached:

https://www.recc.org.uk/pdf/consumer-code.pdf?t=201503150827

There are numerous factors that come into play when output is being assessed: location, orientation, roof slope, shading to name a few.

3380 kWhs is quite low for a 4kWp installation. Have you carried out your own estimation using the PVGIS site?

As far as usage is concerned, this is - at best a guess as it is very much down to the home owner. That said, £253 pa savings looks high to me. At my electricity price, that equates to 66% of the energy generated, When PV solar first came out, most companies would only quote up to 50% savings. If you have accepted a quote based on this or a higher figure then the PV solar company cannot really be blamed if your lifestyle uses less. For example, a young Mum at home all day with young children might have the washing machine and tumble dryer on most days: a retired couple would not.

Before you agree to the offer, I would re-post your question on the Green and Ethical Moneysaving Board. You need to add details about your system, location, orientation and shading. My concern would be the low PVGIS output figure that you have been quoted. They are clearly some local factors that come into play. Shading perhaps?