What solar panels

Guru86

Good afternoon

We have had a offer accepted on a house which is uses a oil boiler. It is a 3 bed semi detached house and looking to complete end of July.

I am wanting to install solar panels to reduce energy costs. I have been reading up on it and see the different types of solar panels.

The front is south facing with no apparent shade issues nearby. Looked like it had an electric shower from memory.

What panels would suit me best. Ones that generate electricity or ones for my hot water? or can I get mix of both?

Also I was going to wait until next year to install but would I be better to get them done this year as I have heard the government looking to slash rates back?

Thanks for patience in reading

theboylard

Most solar panels are very similar in performance (they have to meet specific standards in order to be used in MCS registered micro generation installation), so ultimately costs and looks are the main drivers really!

How big is the roof?
If you can give an idea of the size (lxw) and pitch, then we'll be able to suggest solutions?

Guru86

Unfortunately I have not moved yet so can't get measurements for roof or pitch

tunnel

Will you be in during the day?

Guru86

Yes I do shift work so most of midweek I'm home during the day and weekend other half is in.

tunnel

Guru86 wrote: »

Yes I do shift work so most of midweek I'm home during the day and weekend other half is in.

Then solar pv is probably the best for you as you'll be able to make the most of peak time generation.

Did you notice if the house has an immersion tank? If so it may be ok to heat your hot water using a diverter switch, something that sends any excess generated leccy straight to the hot water tank rather than back to the grid(export) and thus get rid of the electric shower.
You would need to then check the cost of heating water via oil for when you don't produce enough electric(winter months) to heat water.


A few members are having issues with their suppliers now though to do with smart meters and diverters. You are deemed to export(and be paid) 50% of your generated electric, with a diverter that is a lot lower and smart meters can measure this exactly, thus lowering your export FiT.

Guru86

Thanks for the advice. Is it worth doing straight away or safe to wait until next year?

tunnel

How long is a piece of string?


There's talk of a VAT increase soon which would add an extra 15% on the cost of an install, coupled with the fact that the FiT will reduce possibly 2 or maybe 3 times by the time we get into January.


Personally the sooner the better....but I'm not in your shoes, so only you can answer the question.