FiT reduction date vs installation date to lock-in

gball

We're fortunate enough to be moving house to an old property which needs substantial external refurbishment - but has a well positioned roof suited for PV panels.

It seems pretty clear that locking in the 2015 FiT rate is better, but it's extremely likely that the roof will be having work done into early 2016 (i.e. extension hip roof, dormer window, chimney removal)

We'd probably be paying for the panels (rather than 'renting our roof'), but wondered if there was an ability to sign the feed-in contract before 2016 even without the panels being mounted (i.e. ordering them but getting the company to delay fitting until the roof is ready)

Is locking in the tariff something that can be done without the unit actually in operation? Or, for example, could we get the panels fitted, then temporarily removed?

(House is in Reading, RG4, if that is relevant!)

pinnks

Welcome to the forum.

Unfortunately the answer to your question is no. The FIT can only run from the date the application is made following commissioning. A meter reading from the generation meter is required as part of the process.

I don't think there would be a problem in fitting and removing the panels to work on the roof as that could happen to any of us during the 20 year contract but that comes down to a question of cost.

It's worth noting that according to one or two firms who quoted for my system, the price of panels fell by about half a month or so after the first big FIT reduction from 40p+ to about 22p. Who knows what will happen if this reduction goes through??

zeupater

Hi

In addition, you'll need an EPC on the property and achieve a reasonable rating (D) 'as is' before you submit your FiT application .... if you're in the process of purchasing the property check what the EPC currently says ...

HTH
Z

Martyn1981

pinnks wrote: »

It's worth noting that according to one or two firms who quoted for my system, the price of panels fell by about half a month or so after the first big FIT reduction from 40p+ to about 22p. Who knows what will happen if this reduction goes through??

Hopefully it'll place more pressure on suppliers, but I was waiting for this news, before responding, the EU may extend the current minimum price for PV. The deadline was last night:

EU ProSun requests extension of trade duties as old battlelines redrawn

Prices in the EU are ~25% higher than in Asia. Assuming panels account for ~40% of install costs, then that could knock 10% off install prices.

Mart.