StayBrite Solar quote 3kw system £9K

Martyn1981

slickric21 wrote: »

Yeah thanks for all the replies and answers. My knowledge on the issue has gone up exponentially in the last few days mainly due to this forum so thanks again.

Im much better prepared for the next salesman now..:D

No probs, and please don't take offence at mine or Zeup's cynicism. Remember, we already have PV, so any concerns we raise are simply to protect others.

It's not your fault, but sometimes initial posts such as yours are intro's for companies to SPAM. Again I apologise for doubting you, but if I'm being honest, I expected your OP to get a response (between 10 mins and 2 days later) from a newbie, along the lines of - "I used this company, and everything they say is true, I'm generating loads, my daughter has married the salesman, and all our lottery scratch cards have been winners ever since."

That's why I didn't initially respond in detail as the thread might get spammed off.

Now you've had a warm welcome , laugh it off, and just drill all the PV'ers on here for advice and suggestions. Hopefully in a month or so, you'll be reporting your first generation day and joining the madhouse.

BTW, going back to your first post, and suggested shading. Do please read my comments about SolarEdge (SE) in context. I'm not criticising the kit, only it's application if unnecessary. If you have 15% shading, then SE might work well for you. I expected to get 80% or less from my WNW system, but it's performing above target (PVGIS unshaded), so for approx £500 more, it's certainly worth you considering.

Mart.

Rheumatoid

Google Norfolk solar together and see what quote you get there. I have just signed up for a 4kw system at £4.7k

Slickric21

Thanks for that. Looks like i've missed the boat for that sadly

redvix4

Hi slickrick, did you decide whether to use Staybrite? I've been comparing against other solar companies and also free installations, I'd be interested to know who you've decide to use?
Re the loan Staybrite offer, i havn't been able to find any other lender who will lend at such a low APR for 10 years. They're part of the Zenith Group, which means they'll still be there when the 'gold rush' is over. I've been checking some solar companies on duedil and their financial business stats aren't good for longevity post the gold rush.
What progress have you made? - Victoria

EricMears

redvix4 wrote: »

Hi slickrick, did you decide whether to use Staybrite?

Or to put it another way: Are you totally insane ?

redvix4 wrote: »

Re the loan Staybrite offer, i havn't been able to find any other lender who will lend at such a low APR for 10 years.

But check out your current mortgage lender who will very likely offer you similar or better terms for an 'extra advance' which you could use to pay for a system at around half the Staybrite price.

Call me suspicious, but I can't help wondering when a new MSE member offers 'advice' like that.

redvix4

1 - I haven't offered any advice. I've asked a question.
2 - No need to be rude.
3 - Thank you for the advice re the mortgage company, hadn't crossed my mind, I'll email them now.

My concern is this, I buy a system. After January, a lot of these small limited companies providing a good price, won't exist. If I have a problem with my system, who do I contact to resolve it?
Victoria

theboylard

Hi Victoria,

Just make sure your chosen supplier uses recognised and respected components and you get the electrical installation cert when it's installed.

Decent components will come with their own decent warranty, and if your installer disappears and you have a problem then the component provider will be able to recommend a qualified installer instead. Most decent sparks will be able to do 98% of the work if necessary.

The install itself is usually very simple so not much to go wrong there and there will be next to no maintenance required over the years, apart from maybe an inverter replacement?

It is never worth paying massively over the odds for service when there are never any guarantees that any company will be around in the future.

redvix4

Thanks.
How much did you pay for your 16 panels and which installation company did you use?
Have you paid for annual insurance?
How long have you had the installation?
Approx what annual return have you had?
Thanks - Victoria.

LittleVoice

redvix4 wrote: »

1 - I haven't offered any advice. I've asked a question.
2 - No need to be rude.
3 - Thank you for the advice re the mortgage company, hadn't crossed my mind, I'll email them now.

Perhaps the below highlighted text could be taken as "advice".

redvix4 wrote: »

. . .
Re the loan Staybrite offer, i havn't been able to find any other lender who will lend at such a low APR for 10 years. They're part of the Zenith Group, which means they'll still be there when the 'gold rush' is over.

Hope you get all the answers you need.

theboylard

redvix4 wrote: »

Thanks.
How much did you pay for your 16 panels and which installation company did you use?
Have you paid for annual insurance?
How long have you had the installation?
Approx what annual return have you had?
Thanks - Victoria.

You don't like being questioned about your comments yet you demand answers?

Ok...

Doesn't matter as it was over 18 months ago and I have changed my inverter and added optimizers to my installation.

I can't recommend my installer, as they didn't listen to my concerns re shading, which is why my costs are irrelevant as I have subsequently spent more.

Covered under house insurance, unless you mean extended warranty? Then no, don't believe in them. I had budgeted to replace the original inverter around year 10, but as technology improves costs will continue to fall.

See above

Just beat pvgis target for first year, but with the retro fit I anticipate approx a 20% increase in generation.

Our gas bills are nearly a third less than pre solar because of diverter, electric is down around 15%.