Solar - Anyone any dealings/thoughts about Hanergy?

80howard

Hi,
I've been having a look through some threads as I'm thinking of getting solar before the drop in tariffs so it is financially viable.
There's a lot to take in!
Has anyone any info/experience with Hanergy or the thin film panels from any other supplier?
I am East West facing and have enough roof space for a full 4kw system each side, should I choose to go that big, with no shading.

Ultimately I like the aesthetics as well as the longevity of these panels and the possibility of having panels backed by a large manufacturer, which gives me a little more peace of mind/confidence.
However, I realise the crystalline panels have higher efficiency, so I would need less. Looking at some figures, I feel that, with my usage, I would benefit even with a large hanergy system as it would pay for itself, even if bought on finance.

So I just wanted to see if anyone else has experience of hanergy, good or bad, what peoples thoughts are and if people have had any experience of similar systems, or could advise on better?

I'm so glad these forums exist!
Many thanks.

tunnel

80howard wrote: »

Hi,
I am East West facing and have enough roof space for a full 4kw system each side, should I choose to go that big, with no shading.
I'm so glad these forums exist!
Many thanks.

Forget the Hanergy panels and get some quotes(quickly) for a "normal" installation.
I've nothing against Hanergy, they serve a purpose(don't know exactly what) but I believe they're not that much smaller than a standard panel for around half the power, not much kop if you want to go large.

michaels

I prefer my spam in fritters.

Martyn1981

tunnel wrote: »

I've nothing against Hanergy, they serve a purpose(don't know exactly what)

Hi T, yep it's weird. The idea is simple, if you are short of space, spend more and fit more expensive (per Wp) high efficiency panels. If you have loads of space, save a few quid and fit cheaper lower efficiency panels .....

.... but ..... all the Hanergy quotes we've seen posted so far are no better than the good quotes, and often a fair bit more.

Something seems to have gone wrong with what should be very simple economics. Plus of course, the UK isn't exactly overflowing with large rooftops, and if the FiT goes or gets cut to ribbons, then anyone with a 5kWp+ roof should just slap normal panels on, with a 3.68kW inverter, and accept a tiny amount of capping.

Mart.

80howard

I guess my thinking is....Go with a large company with slightly better peace of mind should there be issues....or go with a more local supplier/installer who may well disappear with the FiT if the rumours come true.

pinnks

There is no way the installer can walk away with the FIT. You have to complete the forms stating that you own the property and the installation, or for RaR you must have to sign that the other person can have the FIT even though you own the property

tunnel

80howard wrote: »

I guess my thinking is....Go with a large company with slightly better peace of mind should there be issues....or go with a more local supplier/installer who may well disappear with the FiT if the rumours come true.

My first installer for my ESE has disappeared and yet my panels work perfectly well, they were a local installer.
Moral of the story, the bits and bobs that go on your roof will carry on working long after many installers cease to exist.

pinnks wrote: »

There is no way the installer can walk away with the FIT. You have to complete the forms stating that you own the property and the installation, or for RaR you must have to sign that the other person can have the FIT even though you own the property

I think they meant when the FiT is cut to next to nowt in January Pinnks, not literally disappearing off into the sunset with the FiT

80howard

Tunnel.... Yes that's what I meant!
But to clarify the first part, it's more that Hanergy make their panels and are then responsible for the whole install (yes they do sub contract) so you're not dealing with a third party so to speak (who may disappear). easier to deal with any issues under warranty.
Interested to see if anyone has used any other bigger companies.

How long has it taken people to get the paper work sorted to register for the FiT? Any issues with this or is it relatively straight forward?

EricMears

80howard wrote: »

But to clarify the first part, it's more that Hanergy make their panels and are then responsible for the whole install (yes they do sub contract) so you're not dealing with a third party so to speak (who may disappear). easier to deal with any issues under warranty.

Are you sure about that ?


Have a read of last few entries in this thread :-


https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/68927815#Comment_68927815https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/68927815#Comment_68927815

tunnel

80howard wrote: »

But to clarify the first part, it's more that Hanergy make their panels and are then responsible for the whole install (yes they do sub contract) so you're not dealing with a third party so to speak (who may disappear). easier to deal with any issues under warranty.

I have LG panels on my garage, they were put on by an installer that has since stopped trading as a solar installer. I still expect LG to honour their warranty as I don't believe they'll be going out of business anytime soon(although you never know) although I don't think LG would be responsible for the install just as I don't believe Hanergy would for theirs(I'm happy to be proved wrong though?)

The reason the regulars on these forums will try to put you off Hanergy is simply because most people we've heard who've had installs end up with a smaller system than they could have fitted at a higher price per kWp.

I've personally seen a mates neighbours house have them fitted, all 2kWp, and yet a quick look would suggest the roof capable of at least 3.5kWp if not 4. I know how much they paid too and had they had a standard system fitted they'd have a much larger install, more FiTs returns and money left in the bank.

If you feel the need to use Hanergy, go right ahead, as I said, they serve a purpose, it's just not a purpose I and many others on these forums would consider....full stop.

80howard

Thanks. Hadn't seen that thread. Some more things to look into!