Solar Panel Virgin

movingon

Hi
We have made an offer on a property where Solar panels were fitted five years ago. i understand that the property owner purchased these himself, rather than leasing them, and that he receives the FIT.I know nothing about solar panels at all.

From my research I understand that a replacement inverter is required every five years ago. I have also read that my survey should check that the installation has not damaged the roof. My questions are:
Since a Homebuyer survey does not check out the roof externally, who should I contract to undertake this sort of specialised survey, and is it even necessary? Can I take it that the installer undertook the right sort of survey in the first place?
And
How do you go about replacing the inverter- who should I be looking for to do this sort of job?

The property is in Yorkshire btw
Sorry if the answers should be obvious.
Thank you

tunnel

You could ask for a structural survey instead of the homebuyers, it'll cost more money but will give you the satisfaction of knowing there's no problem with the roof.(I personally wouldn't worry as the panels have been up there 5 years already)
As for the inverter, don't know where you heard it needs replacing every 5 years as it doesn't. Only when it fails ....which could be 5 years or 25 years, just wait till it goes and then worry about it.
Just keep asking on here if you have anymore worries.

JimLad

DOnt worry about the inverter. They are usually guaranteed for 10 years and you only need to replace when it fails. It will just stop working, not going to explode or anything

THe fit payment will transfer to you. It should be a good rate too if its from 5 years ago!

movingon

Thank you for your replies. I didn't realise that the FIT applies to the date they were fitted; I thought it was just the rate that the government applies now

tunnel

movingon wrote: »

Thank you for your replies. I didn't realise that the FIT applies to the date they were fitted; I thought it was just the rate that the government applies now

If you give your rough location and (potential)system size someone will give you an idea of your return.

movingon

This is so helpful of you: The location is YO43 and there are ten panels....

Is there anything in particular that I should be looking out for, or asking the owner next time we go?
Thank you

ajbell

You will need to transfer the FIT payments.
If installed 5 years ago the payments will be high.
Maybe 40 to 50p per kwh?.
10 panels will probably be a 2.5 kwp system.

movingon

How would I go about transferring the FIT payments please?

Martyn1981

movingon wrote: »

How would I go about transferring the FIT payments please?

I'm not 100% sure, but I believe the current householder has to contact his FiT provider and get a transfer form, that you both sign.

You will want to make sure this is done as part of the property transfer, so make sure your solicitor checks.

Very rough rule of thumb:- if the system was installed before Mch 2012, then it may be earning about £100pa per panel. And will do so (index linked) for another ~20 years.

Mart.