Solar PV - Admin Error Leads to Lower Tariff....

minimike2

Just looking to see if any resident experts here have seen this scenario before.

Had solar PV installed.

EPC Survey done X Day.

PV Installed X Day + 9.

Paperwork shows EPC was actually published on X Day + 40. MCS certificate (third version) shows the commissioning date of the system is also X Day +40.

So under the new regulation it makes the system only eligible for the lower rate feed in tariff.

Obviously this is a mistake on the part of the company who installed the system, to who I have sent a letter before action.

I am meeting them next week. In a short phone call they say they plan to decommission the system and recommission it. I am concerned about the legality of this and wondered if anyone has ever been in this situation or seen it and is able to offer any input.

They are blaming the EPC surveyor for taking so long to produce the EPC, but I say ultimately the installers are at fault for acting negligently when producing their paperwork as they should have known the regulations.

I've also asked my FiT provider and the EST for some guidance. I also plan on contacting HIES on Monday for their guidance, but the more info I can get the better.

Thanks

Martyn1981

minimike2 wrote: »

I am meeting them next week. In a short phone call they say they plan to decommission the system and recommission it. I am concerned about the legality of this and wondered if anyone has ever been in this situation or seen it and is able to offer any input.

They are blaming the EPC surveyor for taking so long to produce the EPC, but I say ultimately the installers are at fault for acting negligently when producing their paperwork as they should have known the regulations.

I've also asked my FiT provider and the EST for some guidance. I also plan on contacting HIES on Monday for their guidance, but the more info I can get the better.

Thanks

Hi. Haven't heard of this particular scenario, but have heard of all the bits that you refer to. The MCS certificate for my PV extension was amended to change the commissioning date, after my FiT application was made and revued. But a new certificate prior to application sounds better.

Sounds like a great solution by the installer, assuming it's 100% legal as you say. The FiT rules are based around the FiT application, so the installers actions would work, as the MCS certificate for the new commissioning date will be after the EPC.

I don't think the FiT provider would care, or even know, when you make your actual application, so perhaps best not to push the matter with them, or bring too much attention to it.

I'd have thought the EPC provider was your installer's sub-contractor, so the installer is responsible for them.

Fairly petty point, but without the error would you have got the application in before July, as the FiT rate dropped on the 1/7/16. It's a miniscule reduction of 0.07p/kWh, but that's still around £50 over the lifetime of a 4kWp system.

Mart.

minimike2

That's the thing - The application was already made to the FiT provider, which is when the error came to light. I was not aware of the requirements of the dates - I left all that to the installers as they are supposed to be the professionals. British Gas are saying the dates cannot be amended.

The application was accepted on 30th June with the lower rate. Initially I thought BG had made the mistake. Wasn't until calling them and them telling me the rules around dates that I knew it was the installers error.

Martyn1981

That's not good then.

I was in a similar boat, my install took place the day after the guidelines for extensions went from an EPC before FiT application, to an EPC on or before commissioning date.

My FiT was accepted, but when I read the contract docs I noticed the low rate and challenged it.

I then contacted my installer I reminded them that the commissioning didn't take place till the day after the install, as they forgot the kit, and paperwork, so had to come back the next morning. The MCS cert was amended, and it all went through fine after that.

Incredibly, whilst the revised guidance went to the FiT providers, MCS still weren't aware of it, till I rang them, then they notified all the installers.


For you, you've been caught by the change requiring a valid EPC certificate dated before the PV install commissioning.

So long as you haven't signed the contract, then a change of commissioning sounds promising. But I've no idea what the rules are surrounding decommissioning and recommissioning.

Do I take it instead of being offered 4.32p (pre July rate) you've been offered 0.64p? [July onwards are 4.25p & 0.58p] Have to say, I think the installer is liable for the difference if they fail to sort this out.

Mart.

rustyg

Sack off British Gas and start a fresh application with Good Energy ?

minimike2

I was offered 0.74 as I got in before the end of June.

It's all just a big mess. Will see what HIES say about it tomorrow I think.

I will update after my meeting on Wednesday night.

minimike2

OK so latest:

Installers still blaming EPC surveyor. Have spoken with HIES who advise if you decommission a system and then recommission then under leglisation set down by OFGEM you are then ineligible to apply for a FiT, so that isn't happening.

That said, the installers have apparently spoken with MCS who have allowed for a change to the commissioning date on grounds of error on behalf of the company......... We will see where it goes....