A Shade Greener Solar Panel Maintenance

Maybedaisy

My new Triple M maintenance agreement arrived from a Shade Greener last week. They have drastically reduced the cover.

No free replacement inverter
No cover for panels that under perform only if the system stops working all together.
Also I used to pay by direct debit. Now they say they will only accept a one off payment.

I bought my panels in 2013 from Nationwide Solar, their sister company that went bankrupt and the triple M maintenance agreement was required for the generation guarantee.

I really don't trust this company. They have withdrawn from Social media which is highly suspicious.

What other maintenance options are available ?

Martyn1981

How much is it, and is it worth bothering?

I was offered a package that included a replacement inverter, but was concerned that as an annual policy it would just be withdrawn as and when the years went on and a new inverter became more likely.

If you're happy with your annual generation, then you could just put the money aside each year ready for when the inverter packs up.

Maybedaisy

It's not just the inverter. They put the meter in the loft. They read it via blue tooth but I'd have to crawl through the loft to do it. Also who would you use if your system wasn't performing. Just want to know if there are other options

pinnks

Just a thought but if they read the meter by Bluetooth (not that I thought TGMs provide that option?) then why can you not access it too to read - after all, you own the kit, not them, so why should they have access at all?

Sue1694

I, too, have had my Triple M cover drastically reduced. For £120 a year it seems they will now only monitor performance, submit readings for tariff purposes and carry out repairs. The cost of a new inverter and the provision of any necessary scaffolding to enable repairs must be borne by the customer! Not a bad little ruse for them at a reduction of only 68p per month to the customer.
I was wondering if this can be challenged legally as Nationwide Solar (sister company to a Shade Greener) had said in writing that cover on the same basis as originally provided would be renewable over the full 25 year period subject only to increased premiums related to the RPI. In the event that Nationwide Solar went bust, the sales details (2011) stated that the Triple M cover would be taken over by A Shade Greener.
I'm tempted to take Martyn1981's advice and just put the money aside each year until it's needed but the principle of A Shade Greener slashing the cover is bugging me.

Maybedaisy

Sue, that's interesting. Have they stopped the direct debit facility for you as well. I'm really suspicious that they are going out if business as they have withdrawn from social media.

pinnks

At least you'll then save £120 per year, which you can put in a savings account to cover any future repairs on your system... Just a thought

Sue1694

Yes Maybedaisy, they did stop the direct debit. I am not going to take the reduced cover as it is practically pointless. Not impressed with A Shade Greener but I have to say Nationwide Solar were very good with customers, if not at business!

MonsieurFrugal

You can buy a new inverter for £600 give or take. You're far better off saving and having your own in house insurance policy.

My inverter came with a 5 year manufacturer warranty so im good for 3 more years.

Maybedaisy

I am still waiting for an agreement with my name and address on it. The one they sent out wasn't signed by them and had nothing on it saying that it related to me or my address. I rang them and got the stock response of its policy. I asked them how it could be legally binding if it didn't have anything identifying the address covered on it. I don't think they have any intention of honoring what you pay for. So I think I'll cancel as well.

jimjames

pinnks wrote: »

At least you'll then save £120 per year, which you can put in a savings account to cover any future repairs on your system... Just a thought

Absolutely. We've had one call out for our panels in 6 years and even that could have been avoided with a bit more investigation.