Growatt Inverters

pinnks

So folks, daughter looking at get onto the property ladder and one potential hoos has PV - yey:beer:

Not many details yet but looks like 12 panels on a broadly E/W set-up. 4 on east roof 8 on west with a Growatt inverter or inverters - vendor mentioned two TGMs. Don't know how old and stated as being owned but all would need clarifying of course.

Anyway, do our gurus have thoughts on the Growatt products and what they offer compared to my trusted SMAs?

Property also has a wall-mounted solar thermal panel. No more details on that but looks to be about 3m x 1m and in essence a radiator working in reverse, rather than the usual evacuated tubes. Again, any thoughts based on this more than sketchy description?

Whole thing may come to nought but if it does proceed to the next stage there will be all sorts of additional issues to clarify with the vendors...

gefnew

hi
link to chinese company.
http://www.ginverter.com/index_en.aspx

pinnks

cheers, was browsing that too but also wondering what experience others have.

gefnew

hi
mixed reviews from aus.

pinnks

hmm, we'll soon be able to get more info on the system. At the end of the say it's just an inverter if it goes wrong... fingers crossed

pinnks

Quick update on this. No more news on the inverter but you won't believe what follows.

The mortgage company sent in their valuer who saw PV on the roof and marked the valuation as "no mains electricity because there is PV on the roof". This even though we know who provides leccy to a 1980s house on a 1980s estate! Trouble is, nothing can now progress until rectified. Not difficult but really?

This is a Chartered firm of Surveyors employed by a major bank and they have been told this is not rent-a-roof. They also suggest nothing should proceed until the relevant PV system guarantees are seen - really? Ultimately that must be a personal risk of the purchaser, not a condition of mortgage. Either the system works in which case thank you and loads of FiT or it doesn't in which case it needs repairing to get the FiT and someone will have to pay but either way there is kit there which is a good green measure. If they were concerned about the structural integrity or MCS certification or whatever I would understand but inverter, workmanship and panel warranties? Again, sure the solicitor will get it sorted but really?

The other thing that surprised me is that there is sprayed insulation in the loft (done a few years ago). This is a recognised form of insulation and has been around for years but the surveyor has suggested it needs a specialist report and "confirm the necessary costs and work to remove it"! It is possible that it is clearly not to regs but unless he can see that (in which case he should say so) then the presumption should surely be that the installation is correct and documentation to demonstrate that should be obtained - quite different to putting the vendor to the cost and worry of commissioning a report. If it is not up to regs then clearly a show-stopper for us unless it is removed but not what I would expect from a "professional"...

And we wonder why people are nervous to both install green measures and to buy houses that already have them! Have to say I am not at all impressed! :mad: