Solar panels

Username12

Hi,
I'm new to this forum and joined to asked about installing PV Panels.
I am looking at installing a 4kw system onto our flat garage roof, no shading, in Surrey.
We have been quoted £9k which I was told by the salesperson would definitely pay for itself, in 5 to 6 years. We have just bought an electric car so it wasn't possible to give an accurate figure of our monthly usage, but I do work from home so I am here to use the energy generated.

They have also suggested the reduction to 220v which I see from this thread is a rubbish.

I gather there is a quota each quarter so am unsure if we'd be able to join the FIT scheme.

I'm finding it tricky to work out as obviously it's in the company's interest to tell us what we want to hear.

Exiled_Tyke

This seems very expensive. Definitely get a few quotes. Even with the EV I’d be amazed by a 6 year pay back on any system. But at the price quoted with the current tiny FIT rates then I’d say this is impossible. So for me the trust is gone especially as they are pushing voltage nonsense. I wouldn’t talk to this company again - EVER!

Incidentally I was advised not to install on my flat roof because:

1. It will cause pressure points where panels rest which in turn can increase risk of a leaking roof
2. When it comes to needing the roof re-covering there’s the additional cost of getting someone in to move the panels and then set them up again .

Username12

Thank you for replying. Would you say that since the government incentives went down it's not really a viable proposition?

EricMears

Username12 wrote: »

Hi,
I'm new to this forum and joined to asked about installing PV Panels.
I am looking at installing a 4kw system onto our flat garage roof, no shading, in Surrey.
We have been quoted £9k which I was told by the salesperson would definitely pay for itself, in 5 to 6 years. We have just bought an electric car so it wasn't possible to give an accurate figure of our monthly usage, but I do work from home so I am here to use the energy generated.

They have also suggested the reduction to 220v which I see from this thread is a rubbish.

I gather there is a quota each quarter so am unsure if we'd be able to join the FIT scheme.

I'm finding it tricky to work out as obviously it's in the company's interest to tell us what we want to hear.

For a very rough estimate of energy needed to charge the EV, estimate its mileage then divide by something in order of 3.5 (depending on size of car - e.g. use 3 for a Jag i-Pace , 3.5 for a Nissan Leaf or 4 for a VW Up! etc) to give usage in kWh. However, it's sod's law that you'll find you want to use the car when the sun is shining so unlikely you can use all generation on car or that what you can use is enough.

Username12 wrote: »

Thank you for replying. Would you say that since the government incentives went down it's not really a viable proposition?

It wouldn't be viable if you pay over the odds for a system and don't get the vastly inflated own usage they've suggested. But get a better price and hope that electricity unit prices rise for next few years and chances are much better

jimjames

Username12 wrote: »

Thank you for replying. Would you say that since the government incentives went down it's not really a viable proposition?

Did the salesman provide figures to back up his assertion that it would definitely pay back in 5-6 years or was that just verbal? If they did provide in writing are you able to share?

It's definitely viable, just not at the prices you've been quoted. We paid nearly that amount 7 years ago when prices were way higher as well as FIT rates massively higher too so there was a payback.

Exiled_Tyke

Username12 wrote: »

Thank you for replying. Would you say that since the government incentives went down it's not really a viable proposition?

It can most certainly be still viable but you need to be aiming for something in the region of £1k per Kw.

Zarch

Username12 wrote: »

Thank you for replying. Would you say that since the government incentives went down it's not really a viable proposition?

My 5.1kWh Solar Edge system cost me £6200 the other month. My calcs suggest I should pay that off in around 9 or 10 years.

That length of time may obviously come down if I get an EV and/or battery in the future where I can make even more use of the excess I generate.

With the current FIT tariffs you aren't going to get rich quick. But as they are set for 20 years you can still make them pay for you in the long term. Obviously come April next year there is no FIT, so something is better than nothing.

As the previous advice, system install is the main dictator of ROI. If you pay over the odds its going to take longer to get that money back. Aim for as close to £1k to £1.2k per 1kWh system and you should be along the right lines.