April 2021 Solar PV install - 3.33kWp, West Berkshire

silverwhistle

Solarchaser said:

Lucky you.

Looks like it! :-)  I've had the panels over 7 years and the willow next door they roosted in has come down in that time. I wonder if different frame manufacturers have different profiles/sizes?

QrizB, that's good going!

QrizB

I did promise to report back on how the installation went.

The installation team (two guys and a panel van) arrived a little after 1100. I was worried that they were starting late but they were clearly well-practiced as by 1300 the rails were on the roof, the wiring was all run and the inverter was installed. Unfortunately the van with the panels had been delayed and didn't turn up until 1715! By 1830 everything was finished, the system was commissioned and even at that late hour was generating useful amounts of electricity. The following day (the first full day's output) saw 22.7kWh generated, 6.88 O's as mentioned previously.

There was one small problem. There was some sort of mix-up and instead of 370 watt panels, I was supplied with 365 watt ones. Light Renewables gave the wholesaler a rollicking and offered a £150 discount on my bill, which I was happy to accept. (Strangely enough, I had a similar issue 9 years ago with my own system, where the quote was for 250 watt panels but on the day they could only get 247 watt ones.)

Having looked at my photos they're rubbish so I'm keeping them to myself ...

All in, it was £3450 for a 3285Wp system, £1.05 per watt installed.

If I had another system to install, I would be happy to go back to Light Renewables again.

QrizB

I was really hoping not to have to revisit this thread but, sadly, here I am.

The system is installed and apperently working as intended.

However, Light Renewables have completely failed to finish the job. I've received no handover pack - MCS registration paperwork, no "paid" invoice, nothing. Without this documentation I can't register the system for export (and I'm not sure it should really be connected to the grid). Plus I've got nothing to show that it's Part P compliant, which is a problem for a rented property where electrical safety is my responsibility.

I've phoned and emailed Light Renewables regarding this on several occasions. The most recent emails were framed as a formal complaint. Light Renewables have not replied to my emails. When speaking on their phone, I've been given several promises that the documentation etc. will be completed in a shortly but these promises have not been kept.

Unfortunately it seems my next step will have to be a complaint to MCS.

I am no longer happy to recommend Light Renewables and have amended my previous post to show this.

Heedtheadvice

That really is a shame. Sounds like the company is struggling....or as per an early post why they may have been so quick to respond.

It would be good for readers to hear how this progresses and how flexible MCS and the like are at accepting an installation that currently does not meet formal acceptance criteria or landlords needs.

Best of luck getting this resolved.

QrizB

I did get a call back from the business owner this afternoon. He's pleading too much work and not enough staff (I guess it's possible, there is a pandemic on) but has promised me that he'll get my handover pack etc. done on Tuesday after the BH weekend.

So I'm not filing a complaint with the MCS on Tuesday. Maybe Wednesday?

tim_p

So did the promised pack materialise? 

QrizB

Discussions are ongoing ...

QrizB

The discussions were sadly not fruitful. I have today opened a case with the MCS.

QrizB

Progress, after a fashion. MCS sent me a second (and slightly more complicated) more complicated complaint form and then passed my complaint onto NAPIT. Not entirely sure how this helps but MCS say that NAPIT are the "certification body" and so it's for them to deal with.

I'm not sure I'm much closer to getting my system registration docs!

QrizB

Another update!

Nothing heard from NAPIT but I did receive an email this evening from Light Renewables with my MCS Certificate, followed shortly by a phone call from the business owner promising the DNO registration and "paid" invoice tomorrow.

This definitely counts as progress and I'm more confident that this will all be sorted out without resorting to MCOL.

PS If anyone knows a back-office admin type in Kent who is looking for a job, Light Renewables are hiring!