any downsides to free solar panels from ‘energy switch’

QrizB

emma.cook3 said:

And it says its all free. 

That's a good sign! I think we cross-posted, did you see my message inbetween your two?

Reed_Richards

Although it says "local authority" it appears that the scheme is being coordinated through 5 "Local energy hubs": https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/green-homes-grant-local-authority-delivery-scheme-phase-2-funding-allocated-to-local-energy-hubs

emma.cook3

QrizB said:

That's interesting.

I see they mention a "Retrofit Assessment". Did someone from the company visit your house to survey it?

I don't know who your Local Authority are but they may have a webpage on it, like this one from Essex:
https://www.essex.gov.uk/cut-energy-costs/green-homes-grant-local-authority-delivery-scheme

Yes! They came here, measured the rooms looked at our insulation etc. 

Solarchaser

My first thought would be "who owns the solar panels?"

If that's you, then all good.
If its the company then its a rent your roof scheme, and so my advice would be avoid!

Petriix

Solarchaser said:

My first thought would be "who owns the solar panels?"

If that's you, then all good.
If its the company then its a rent your roof scheme, and so my advice would be avoid!

I'm struggling to imagine how a rent-a-roof scheme would be of any benefit to the third party company without the FIT payments. If it is some kind of scam then it most likely involves getting the property owner to pay some money up front.

Solarchaser

Petriix said:

Solarchaser said:

My first thought would be "who owns the solar panels?"

If that's you, then all good.
If its the company then its a rent your roof scheme, and so my advice would be avoid!

I'm struggling to imagine how a rent-a-roof scheme would be of any benefit to the third party company without the FIT payments. If it is some kind of scam then it most likely involves getting the property owner to pay some money up front.

Agreed, just call me cynical. 

QrizB

It could actually be as good as it sounds? There is money in the LAD2 scheme, solar PV is one of the technologies covered, and solar PV is a lot cheaper than it used to be.

OP in your position I might say "yes" but you should read and understand all the paperwork first.

emma.cook3

Petriix said:

Solarchaser said:

My first thought would be "who owns the solar panels?"

If that's you, then all good.
If its the company then its a rent your roof scheme, and so my advice would be avoid!

I'm struggling to imagine how a rent-a-roof scheme would be of any benefit to the third party company without the FIT payments. If it is some kind of scam then it most likely involves getting the property owner to pay some money up front.

It’s the government who is funding them. They pay the solar company

emma.cook3

I am pretty sure the LAD2 scheme is legitimate. The solar panels are paid for by the government and I will own them outright. I am worried they will damage my roof though. The recent reviews are really good- the older ones, for the secondary measures with a voucher arent so good- but that was in the midst of covid where supplies ( wood and glass) were really hard to get. Still unsure! 

Reed_Richards

If you follow the link I posted earlier you will see that it is government funding but administered by a third party who pay the installation company.  But perhaps that is by-the-by.