Solar Panel suggestions with 10K budget 3 March 2022 at 11:19AM in Green & ethical MoneySaving 22 replies 1.1K views

denis22

Hi MSE,

APPOLOGIES IF THIS POST IS IN WRONG SUB FORUM!

I am searching forum to find the answer however decided to post a topic to get it way faster.
My budget is 10K and I am looking for a reputable Solar Panel company. I am based in South Wales.

Got quote from Celtic Green Energy  
1 unit SUPPLY OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM (3.80 kWp)
1 unit SOLIS 4KW 4G DUAL MPPT SINGLE PHASE
10 units JA SOLAR JA SOLAR 380W MONO MBB PERCIUM HALF-CELL BLACK FRAME MC4
1 unit EMLITE ECA2.V
6 units SCHLETTER MODULE BEARING PROFILE ECO5 - 4.2 M
1 unit SOLAX GEN2 TRIPLE POWER AV 5.6KW
Cost 8,400.00

I am far from solar panels and really appreciate any help or advice on this quote or better if exists.

THANK YOU!

Have a great day everyoine!

Spies

Seems on the high side to me, that should be closer to 5k.

denis22

Spies said:

Seems on the high side to me, that should be closer to 5k.

Thanks for answering. What company you use for installation, please? 

Hexane

I used an installer local to me (in North West England) but they will not travel to South Wales.

Your quote includes a battery storage system, have you decided that this is financially worthwhile for your circumstances for some reason, or is it just something the installer included without asking? It adds significantly to the cost.

denis22

Hexane said:

I used an installer local to me (in North West England) but they will not travel to South Wales.

Your quote includes a battery storage system, have you decided that this is financially worthwhile for your circumstances for some reason, or is it just something the installer included without asking? It adds significantly to the cost.

Thanks for answering. After searching info in internet decided to have a battery as it will help me through winter times... Do you think I will be better of without battery? 
Can I install it later ?

THANK YOU!

Verdigris

The advantage of having a battery installed at the same time as solar is that it only attracts 5% VAT, the same as the solar. VAT would be 20% for a battery installed alone. However, you have to consider the economics of running a battery, which is still fairly marginal unless well managed between solar, TOU tariffs and export tariffs.

denis22

There is some info about my roof if it helps

Irradiance Zone 5W

Roof Pitch 40

Irradiation Level 949

Degrees From South 5

denis22

Verdigris said:

The advantage of having a battery installed at the same time as solar is that it only attracts 5% VAT, the same as the solar. VAT would be 20% for a battery installed alone. However, you have to consider the economics of running a battery, which is still fairly marginal unless well managed between solar, TOU tariffs and export tariffs.

Thanks for answering. So many things to consider as I thought it would be easy. Also, consultant told me that I have only 4Kw panel allowance and I need to apply for C99 form if I need more than 4Kw. My yearly consumption 5kW . This is also very confusing.

Swan_Valley

Price seems a bit on the high side compared to what we had to pay for a 6kWp Solaredge system & Givenergy batteries last year, but am aware that prices have increased since then, because of demand.

If you send us a PM, we can let you have a link to the company we used.

Swan_Valley

denis22 said:

Also, consultant told me that I have only 4Kw panel allowance and I need to apply for C99 form if I need more than 4Kw. My yearly consumption 5kW . This is also very confusing.

A decent installer will handle the approval for more than 4kWp for you. It can take some time, as Western Power seem a bit slow at times dealing with approvals. Also, if you are getting a battery, the approval for a higher possible output will be needed anyway!

Screwdriva

As a rule of thumb, I avoid Chinese brands based on horror stories re: their aftersales support. Your quote includes Solis = Ginlong, a Chinese inverter manufacturer and JA Solar = Chinese panel manufacturer. Both are cheaper on the price spectrum.

With a £10K budget, I would go for the best possible components available if roof space is limited- 

1) Solar Edge Inverter and Optimizers enjoy a solid reputation. Insist on the 25 year warranty.

2) LG 440W Bifacial Panel. Come with a 25 year warranty on performance. You would need 9 panels to achieve 4kW but Bifacial panels are unique in that they can exceed this official rating by generating power from both sides of the panel. No additional approvals needed.

3) A battery makes little economic sense today. If utility tariffs continue rising and battery costs keep falling, I'd revisit this in a few years. 

If real estate isn't an issue, another school of thought is to purchase larger quantities of older, cheaper panels to be more cost effective. I can't help with this approach but I'm sure others can.