Solar Panel suggestions with 10K budget

Verdigris

It says on the LG website that they're closing their solar division.

https://www.lg.com/uk/solar

denis22

Screwdriva said:

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.

Thanks for answering!

Looks like LG is closing down!

We are truly grateful for your support of LG solar panels.

LG recently made the difficult decision to close its solar panel business to focus
on other businesses that will provide new experiences and value for our customers.

For more information, visit www.lg.com/us/notice-2

denis22

Swan_Valley said:

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!

See from your signature that Yes it is possible to install more than 4Kw. PMd you! Thanks for help!

Verdigris

It is actually the inverter that is limited to 3.86kW for a standard G98 connection. You can have more panels but you will lose any output over 3.86kW but also remember that for the majority of the time the panels won't be at peak output. You will get more output, overall, as long as yopu don't clip too much.

flyinggoose

Verdigris said:

It says on the LG website that they're closing their solar division.

So if a panel becomes faulty and needs replacing you'll have to go with another brand, not great.

NoobSolar

After sales service is likely to lie with your installer surely? Wouldn't they simply replace a defective panel with similar?

Remember while some panels might seem better rated, that might be because they are larger (! )

I thoroughly agree regarding solaredge and optimisaters. Far better.

My system was £7k from Light Renewables and they were both good and far cheaper than five other quotes - however prices will have gone up a lot recently for a great many reasons.

Screwdriva

NoobSolar said:

I thoroughly agree regarding solaredge and optimisaters. Far better. 

My system was £7k from Light Renewables and they were both good and far cheaper than five other quotes - however prices will have gone up a lot recently for a great many reasons.

I also had my system installed by Light Renewables. It is sad to see LG solar fold but other bifacial panel manufacturers are available. 

jimjames

denis22 said:

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.

It's also worth bearing in mind that the 4kW and 5kWh annual are not in really linked. I assume you actually mean 5000kWh per year for consumption? Assuming there is no shading and perfect location then you could get just over 4000kWh from your 4kWp panels. But that's the total for the year, most will be generated across the summer months whereas your consumption is likely to be higher in the winter so you won't be able to use all the electricity that has been generated even with a battery.

QrizB

I have no idea about these people but their prices seem better than in the opening post:

https://homeenergygroup.co.uk/solar-and-battery-systems/

4.8kWp of solar and 4.8kWh of battery for £7300?

denis22

Thank you ALL for your help and suggestions!

I am still searching and asking for a quotes from different companies.
Personal THANKS to @Martyn1981 for a HELP! What a wealth of knowledge you are!
Thanks again!

Hopefully will update soon on quotes and equipment!