Solar Panels installed 13years ago, are batteries now worth it?

arty688

Exiled_Tyke said:

 

I think you've explained the FIT point the wrong way round. Someone on FIT still gets payments whether or not you use the electricity or it goes back to the grid.  

Sorry that's what I meant ,  its free electric that goes back into the grid mine will be worth 4.1p per unit

Similar with a solar diverter probably doesn't make sense financially (unless diy)  if you are not on FIT

newbie8

Thank you everyone for all the information provided. I need to do more reading into everything before even calling up anyone for quotes. 

I don't know much about the panels my parents have and the rates. I just know that it's the highest rate at 45p? and it paid back their investment a lot quicker than expected (About 9-10years). 

My parents don't have a smart meter. Would take daily meter readings be worth it at this point? 

QrizB

newbie8 said:

Thank you everyone for all the information provided. I need to do more reading into everything before even calling up anyone for quotes. 

I don't know much about the panels my parents have and the rates. I just know that it's the highest rate at 45p? and it paid back their investment a lot quicker than expected (About 9-10years). 

My parents don't have a smart meter. Would take daily meter readings be worth it at this point? 

Yes, daily or weekly readings would be helpful. Can you get an idea of their annual use too, from their bills?

Also, the size of their array and their typical annual generation (both of these bits of info willbe available from their FIKT statement, if they don't have separate records).

Screwdriva

Frankly, if it was my home, I would wait a few months for the next generation of electric vehicles with V2H (vehicle to home) capability and factor the savings on a battery into the purchase price of the vehicle. 

EricMears

newbie8 said: I don't know much about the panels my parents have and the rates. I just know that it's the highest rate at 45p? and it paid back their investment a lot quicker than expected (About 9-10years). 

I'm guessing that you meant it started at 45ppu ?  Mine started at. 43.3 ppu (+ 1.55 for deemed export) but have increased over the years to a total of approx 62ppu !

newbie8

EricMears said:

newbie8 said: I don't know much about the panels my parents have and the rates. I just know that it's the highest rate at 45p? and it paid back their investment a lot quicker than expected (About 9-10years). 

I'm guessing that you meant it started at 45ppu ?  Mine started at. 43.3 ppu (+ 1.55 for deemed export) but have increased over the years to a total of approx 62ppu !

Yes it started at 45p .. Honestly, I've not looked at what the rate is now. I've made a note to check what their current rate is as well. 

newbie8

QrizB said:

newbie8 said:

Thank you everyone for all the information provided. I need to do more reading into everything before even calling up anyone for quotes. 

I don't know much about the panels my parents have and the rates. I just know that it's the highest rate at 45p? and it paid back their investment a lot quicker than expected (About 9-10years). 

My parents don't have a smart meter. Would take daily meter readings be worth it at this point? 

Yes, daily or weekly readings would be helpful. Can you get an idea of their annual use too, from their bills?

Also, the size of their array and their typical annual generation (both of these bits of info willbe available from their FIKT statement, if they don't have separate records).

I'll ask parents to note down daily/weekly checks. Any advice on when during the day, or would twice a day be more useful? 

jimjames

newbie8 said:

EricMears said:

newbie8 said: I don't know much about the panels my parents have and the rates. I just know that it's the highest rate at 45p? and it paid back their investment a lot quicker than expected (About 9-10years). 

I'm guessing that you meant it started at 45ppu ?  Mine started at. 43.3 ppu (+ 1.55 for deemed export) but have increased over the years to a total of approx 62ppu !

Yes it started at 45p .. Honestly, I've not looked at what the rate is now. I've made a note to check what their current rate is as well. 

It should be automatic, anyone prior to at least 2012 should be on the rate quoted of approx 62p.