Scaffolding and PV Solar Panel Quote - bear with me (ggrrwwll)

PennyForThem_2

OK - so do most installers either:
    use own scaffolding 
    or
    employ a scaffolder

How does the the VAT 0% work if you are buying in scaffolding as an installer (and big assumption - are installers using scaffolding (I so hope so from a H&S perspective))

gefnew

Safe use of ladders and stepladders: How and when to use a ladder at work - HSE
You could read this from the Health and Safety  site.

Solarchaser

Alot of installers just use ladders.
Some insist on scaffolding. 
My panels were installed using ladders

QrizB

PennyForThem_2 said:

How does the the VAT 0% work if you are buying in scaffolding as an installer (and big assumption - are installers using scaffolding (I so hope so from a H&S perspective))

VAT-registered businesses pay VAT when buying services from other VAT-registered businesses, charge VAT to their customers, and pay the difference to HMRC.

Example, normal times:

• Buy scaffolding service, £1000 + £200 VAT
• Buy solar panels etc, £4000 + £800 VAT
• Sell to customer, £6000 + £1200 VAT

The installer can deduct the £1000 in VAT that they've paid from the £1200 they've taken from the customer, and so they owe HMRC £200.

Example, now:

• Buy scaffolding service, £1000 + £200 VAT
• Buy solar panels etc, £4000 + £800 VAT
• Sell to customer, £6000 + £0 VAT

The installer can deduct the £1000 in VAT that they've paid from the £0 they've taken from the customer, and so HMRC now owe them £1000.

paul991

I sent  my installers away when they started work without ladders ,scaffolding should be included in the quote but some companies will try cut corners to increase profits .We used the rule ladders were for only very short duration work and never to access a roof.Its  not worth the rest of  your life in a wheelchair

2nd_time_buyer

paul991 said:

I sent  my installers away when they started work without ladders ,scaffolding should be included in the quote but some companies will try cut corners to increase profits .We used the rule ladders were for only very short duration work and never to access a roof.Its  not worth the rest of  your life in a wheelchair

Or reduce costs. Either way it is a dangerous game to play. However, watching the risks and shortcuts scaffolders sometimes take, I wouldn't like to say what is more dangerous. 

ecraig

paul991 said:

I sent  my installers away when they started work without ladders ,scaffolding should be included in the quote but some companies will try cut corners to increase profits .We used the rule ladders were for only very short duration work and never to access a roof.Its  not worth the rest of  your life in a wheelchair

I think it's up to the installer to dictate their preferred access equipment. If they want to charge 9k with ladders or 10k with scaffs that's their choice. Equally it's your choice to accept the £9k ladder or £10k scaffs quote.

But if I were a fitter, I've still got to hold the bloody big panel when climbing a ladder to get to the scaffolding unit.

The scaffolding is the safety net and storage area for the installer.

Unless you plan, as the customer, to climb to the scaffolding to inspect their work once they complete the installation, so you actually want the equipment and you actually want the safety net..

Spies

I imagine it's very dangerous just using ladders, those panels weigh quite a bit! 

Solarchaser

Panels are around 20kg, so not light, but not that heavy, more awkward than heavy

Petriix

My installers used ladders and were pretty 'affordable' as a result. Ultimately it's their choice, but I'm happy to have paid less.

Magnitio

Solarchaser said:

Panels are around 20kg, so not light, but not that heavy, more awkward than heavy

Quite a challenge on a windy day.