Rent a roof issues

Martin142

I have a solar panel system via a shade greener. At the time of sale we were advised any issues with the roof they would remove the panels for appropriate repairs. I noted a tear in the roof felt which required repair I got a contractor who advised I would need to remove column of solar panels to complete the repair. I contacted A Shade greener who want a £1000 deposit and initially me to arrange scaffolding. My contract stated removal at no cost to myself so I challenged this and they conceded I did not need to provide Scaffolding but stuck with deposit which I agreed to speed up the repair. Following a prolonged discussion about photos of the house I was then advised they could attend in February 2024 or if urgent I could pay a further £1000 for urgent response. I have forwarded a picture of the felt damage and explained I am able to see daylight through it so a risk of significant water incursion. I pointed out their obligation under the contract and this being neither a reasonable or practicable response to their obligation under the original contract, however was sent a further link to their complaints procedure. I feel I will need to seek legal advice for breach of contract, does anybody have any alternate solutions I could try, or is this others experience?

QrizB

Welcome to the forum.

Martin142 said:

I have forwarded a picture of the felt damage and explained I am able to see daylight through it so a risk of significant water incursion.

Is this a flat roof, or a pitched one? Is the felt the only roof covering or is it also eg. tiled?

Does your contract say anything about how quickly ASG should arrange the removal of panels under these circumstances?

Martin142

Thanks for having meIt’s a pitched roof with tiles over felt. The contract does not indicate a time frame for removal unfortunately however I would have thought 10 months would not be a reasonable timeframe legally. I cannot complete a repair without the panel removal or could be liable for damage etc. so feel hostage to the situation.

QrizB

Martin142 said:

Thanks for having meIt’s a pitched roof with tiles over felt. The contract does not indicate a time frame for removal unfortunately however I would have thought 10 months would not be a reasonable timeframe legally. I cannot complete a repair without the panel removal or could be liable for damage etc. so feel hostage to the situation.

Tiled roofs were historically installed without felt (admittedly I'm going back a bit here). Personally, if it was my roof, I'd be relatively relaxed about the risk of water ingress.

If you're concerned, is it possible to temporarily patch the felt from below pending ASG's removal of the panels in February?

Do you have legal expenses cover as part of your house insurance? It could be worth giving them a call to see if there is anything you can do in light of the contract not giving you much leverage.

Whatever you do, you need ASG to make a firm commitment to the date for removing the panels otherwise there's a risk they will kick the can further down the road.

The cynic in me thinks ASG don't want to remove the panels in the summer because that's when they make most money on their FIT payments!