Project Solar dilemma

MoneyMon555

paul991 said:

just check the electricians are members of |Nic Napit or MCs 

Thanks for that advice, will do

MoneyMon555

Martyn1981 said:

MoneyMon555 said:

Martyn1981 said:

MoneyMon555 said:

Hi - I got offered home solar set up for free including installation via Octopus Warm Homes grant. (see thread I started the other day if interested ,as I know nothing  on domestic solar power)

 Now, despite it being free, I have alarm bells going off because although it is via the reliable Octopus Energy , the company to provide and fit is Project Solar 

My bold - if that's the reason for your concern, then yes, I'd be very concerned too.

I'm trying to work out the 'balance' of that. What could be the worst thing that could happen?

Excellent question. I could 'imagineer' problems, but I keep coming back to the system being free, and via Octopus, a highly professional company that appears to have its heart in the right place.

As others have said, you get a PV system (I apologise for not seeing the other thread and comments first), which I personally think is a great thing. In fact I've bored people to tears talking about them on here for a dozen years. It really is like entering the future, as your roof suddenly becomes a powerstation, and typically, they are extremely reliable with very few problems nor failures. I'd go for it, if that helps.

Perhaps you could speak to Octopus and say that you have some concerns, as relates to the extensive history you have found about the installers past. As you are the 'free recipient' it may seem cheeky, but perhaps they would be willing to arrange for a representative of theirs to carry out a quick (1hr?) review of the system install at the end of the install day - just for peace of mind, and due dilligence on their part, perhaps randomly. 


What would also be very helpful, if you proceed, is if you'd keep us updated as this is a really interesting situation for many reasons.

Many thanks for that considered response, I think after contact with Octopus and some reassurance, I will now go ahead with that.  

I will come back and feedback during the process. I appreciate everyone's comments on here and it has been very helpful , thank you

QrizB

MoneyMon555 said:

Can you just 'bypass' it in the event of an issue?

Unless you ask for something unusual, there will be a big switch (usually a rotary isolator, example here) between the entire solar & battery installation and the rest of your house electrics.

With this switched off, the solar kit is just so much ornamentation.

MoneyMon555 said:

Do you have to manually do any 'switching' of things to go from battery to mains and vice versa? Or is it all automated?

Everything should be automatic, unless you're a fiddler and enjoy tweaking things.

MoneyMon555 said:

They cant make you go on some expensive tariff in order to do this set up, then claim you'll never have much to pay, but only find you pay more than you do without it?

No, they can't. They can't even make you stay with Octopus.

ads_2 said:

Do you get to own the solar system, or is it on a hire basis where you get to share the benefits with Octopus?

OP will own it. It's being fitted under a grant scheme.

Enkopshealer

Enkopshealer calling!
Hi, I'm very new to all this (but in my 80's) so please bare with me.
I've just signed a contract for Project Solar to install a system later in Sept (2024) but have 2 weeks grace to cancel.
There do appear to be mixed comments concerning this company, but they were the only one to respond to a general enquiry I put out on the internet.
Comments would be appreciated.

Screwdriva

I know several who have had a terrible experience in that they have been significantly overcharged only to have the sales rep disappear post installation. 

Would you mind sharing your quote and then we can share our thoughts?

Heedtheadvice

I endorse the above.....and add that if you also share your general location ( not your address) then you might get recommendations for installers in your area.

There are many good posters on here to give an input on financial, system and supplier aspects.

A general Internet enquiry request is really not the  best way to get good responses. They can be tied to those limited companies who are part of that advertising scheme.

Petriix

Enkopshealer said:

Enkopshealer calling!
Hi, I'm very new to all this (but in my 80's) so please bare with me.
I've just signed a contract for Project Solar to install a system later in Sept (2024) but have 2 weeks grace to cancel.
There do appear to be mixed comments concerning this company, but they were the only one to respond to a general enquiry I put out on the internet.
Comments would be appreciated.

There aren't mixed comments. They are exclusively negative because they are extremely overpriced. Pull out while you can!