Solar quotes

Khaderbhai

Hi

Novice when it comes to solar panels, looking to get some added to property (terraced house) but have some potential issues.

We have velux windows in the roof (2 each side) one company quoted from looking at google maps street view and said they could not install based on the size of panels, is this standard or just them being lazy?

How do you pick a firm? I like to go local for trades wherever possible but all seems to be national firms.

Can anyone recommend a firm that will actually come out to quote or survey?
Roof is slate and house is 1890s so again could be another issue. Also have no idea about batteries too but happy to pay more if it means better quality.

thanks

debitcardmayhem

Have a look here for https://mcscertified.com/find-an-installer/

Khaderbhai

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81897437#Comment_81897437

super, thanks

debitcardmayhem

If you can give details of the roof areas and windows someone will have a look see to give their opinion too.

Screwdriva

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6656700/solar-quotes

Would be good to get an image of the roof (either facing it or via Google Earth), your general location and annual consumption in kWh before we can help!

Newbie_John

Yeah also add information what's your daily kWh consumption during summer months, possibly between 10-18.

Martyn1981

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6656700/solar-quotes

I think it all comes down to the placement of the Velux windows. Might be able to well place panels under and around them, or their positions may make it very tricky.

Could you perhaps Google map image your roof, screenshot so no personal information, then give rough dimensions of windows, and the distances for all the gaps - guttering to bottom edge of V (Velux), V to ridge, V to sides, and between V's.

I have a large Velux on my main roof. Luckily the dimensions worked near perfect for 1.3m by 1m panels. So a grid of portrait panels, 5 wide by 3 tall, with the top row missing panels 2 & 3 for the V.

Bonus of V's, is that it makes it relatively easy to clean the panels every few years, with an extendy pole. Also to sweep off snow, so long as the pole is long enough, and doesn't just dump 3 panels worth of snow on the furthest panel away from you. Yes I did.

Lastly, and I doubt this is the case now, but teeny weeny chance installers may work from V's with harness, and save the cost of the scaffolding. But I suspect most no longer do this for safety and insurance reasons. When some of my power optimsers (a Solaredge piece of kit) failed on upper panels, installers wouldn't work from harness. So had to buy harness, lanyard etc, and do it myself to save scaffolding bill. I can understand now, why they don't like doing it.

jimjames

We have velux windows in the roof (2 each side) 

Velux windows are a bonus if there is space for panels around them. We have them and it makes access to clean & check the panels much easier than needing to get ladders or scaffolding

blanched_jelly

Try the GaryDoesSolar directory for a list of reputable PV installers who will come and offer a quote:

https://getreadyfor.solar/directory/