Maybe getting solar panels - Fix?

flobby12

I now have a date for installation and its next week.

I’ve been told by someone that with these schemes where Solar is free, it means that afterwards, the installer then owns the roof.

Does anyone know if this is true or have any information?

debitcardmayhem

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82077914#Comment_82077914

Don't you have any information from the installers or even a contract ?

QrizB

I now have a date for installation and its next week.

That's good news! Please let us know how it goes.

I’ve been told by someone that with these schemes where Solar is free, it means that afterwards, the installer then owns the roof. Does anyone know if this is true or have any information?

That's never true.

It used to be the case, back when FIT payments were a thing, that anyone with a suitable roof could get free solar panels by leasing their roof for a period of 20-25 years to a "rent a roof" solar installer The homeowner would get free panels and could use as much of the electricity they generated as they wished, but the installer would claim the FIT payments. At the end of the 20-25 year lease, everything reverts to the homeowner.

The FIT scheme closed in 2019, which ended the rent-a-roof schemes.

You said earlier that you applied for the "Warm Homes Local Grant" via:

https://www.gov.uk/apply-warm-homes-local-grant

This scheme provides grant funding for home improvements, Those improvements belong to you (or your landlord if you rent), the homeowner, once installed. So you don't need to worry about having to lease your roof to anyone.

flobby12

I don’t have any contract, I’m going to phone them tomorrow and ask about that.

I think the person who told me about the installer owning the roof just thinks this is too good to be true, and there must be a catch.

Surely the Gov site or the installer would’ve said something about this along the way if it was true?

QrizB

I think the person who told me about the installer owning the roof just thinks this is too good to be true, and there must be a catch.

There's no catch; there are several people who have posted on this forum to say they've had solar panels and other upgrades installed for free on schemes like this (you're the first I know of on the new Warm Homes Local Grant scheme, which has replaced the old ones).

flobby12

Just to update, I phoned both EOn (organiser) and Thrift (installer) both said I will own the panels once installed. Any paperwork/agreement/warranty will follow installation apparently.

WiserMiser

Seems like putting the cart before the horse. What if there's something unacceptable in the contract? What if you refuse to sign it, do they remove the panels and leave holes in your roof?

flobby12

All done and dusted. Very happy with everything.

QrizB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82100876#Comment_82100876

That's great news!

Do you know exactly what they installed? What panels you've got, and what inverter?

(It doesn't matter if you don't, I'm only asking because I'm curious!)