Solar Quote views

collinsca

Hi everyone,

I’m considering getting solar and have a quote through the Solar Together scheme — where installers bid in a reverse auction for the work.

I’d really appreciate your views on the quote!

Background

• We’re in our late 40s and plan to stay here long‑term.
• South‑facing front roof (see image below).
• Annual electricity usage: ≈ 2,088 kWh, likely to rise if we add air‑conditioning.
• Installer: EE Renewables, rated 4.9 on Trustpilot.
• There is a tree, but I do not believe there is shading but will wait and see what they say on site visit.

Quoted system

Component	Details
Panels	10 × Astronergy Astro N7s 460 W bifacial (all‑black)
String inverter	Fox ESS single/dual‑phase tracker PV
Battery	Fox ESS EP6 / EP12 storage system
Hybrid inverter	Fox H1 hybrid inverter

Full specs: EE Renewables Wiltshire – Solar Panels PDF

Quote

• Installation (10 panels): £3,198
• Battery storage (10.4 kWh): £2,749
• Bird proofing: £350
• Total: £6,297

Questions

1.Does this seem like a good deal overall?

2.Panel expansion: If I added two more panels (or used the garage roof), would it be worth it — and should I consider a larger battery?

(AI says Yes:

“Going from 10 → 12 panels raises your array from 4.6 kWp → 5.52 kWp — about +20 % generation. The cost per extra panel is small (~£200 each installed). Payback is fast (≈ 2 years). So yes, adding 2 panels is worthwhile if roof space allows.”

And

“Your quoted 10.4 kWh (EP12) already matches the 10‑panel system perfectly. With 12 panels, it’s still fine — it’ll just fill earlier on sunny days. A larger battery (≈ 15–16 kWh) improves self‑consumption but adds cost and longer payback (~6–7 years). The Fox ESS system is modular, so you can expand later without replacing the inverter. Best move: accept 12 panels, keep the 10.4 kWh battery, and use the upgrade as a negotiation lever.”)

Thanks!

debitcardmayhem

The post would be better in this green sub board, Ii have asked for it to be moved, I would imagine @Screwdriva will give you his opinion, and I think the quote is reasonable but the kit could be improved, and it would help if to can also state if there is any shading, also more panels are always good depending on the aspect.

I have asked for it to be moved hth https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/categories/green-ethical-moneysaving

collinsca

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82084149#Comment_82084149

Thank you - appreciated.

There is a tree but i dont believe it is tall enough to shade the panels - will see what they say for the site visit. Will update my post when this is moved.

QrizB

I agree that you'll get some better replies over on Green and Ethical.

The price seems reasonable for what they're offering. Better than I'd expect for a Solar Together quote.

If you're only using 2000kWh a year at present, I'm not sure the battery makes financial sense (even at that low price). You'll probably be close to a net cost of zero (averaged over the year) even without a battery.

You might have other reasons to want a battery, eg. as a backup in case of power cuts or because you want to switch to a smart time-of-use tariff.

collinsca

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82084188#Comment_82084188

Thanks.

The battery size was the "suggestion" from Solar Together… so i will certainly ask the installer if this battery is surplus to requirements.

We may though decide to get AirCon in 3 rooms in future - so that will increase our electricity usage.

debitcardmayhem

I don't dislike the idea of the battery, it gives you the option of avoiding the peak 1600-1900 rates but it's a horses for courses situation.

collinsca

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82084214#Comment_82084214

Thanks.

Thinking much longer term, when we retire and are not in the office so much, our usage will increase.

So i think a decent battery size is worth investing in.

QrizB

Thinking much longer term, when we retire and are not in the office so much, our usage will increase.

Just keep in mind that batteries have a shorter useful life than solar panels do (about 10 years for batteries vs. 25 years for panels) and batteries are fairly easy to retrofit.

You don't need to buy a battery today if you don't really need one now. You can always add one in a couple of years.

Again, that's a good price for a battery of that capacity and I can see why it's a tempting option!

collinsca

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82084221#Comment_82084221

Thanks - a very good point!

debitcardmayhem

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82084221#Comment_82084221

My caveat is that IIRC adding battery later will attract VAT , but the prices may come down. Qrizb may refresh my memory

Newbie_John

Will you be using aircon for cooling only or heating as well?

Are you on ToU tarrif currenly or planning to switch to one?