Solar PV Panels

Lokolo

Basically just been researching about Solar PVs etc. for house which I am going to get in the future (still a student, but currently bored out of my mind tyring to put off work).

But generally was wondering if anyone here has them and if they have actualy been worthwhile? (mainly because a lot of sites state it can take 10+ years for payback)

Looking at it npower seems quite a good deal and they will buy excess off you for the amount you pay and help you set up and everything.

Yeh so, any comments will (hopefully) help,

Cardew

If you go to the 'Green' forum there is quite a bit on this subject.

Lokolo

Doh, just searched and searched and found it in Family and Health! Thanks

Could someone please move the post to the Green and Ethical.

Just been browsing, not much specifically on PV so would help if someone was able to reply to this,

Thanks

Former_MSE_Andrea

Hi

Just moving this to the Green board for you

Andrea

dbuch1

Has anyone done a proper assessment of the numbers of solar PV. We all seem to get caught up in the high level numbers and believe them because they are backed by the Govt. Do some simple NPV calcs and compare to returns from putting your money into other investments, think you'll find the upfront capital cost sinks it every time.

noncom_2

Firstly, not everyone agrees that NPV (Net Present Value) is an inherently useful tool in all situations, relying as it does on a great degree of personal judgement as to what the NPV actually IS.

Secondly, from my own situation, I compared the likely (best estimate taking into account all the variables such as future RPI, electricity price rises, mortgage rates, impact on house sale price if we move etc) return of PV with the "return" from taking the initial capital and reducing my mortgage by that amount.

The OP is correct in that it has to be viewed as a VERY long term investment. If you don't think you'll be in the house at least 10 years, it would be considerably riskier, as you would need to recoup much more of the initial investment in increased sale price when you moved to make it worthwhile.

My calculations reckon that, over 25 years, it could work out anywhere from moderately worse to considerably better than the reduced mortgage option. On "average" (if my assumptions are reasonable) then it would be moderately better.

Having said that, from my point of view, if over 25 years it works out exactly the same (or even a little worse) financially than reducing my mortgage now, I'm happy because I would have done something worthwhile environmentally and reduced my carbon footprint.

margin

dbuch1 wrote: »

Has anyone done a proper assessment of the numbers of solar PV.

Hi

Looking at the results of the calculator on the following page my system should pay for itself in just over 7 years:

http://www.reuk.co.uk/REUK-Feed-In-Tariff-Calculator.htm

zeupater

margin wrote: »

Hi

Looking at the results of the calculator on the following page my system should pay for itself in just over 7 years:

http://www.reuk.co.uk/REUK-Feed-In-Tariff-Calculator.htm

Hi

Anything that comes up with a 7 year payback has got to be a little suspect ...... :eek:

Check out the two large threads on solar pv in this (the green & ethical) forum ......

HTH
Z

chrismarsden

Read the Which? report online, not sure if you need to be a member, also on TV news Midlands this evening, and I have spoken with a local (our Mayor) who has them, and is VERY happy with the return, £850 in less than a year on a 2Kwp. They all reckon on 9 years return.
Tax free, gtteed Index linked FiT for 25 years. 41.3p whether you use or not, AND get paid for the export 3p. Paid to next occupier of the house.

Its a no brainer As I see it. I have just ordered.

Depends where you live, and a suitable roof etc. Get a Survey, Which said only one Co gave all the right answers, Southern Solar, so give them a try. Also had a very similar quote from M&SEnergy.

Fitting in April. But Tariffs may change in Apr 2012.

Cardew

margin wrote: »

Hi

Looking at the results of the calculator on the following page my system should pay for itself in just over 7 years:

http://www.reuk.co.uk/REUK-Feed-In-Tariff-Calculator.htm

Using what estimates in the 7 boxes?

Mcfi5dhc

Cardew wrote: »

Using what estimates in the 7 boxes?

Savings in July = £50
Savings in year = July * 12 = £600

Clearly, I have guessed their figures, but so has someone else