Project Solar panels quote.

MrHockallz wrote: »

Well based on the calculation from that site and from the Project Solar report my roof is 8 metres by 5 metres and the LG site is estimating a 3-5kw system with up to 18 panels. I know that's an estimate but its pretty encouraging. As for roof obstacles its pretty clear no skylights and the chimney is on the north facing side.

Hi. That all sounds quite promising. You can measure the width of the roof simply by measuring the wall at ground level.

Running with 8m by 5m and allowing for panel gaps (20mm) and approx 200mm to 300mm round the edges (sides - wind lift, bottom - gutter run-off, top - too close to ridge which might raise property profile which requires planning permission), suggests:

7 panels by 2 panels in portrait 7.14m by 3.2m.

4 panels by 4 panels in landscape 6.5m by 4.1m.

Aiming for 4kWp to max out the highest FiT rate (it drops by 10% if you go over 4) then 16 250Wp panels, or 14 slightly more powerful panels perhaps 270Wp to 285Wp. Panel sizes based on approx 1m by 1.6m.

So plenty of options, and if no obstructions or shading, then a relatively simple system ....... famous last words.

Have a trawl (not troll) at the G&E threads, and you'll see lots of discussions on prices, quotes and deals people have signed up to. They are typically all under £6k now, with a large number in the £5k (or even lower) range.

Are you comfortable working out the income streams? See the FAQs for a breakdown. You were right to question the astronomical energy price inflation figures.

Also, there's a FiT degression of 3.5% on 1/7/15. I think you'd be better off simply assuming you'll miss that now, and concentrate on getting a good install and good quote, rather than rush to beat the 3.5% and end up paying 10% more for the install.

Mart.

MrHockallz wrote: »

Another query I have is would solar panels have any effect on my mortgage?
Would I need to inform my mortgage company and would it affect remortgaging at a later date?

Also is it worth considering this if I would need to apply for credit or would it only really be worth it to buy outright?

Thanks again all for the help.

Only time the panels will affect your mortgage is if you have rent a roof(RaR) panels on your roof, these having to take a lease over your roof for a 25 year period. Some folk have mentioned a new mortgage being harder to source, how true it is is anyones guess but would you risk it?


If you buy the panels the only people that need to know about them are you and probably your insurance company, would you inform your insurance company about a new conservatory/ new windows or even a re-roof for instance


Lastly I actually bought my WNW on a 0% purchase credit card if that helps

MrHockallz wrote: »

In all honesty I think I might be leaning toward the 0% credit card option if I can get a decent deal and payment period.

Depending on the total cost I reckon I have enough to cover maybe 2/3rds of the cost so I wouldn't need a great deal of finance in any respect but it would blow my budget for any other home improvements.

I live in Gosforth in Tyne and Wear, Postcode is NE3 if that helps.

I can't seem to get the PVGIS website, that's odd!

Ok, let's take an educated guess, perhaps slightly on the pessimistic side, of 900kWh/kWp as you are quite northerly.

So FiT income, 3,600 * 12.92p = £465
Export (deemed 50%) 1,800 * 4.85p = £81
Leccy savings (approx £80 to £160) = £120

Total - a devilish £666pa

A good return on £6k, but a great return on £5k. The cheaper the price then the less you'll need to borrow, and also the greater the percentage ROI (return on investment) which gives you slightly more wiggle room on financing.

I'll update the figures once PVGIS is back.

Mart.