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Original poster

We have just had solar panels fitted!!!

131 replies

2stressed · 20/09/2011 22:51

Amazing!!! Can't believe the reduction in fuel bills. I'm seriously dumbfounded why everyone isn't doing it. We paid fir ours are selves so get the benefit of the feed in tariff but even if we'd got some of the rent a roof schemes the saving in fuel bills would be incentive enough!!!

Happy happy happy!!!Wine

OP posts:
Grockle · 20/09/2011 23:00

Who installed yours? I looked into it but couldn't spare £16,000 to have it done. I got new double glazing instead but would love pvts

inmysparetime · 27/09/2011 16:41

We've had our solar panels since April, and our combined monthly gas& leccy is around £17 a month!
We got 8 panels, 2kW system, and got our first FIT payment this week for £420.
I'm seeing more PV going up round here the last couple of months though, I think the idea is catching on.

zingzillachinchilla · 27/09/2011 16:43

I'm really interested in doing this - can you give me any pointers on where to find out more information, and who are reputable suppliers for installation?

ThePrincessRoyalFiggyrolls · 27/09/2011 16:47

Yes, me too, even made sure when boiler was replaced that it would all be compatible, just think it makes so much sense but its a bit of a minefield out there.

inmysparetime · 27/09/2011 17:25

Visit the Energy Saving Trust, they give free impartial advice on certified installers of renewable energy. You need an installer who is MCS certified to get the Feed in Tariffs, make sure you get at least 3 quotes before proceeding.

zingzillachinchilla · 28/09/2011 19:49

Thanks - I'll do that. Agree it's a bit of a minefield - that's what's been putting me off

SpringHeeledJack · 28/09/2011 19:51
CocktailQueen · 28/09/2011 19:58

Glad it's working out for you! We're considering having free ones fitted - are there any pitfalls??

inmysparetime · 28/09/2011 20:10

You may have trouble selling up, as you'd have to transfer the contract over. Also, with FITs the panels have a 9 year payback with a 25 year guarantee, so you'd get a very good return even if you need to get a loan to buy them in the first place.
There's a page about it on the energy saving trust website, also check out "which" and money saving expert for advice on the "rent-a-roof" schemes.

KatyMac · 28/09/2011 20:17

So, so envious

They have been round 4 or 5 times & despite me saying I have a conservatory you can't reach the roof with scaffolding they send a surveyor round who then says "they have a conservatory so you can't reach the roof with scaffolding"

inmysparetime · 28/09/2011 20:26

Could they put the scaffolding on the other side of the roof and use harnesses to move stuff over the ridge?

KatyMac · 28/09/2011 20:40

Apparently not Sad

ragged · 14/10/2011 18:21

The prices have gone right down; we looked into this 15 months ago but the numbers didn't make the risk worthwhile; now it is Confused.

Tianc · 14/10/2011 18:27

I have solar thermal (the type that heat the water, with a compatible combi boiler to top up on cooler days). Some summer quarters I use so little gas I can't measure it. I lurve my panel.[hgrin]

said · 14/10/2011 18:35

I'd be wary about the Rent-a-Roof ones as you can't then have a loft extension. Might not matter to you now but may if you want to sell within 25 years and this puts buyers off. I was curious about them but was out off by reading up on them. OP - how much were yours and what were your fuel bill beforehand? ie how long is it going to take you to break even?

said · 14/10/2011 18:36

"I'm seriously dumbfounded why everyone isn't doing it. We paid fir ours are selves" Um, the cost I imagine.

inmysparetime · 15/10/2011 20:57

We were lucky enough to have savings and a south facing roof, and these factors made solar PV a viable choice for us. Not everyone is that lucky, but solar thermal is much cheaper upfront for those with less to spend.

Tianc · 15/10/2011 21:59

And this has prompted me to read my meter. Our annual gas usage is about 40% of what it was before the panel, although as it coincided with installing a new boiler and thermostatic radiator valves, not all of that will be the solar.

inmysparetime · 18/10/2011 06:38

I now read the meters every month and the solar meter every day. Granted we have had the panels since April, and it has been summer, but we used about 1800kWh of electricity last year, and 600kWh in the 6 months since having the panels fitted. We also generated 1000kWh which we sold as feed in tariffs (for which we have been paid £420) so we are well on track for paying off the panels within 9 years, then enjoying 16 years more of guaranteed feed in tariffs.

Yorky · 18/10/2011 06:56

So pleased to read this, we've been looking at the various rent a roof schemes and its nice to know the savings will be real and noticeable, even if we've haven't got chance in anywhere of paying for our own panels

imnobody · 18/10/2011 07:00

Envy very jealous but I just can't afford it and it would be so worthwhile here, I am in Greece.

Original poster
2stressed · 19/10/2011 21:16

Energymyway.co.uk fantastic company, no hard sell, very reliable, and they guys who came to fit the panels were done so quickly! Great people.

OP posts:
Original poster
2stressed · 19/10/2011 21:21

Yes us too, just under 9 years and then like youinmysparetime enjoy 16 years of feed in tariff!

OP posts:
BlueChampagne · 20/10/2011 13:12

Lurking and looking at rent-a-roof, as we've just moved. Luckily previous occupants did the loft conversion! Anyone dealt with FreeSolar?

ragged · 20/10/2011 13:16

DH had a long phone call with a "free solar" person last night and promptly got on to rant blog about what they said. He's hugely not a fan, you may surmise.