Home & Garden1 min ago
Solar Panels
17 Answers
I am seriously contemplating having solar panels on our roof together with a battery system. I know nothing about them. So could someone please tell what to look for in installers and how do I check them out - what questions should I ask? I live in Wiltshire, near Devizes.
Answers
1 to 17 of 17
We have had panels for years. We get money - but I the Feed-in Tariff for new applicants has been replaced with https://
13:27 Wed 29th Jun 2022
If you know nothing about them, you really need to get clued-up....
https:/
https:/
We have had panels for years. We get money - but I the Feed-in Tariff for new applicants has been replaced with
https:/
If any of your neighbours with similar houses have them, take note of how many panels they have as a guide as to what you could have.
The panels connect to an inverter - which changes the current to ac from dc.
Depending on the installer you may get a separate meter or it will be connected to your existing meter (if it has the option to do that)
Bear in mind that the generation in the winter months will not be as much as in the summer months. On a good day we generate about 26kWh, and our electric use is about 3-4kWh (ie. overnight)
Apparantly the battery will charge during the day and then be used to supply the house overnight - so in winter it won't charge as much. I don't have a battery but was quoted about £4000 for a second inverter (the battery has its on one!) and 1 battery and installation. Additional batteries £2000 each.
Something to watch out for is that some people are finding out that they don't get their feed-in tariff as it goes to the company that installed them, others are finding out that having panels causes problems when selling their house - have a look at this
https:/
Make sure that YOU own the panels, YOU get any payment and that you are not leasing the panels/roof.
https:/
If any of your neighbours with similar houses have them, take note of how many panels they have as a guide as to what you could have.
The panels connect to an inverter - which changes the current to ac from dc.
Depending on the installer you may get a separate meter or it will be connected to your existing meter (if it has the option to do that)
Bear in mind that the generation in the winter months will not be as much as in the summer months. On a good day we generate about 26kWh, and our electric use is about 3-4kWh (ie. overnight)
Apparantly the battery will charge during the day and then be used to supply the house overnight - so in winter it won't charge as much. I don't have a battery but was quoted about £4000 for a second inverter (the battery has its on one!) and 1 battery and installation. Additional batteries £2000 each.
Something to watch out for is that some people are finding out that they don't get their feed-in tariff as it goes to the company that installed them, others are finding out that having panels causes problems when selling their house - have a look at this
https:/
Make sure that YOU own the panels, YOU get any payment and that you are not leasing the panels/roof.
Check out the roof orientation..South is best but not essential.Check for shading..trees, chimneys,etc. Roof and tile type..is the roof strong enough? Do you own the property..is there a mortgage on it? Is it in a protected area? Do you want a stand alone system or one thats grid tied? After considering the above you will need at least a 5Kw panel array..around 20 panels and a 10Kw power wall storage system. If you opt for grid tied you will be limited to the array output.
Good answers here
I suppose the only question is - - - how long before they break even
if you get an AB answer -" foo what break even den - we never asked that, dunno Miss, ask head office...." show the m the door
Suppose installation - is £3000
You then have to estimate how long they last ( 10y perhaps) - even 100 y pvc windows only last 20y.
then to break even you need to SAVE £300 a year
most dont
but you feel good
sozza to be a party pooper
I suppose the only question is - - - how long before they break even
if you get an AB answer -" foo what break even den - we never asked that, dunno Miss, ask head office...." show the m the door
Suppose installation - is £3000
You then have to estimate how long they last ( 10y perhaps) - even 100 y pvc windows only last 20y.
then to break even you need to SAVE £300 a year
most dont
but you feel good
sozza to be a party pooper
1 to 17 of 17
