Solar

[zakajhan]

probably been asked previously------new to answer bank. just had leaflet re solar panels from a shadergreen.Anyone experience of firm or had solar panely advice needed

[KARL]

I already have thermal solar panels (vacuum tube type) for heating water and the house and have absolutely no regrets - they are very good and effective. I have considered but rejected the prospect of photoelectric panels for electricity generation because the annual output (in the UK) is likely to lead to very long periods for recouping the initial cost - elsewhere it is a better proposition. Photoelectric panels are currently a bit of a fashion item promoted by enterprises who make a living from them but I feel that with current technology and cost they are marginal at best in terms of the financial equation. If you want to support "green" energy then that is a different matter.

[zakajhan]

I h no idea what you mean are there different types of panrls

[Buenchico]

This Law Society article might be relevant:
http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/advice/articles/the-pitfalls-of-solar-panels/

[Buenchico]

>>>are there different types of panels

Solar panels have been around for years. (I had a friend who had them on his roof in the early 1970s). Those original types simply transferred the heat to water in the house, either just as a hot water supply or (more usually) as part of a central heating system. That type of solar panel remains available and that's what Karl has got.

The more recent types of solar panels are designed to produce electricity which can be used within the home (or fed back into the grid for payment). Those are the ones that are currently being widely promoted but, as my link above shows, there are some pitfalls to be considered.

[KARL]

Yes, there are panels that work a bit like a central heating boiler but use the rays of the sun for heat instead of fuel. The other type uses solar rays to generate electricity, rather like, say, solar powered gadgets such as calculators, path/garden lighting, etc.

[Zeuhl]

As chris's link says; beware roof leasing deals

I'm currently considering a deal with CJ Solar of Norwich for my house on the Sussex coast.

It is an outright sale for £9995 which (even allowing for finance which they can facilitate if required thru Barclays) seems to provide a reasonable pay back from Day 1, based on daylight estimates for the south coast and allowing for usage 50% and export of 50%

[zakajhan]

thanks for input from everyone did not realise implications of leasing roof

[BRIGHT SPARK]

IMHO....dont do it.