Solar panels

[watervole]

We're having solar panels fitted by Home Sun.

The scaffolding went up yesterday and the panels are due to be installed on Monday.  Richard's busy clearing the loft today so that they'll have access.

This is one of these schemes whereby we get the panels fitted for free.  We get the electricity, but Home Sun get all the feed in tafiffs, etc.  We pay them £5 a month for maintenance of the panels (if our roof was big enough to take 16 panels, then there would be no maintenance charge).

I'm expecting us to come out ahead by at least a fiver a month, but I'll let you know how it works out over time.  I'm intending to do sensible things like only using the washing machine when the sun is shining (which is handy for drying in any case).

I'm going for the free panel option for two reasons.  1.  We couldn't afford to buy panels at present.  2.  As the company makes its profit from the subsidy on the electricity we produce, they have a clear motive to only install panels if they can make a profit.  In other words, they won't sell us panels unless our roof is suitable and it's in their interests for the panels to work well for many years.

Comments

[coth.livejournal.com]

This is on my list of things to investigate this summer. I will be interested to see how you get on.

[watervole.livejournal.com]

The scaffolding firm they use were careful (minimised damage to the back garden) and courteous and arrived within five minutes of the time they said they would.

[j-lj.livejournal.com]

We looked into this type of scheme but were not keen on the wayleave agreement. Giving away your roof to another party and could have it's problems if you ever want to sell and move home.

I think if we were to get panels on the roof we would buy them and take advantage of the feed in tafiff.

Last time we looked into pannels we could not get planning permision so we did not take the project any futher. Luckly the rules have changed for the better since then.

Please keep us updated on how this goes.

[watervole.livejournal.com]

We've been here 30 years and expect to be here for the rest of our lives, so we weren't concerned about the issue of moving. Though I don't see a problem unless someone wanted to convert the loft - and our loft is too low to get planning permission to be a room anyway.

[vjezkova.livejournal.com]

Congratulations! This is what I would like to install on our roof too. Unfortunately, our present situation is not the best and it has to wait. Funny, lots of tiles on the roof went three days ago during a strong wind, we called a specialist and he announced that our roof is doomed and needs a very fast exchange. Easy to say with the debts on our hands...
Stil, we will manage together!

[watervole.livejournal.com]

"Funny, lots of tiles on the roof went three days ago "
Ironically, lots of tiles...

"needs a very fast exchange" needs replacing rapidly.

That sounds like a horrid expense when money is so tight for you already. Thank goodness you aren't on your own.

[vjezkova.livejournal.com]

Yes, "tight money" is very adequate.
Thank you for your kind help again!
BTW we had a meeting with someone who would possibly buy some cattle and some machines - this would be perfect!

[watervole.livejournal.com]

Fingers crossed.

[pinkdormouse.livejournal.com]

I'll be interested to read how you get on.