Solar Panels

[Bramleyboy]

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.

[dannyk13]

Some info here:-
https://www.thegreenage.co.uk/7-things-you-need-to-consider-before-installing-solar-pv

[gingejbee]

If you know nothing about them, you really need to get clued-up....

https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/solar-panels/article/guides

[Fitzer]

Also, search to see if your council offers 'Solar Together' which is a group buy scheme which can reduce the cost by up to 30%

[dannyk13]

This may be worth your scrutiny:-

https://gridtrade.solarpanelfunding.co.uk/g-h2b/?gc_id=253267618&h_ad_id=537553708747&marketingterm=solar%20panels%20grants&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIooOypeDS-AIV4YBQBh11iwHmEAAYASAAEgJx6fD_BwE

[Tuvok]

We have had panels for years. We get money - but I the Feed-in Tariff for new applicants has been replaced with

https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/solar-panels/article/smart-export-guarantee-explained-at2wh8b519s2

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://pmpl.co.uk/selling-a-house/selling-a-house-with-solar-panels/

Make sure that YOU own the panels, YOU get any payment and that you are not leasing the panels/roof.

[Ryzen]

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.

[barry1010]

Do you intend staying in your house for the next 10 years at least?

[Peter Pedant]

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

[barry1010]

Do the panels need cleaning?

[Fitzer]

"Do the panels need cleaning?"
They recommend once a year, my window cleaner reckoned no problem with his long brush/hose thingy (only had mine since Feb)

[barry1010]

Crikey, my house is very tall, no hope of cleaning anything on the roof with an extended pole, even getting my gutters cleared out is a palaver

[barry1010]

Oh heck
https://www.myjobquote.co.uk/costs/solar-panel-cleaning-cost

[Tilly2]

If you do install them, make sure that you also have pigeon proofing installed at the same time. Pigeons get under and build nests and over time the resulting mess is...a right mess!

Been there and done that. :-)

[barry1010]

The pigeons love sheltering behind my chimneys, their coo-coos reverberate all round the house, blerdy things

[Karamia]

Are there any dangers with all these heatwaves we seem to keep getting now?

[Atheist]

If you live in a terraced house, there is a possibility that next door might build a roof extension which would block light to your panels.

[barry1010]

Good point, Atheist