Free Solar Panels.

[needawin]

Anyone any experience of the "free solar panel installations".
Now advertising in N. Ireland.
What pros and cons. What is the catch. There is nothing for nothing in this life!

[bednobs]

1)do you have enough roof space
2)does your roof face the right way
3)you are usually only leasing them space on your roof, but have to sign up for a certain amount of years - if you want to sell your house during this time you are pretty buggered

[Buenchico]

The big problem might come when you try to sell the property:
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-2130985/RICS-warns-house-hunters-buying-homes-free-solar-panels-fitted.html#axzz2Jghtm5Js

[Buenchico]

Further to my post above, some real-life stories here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2012/mar/23/solar-panels-dim-mortgage-prospects

[EcclesCake]

The issues raised by Bednobs and Buenchico are valid but there are other things to consider.

The benefit you will gain from the panels is maximised if you are home during the day, you will get free electricity when the light is good enough and you are drawing power. So if you are out at work most of the time you will get minimal benefit unless you time your washing machne/tumble drier/dishwasher to come on during the day (and it is a bright day).

[Kathyan]

We paid to have ours installed. The benefits are far better. We now hardly pay anything for our electricity. Apparently the free ones only benefit the company who installs them.

[needawin]

There was a full page advert in the "Belfast Telegraph" newspaper advertising the free solar panel installation.
I applied to be considered and was told that I was not eligible as Belfast was too far North. You couldn't make it up!!!

[EcclesCake]

Don't worry to much needawin, I got leafleted by a company offering conservatories.......I lived in a first floor flat!

[tali1]

I'm puzzled by the sale problem- surely the solar panels are a benefit to the property and increase the value ? and could be passed to new owner as condition of sale?

[sandyRoe]

We don't get a lot of sunshine here in NI. That would be one drawback.