2 properties, 1 array

[Reggie]

Hi all,

I've been asked to quote for a system where the array will span the whole roof space of 2 semi detached properties. The same guy owns both properties and rents out next door so he owns both roofs. All the electricity generated will be fed in to the house he lives in. The guy says he has no intention of selling the property next door and that even if he did he knows he would have to get a solicitor to sort it all out but I'm worried I'm missing something. Any thoughts?

 

[mbe]

i dont see any problem at all ,if he owns both houses do it .

 

[Reggie]

Thanks mbe. I keep mulling it over and can't think of a reason not to do it but something just doesn't feel right. I can't even think which of the regulatory bodies we belong to that I should check with. I happened to be speaking to another solar installer in the wholesaler yesterday and he said no, don't do it but couldn't give me a good enough reason why, just that the homeownerw would have problems if he ever decided to sell, but surely that's his problem not mine?

 

[bumcrack]

No problem if his name is on both meters.
suggest to keep it tidy he connects pv to his occupied property.

 

[Reggie]

Thanks for the advice. The customer is quite happy that he may even have to remove the whole system if he ever decides to sell the property but I was wondering whether there are any regulatory issues. I've been through all the documents that you have to own and read as a condition of MCS and there is no guidance for what is a very specific situation. Maybe I'm just over analysing it but this other installer seemed quite sure he wouldn't do it and it's made me doubt myself.

 

[solarsparkie]

I dont think there is an Issue, think free solar he just needs to place a notice on property B ( about £40 ) granting property A a 25 year lease of roof

 

[Somecamel]

Is this 4kW spread across 2 roofs? If not- just split it- won't be that more expensive to just treat as two separate installs.

 

[Reggie]

Thanks for the thought Somecamel. It's only a 3 kW system. The owner also wants to get the benefit of the electricity generated. If there was a good reason for not putting the array across both roofs then he may well consider it but his first choice would be to do one system. I'm quite sure there's not a technical reason why I shouldn't do it and I was thinking I'll get the customer to sign something that says he understands that if he chooses to sell the property he's aware that he'll either have to lease the roof from the new owner (unlikely as new owner will not even benefit from cheap electric) or he'll have to take it down. That way I get to cover my backside if he has problems when he sells.

 

[powervan]

i cant see y he woudnt treat as 2 sep! ie prob get better kwp ie he can (if space 4kw) on each roof! get both tarrifs into account) win win but if he ver sels house WHAT a selling feature if included it in property!! show them the reduced electricity costs plus returns!! put ££££££ on the house!! so he get best of both worlds if he did sell!! not got long to get perm from DNO though if next door but U WOUDNT HAVE A PROB ANYWAY!! 3.69kw to make sure! ive done a house i rent out in somerst and my own place 2 x 3.3kw )) pension!!!!

 

[Reggie]

The problem is that the only roof space available is above a dormer that spans the whole frontage of both properties so we're looking at one long row of 12 panels, just not enough space for 2 x 4kw systems. Powervan, would you have a problem with doing the one system? Most feedback on here seems to suggest we just go for it?

 

[powervan]

no no probs !! like u say its all down to space and cost but in long run would 2 x2kw be a wiser investment as previously mentioned! 25yrs FITS on 2 properties is more fav for resale point of view and yes he has no plans on selling but WHO knows what happs in future!! as we have all seen!! but hey ur fitting so its not ur issue!!!

 

[Somecamel]

Ask the guy if he plans on still owning next door for the next 25 years?

 

[malcoa]

go for it, if he wants it changing in the future if he sells then its a bonus, well your not going to do it for free .

 

[solarsparkie]

Man you have to think like the customer , he wont get the same on 2 installs as he will have to pay tax on the 2nd one , like i said earlier he needs to lease the roof space from 2nd property if he isnt selling then he can draw this up himself " or copy one from a free solar company end of discussion

Hi all,

I've been asked to quote for a system where the array will span the whole roof space of 2 semi detached properties. The same guy owns both properties and rents out next door so he owns both roofs. All the electricity generated will be fed in to the house he lives in. The guy says he has no intention of selling the property next door and that even if he did he knows he would have to get a solicitor to sort it all out but I'm worried I'm missing something. Any thoughts?