Common Pitfalls and advice on buying a Solar Photovoltaic system

moggy1968 · Mar 23, 2012

likewise, no deposit no commitment.
Had one guy wanted ownership of title on all goods after paying his deposit. I'd taken him on trust and already ordered the stuff on a verbal agreement when he sprung that on us, amongst other things. He obviously thought he had us over a barel as we had the kit. deposit didn't even cover the cost of the kit. I walked away from it. It was my first job and nearly put us under. If it had gone bad it would have done for us.
lesson learned, always take a deposit, goods are delivered to my premises and only taken to customers premises on day of installation. Never order anything until contracts are signed and cooling off period has elapsed. We're a small company, one bad job could do for us so I have no intention of leaving myself exposed.

jupestar · Mar 24, 2012

we normally have everything in stock. but regardless no way i'm lifting a finger till deposit is paid. they gotta be sure.

provr6 · Mar 24, 2012

From a customers point of view, I missed out on the orig Dec deadline because the few companies that could accommodate the install wanted between 70 and 80% of the total cost before they install.

Like you guys I don't want to get ripped off either and don't trust someone I 've never traded with so decided not to accept their terms. They wouldn't either accept credit card payments so I would at least have some protection.

2nd time round I dealt with firm who worked on 25% deposit and payment on completion. Credit card no problem. Which I think is more realistic.

moggy1968 · Mar 24, 2012

70-80% is a breach of the REAL code
you are allowed to ask for 25% initially. You can then ask for upto 65% of the total depending on certain conditions.
during the rush I did warn people I may have to ask for additional deposits upto the 65% but in fact we managed to get through on 25% deposits (actually also against the REAL code as the money was used to pay for systems not ringfenced as it should be, but it was either that or people didn't get their installs!)

provr6 · Mar 24, 2012

moggy1968 said:
70-80% is a breach of the REAL code
you are allowed to ask for 25% initially. You can then ask for upto 65% of the total depending on certain conditions.
during the rush I did warn people I may have to ask for additional deposits upto the 65% but in fact we managed to get through on 25% deposits (actually also against the REAL code as the money was used to pay for systems not ringfenced as it should be, but it was either that or people didn't get their installs!)

TBH it was more like this, a 2 stage payment. The fact is the customer still pays about 80% of the total before having any work started or even having possesion of the panels. I know there is a deposit protection scheme, but that is only good if the installer puts it in it. I asked one installer what proof do i get that its been deposited, he said none, just my word.

I know there are a lot of reputable firms out there, but there are also some unscrupulos ones (not saying he was or wasn't - just didn't want to take such a big risk with someone unknown to me).

moggy1968 · Mar 24, 2012

still only allowed to ask for a max of 65%
I would question why a company would need 80%. most reputable firms have credit terms (although these were removed by most suppliers during the rush which is what caused some cash flow issues) and should be able to carry it, if not why not? You certainly have to protect yourself and I would say 25% deposit provides an adequate balance of risk/security for all concerned.
BUT
you wouldn't just hand several thousand pounds over to anyone calling at your door so sheck out the company's credentials first

Eco Deal · Mar 24, 2012

SolarCity said:
Suntech, Linuo, UpSolar, Yingli? Are there many panels that are actually better than these? Personally I don't think so.

Have any actually failed to deliver?

Top 10 World's Most Efficient Solar Pv Modules (Mono-Crystalline) | Solarplaza | The global solar energy (PV) platform

Yingli 9th !!!!!! we sell loads of Yingli all performing great

Glen Powell · Mar 24, 2012

Cannot really take any of these polls seriously as they seem to all contradict each other.

Earthstore · Mar 24, 2012

I agree wiyh the above, I have looked at several different polls and they all seem to put panels in different orders, that said Sunpower are always top, and I am now in a position to sell them.
And the all black ones look superb.