Not good DECC figures

[mdovey]

Really can not quantify what is happening ...or is not happening. Last year when is was almost double the price there wasn't enough hours in the day, this year it's half the price with same if not better return it's not selling.

I think it is a mixture of four things:

i) the pre-Dec dash, and the pre-April mini dashes will have pretty much resulted in anyone considering solar either having gone ahead or made a conscious decision not to bother. It will take time for demand to build again
ii) the EPC rating has reduced the potential customer base
iii) the mass media coverage concentrated on the FIT being halved (time to recover the initial outlay being doubled, return on investment being halved etc.). There hasn't been similar coverage on the falling prices so many will still think in terms of 18-20 years before the FIT can cover the initial outlay etc.
iv) the sudden dramatic drop in prices could seem to many either to mean that the solar industry was significantly over charging before (which doesn't encourage trust in the industry), or the current prices are just not sustainable (which doesn't encourage faith that the company will still be around when you get your first FIT cheque)

 

[ktech]

Greg is a horse. Like most of the government far too rich to care.

 

[dazzapsj1]

This horrible (normal nasty party) Tories do not have to be in bed with the Murdochs any more, because they have been in bed with the big 6 Energy Companies for the past year. You place your vote you gets your choice, please learn everyone, the Conservatives are for the Rich and Powerful not the likes of us. Rant over.

 

[Earthstore]

I have just read that the USA are going to spend $1b on a Ghost town so they can try out new technologies, from automated traffic lights, self flushing toilets, cars that drive themselves etc etc, Maybe Barking will come back with some good ideas, well surly he must have one in his career that is lawful....

 

[ktech]

Hi mdovey, the EPC as far as i'm concened is a complete paperwork game. Let's consider it: 4kw south facing puts 1 band on a south facing roof. We are just completing a 11kw install on a barn and it has absolutely no reason at all. Complete waste of time.

The sudden dramatic drop in prices, from our point of view, would be from reduced material cost and not employing dedicated sales 'people' and subcontractors.
The whole strategy of a business that provides a quality service with longevity has been lost due to the very bad handling of this whole system, in my view.

 

[SRE]

Really can not quantify what is happening ...or is not happening. Last year when is was almost double the price there wasn't enough hours in the day, this year it's half the price with same if not better return it's not selling.

I recon put the prices back up to 12k for 16 panels...people obviously think its too cheap!

It's nothing to do with ROI or cost. The public are totally confused - simples!

Those installers who can afford to ride the next few months out will be ok as the market stablisies next year. Those who don't understand the market, have no other business or funds will last a few more weeks/months and then fold because of the ridiculous prices being bandied around. No-one can work from a business plan selling 4kwp for 6.5k in today's climate unless you have a huge firm with loads of teams working on a stack em high sell em cheap principle and I don't know of a single installer who can do that.
How on earth will you manage in the winter months when there's no work and how can you service warranties if you've gone bust because your pricing didn't take into account slower periods and government cuts.

 

[ktech]

Hi Earthstone, if Greg is visiting a Ghost town I thing He should spend a little longer there to experience the pleasure.

 

[Earthstore]

It is not built yet, they plan to start it in June, it is going to cover 15sq miles, sorry I should have put city, not town...

 

[FB.]

As I said on another thread, a few major things may be causing a lack of interest:

1.
Frustration at having "missed out" on 43p.

2.
The threat of the withdrawal of 43p FiT brought many of 2012's purchases forward to November 2011.

3.
I hear that the rent-a-roofers are aggressively marketing - offering £200 comission to those already on the scheme for introducing new customers.

4.
Most people (including me) are wary of paying quite a lot of money to a company which they haven't dealt with before.
Worries such as:
Will the company run off with my money?
Is the company adequately qualified/trained/certified?
Will the company meet deadlines?
Will the job be done well?
Will the system work well?

 

[finchy]

Have you looked at the companies his gone out their with ! One of them is really suspect kiwipowered ... Read about the business just can't see how/who pays them is it a nice government contract handed out too ex hedge fund I mates ...and a jolly up in Texas - yah har !!

 

[ktech]

Greg Baker - not a clue - just enjoying the trip me things.

 

[ktech]

We employed 4 teams of 3 people last year (pre cut) =12. Now employ two people. Go figure

 

[FB.]

....and regarding my point 4 above (from earlier):

The company which did mine didn't let me down or disappoint me and the system has been functioning well, without any problems (and as a former scientist, I have been monitoring it quite closely).

So I would be happy to recommend the company to family or friends (but they aren't getting free advertising on here so I am not naming them!).

Because I have been happy with my system over the last several months, it gave a relative the confidence to deal with the same company.
Their installation was completed yesterday - and, again, it was a nice tidy job; excellent.

So now both myself and a relative would recommend the company. In fact, the company have my permission to give my email address to any prospective customer who would like to ask me a question.

Word of mouth from satisfied customers counts for a great deal when it comes to inspiring confidence. I expect that my word of mouth and that of my relatve will probably generate at least another couple of sales for the company.

 

[ktech]

Hi FB, I agree that word of mouth is an excellent advertisment. So why not do it publicy?

 

[moggy1968]

guys come on, this is a public forum! whats with all the business sensitive info!

If people are cutting their profits so slim that profit on an install can very quickly turn into a loss. One day delay due to bad wether, unexpected materials costs, panel broken in transit. very quickly your into a loss.