PV still worth it ?

[Powerhouseelec]

I'm an electrician and have fitted loads of PV systems up to 4 Kw with a company I used to work for. I m looking at doing PV now I'm self employed but is there still money to be made at it, enough to warrant spending the money on PV test kit and MCS ? The other thing is what do I need to get MCS accredited? I'm already Part P and am confident on the install side so would I need to get a Qualification in PV ? What other costs are there to get going ?

 

[SolarCity]

It's quite expensive to get going and it takes a hell of a lot of time to get your paperwork in order.

A LOT of firms have ceased trading so that should tell you a lot about the how the industry is.

 

[jason121]

I have been told this that 30 companies a week are leaving the industry with around 10 new companies signing up a week. Most likely going for the RHI.

 

[Worcester]

The market has changed significantly, yes there is still a domestic sub 4kW market place, though a lot of it will bve new build rather than reftrofit. We are seeing a lot of established electrical contracting firms get MCS certified so that they don't have to pass the work on...
If I was an electrciian starting out on my own, would I get MCS certified?
a) Not to build a business with PV as the core.
b) If I was planning to do new build work with local builders, then probably yes, though I wouldn't rush at it! - The more strings you have to your bow the better.
c) If I was just looking to earn a living as a 'jobbing' electrcian, I'd do the C&G 2399 course, though probably not go as far as getting MCS certified.

 

[Octopus]

Sorry to come in with this curved ball, but as a primarily a domestic installer what is stopping me adding PV to my own home?

 

[Gavin A]

Sorry to come in with this curved ball, but as a primarily a domestic installer what is stopping me adding PV to my own home?

nothing.

If you want to get the feed in tariff payments though you need to be MCS certified / work with an MCS certified company for the installation as no MCs certificate = no feed in tariff payments.

 

[Powerhouseelec]

Thanks for the responses, I was only really looking at it as a side line. Id still de doing the normal stuff, its just ive been asked a few times and its a shame to turn work down. on the other hand is it worth spending the money on MCS etc for a couple of jobs a year.

 

[Worcester]

Perhaps consider building a relationship with a local installer, so that you do the sparks job on those 'leads' that you pass to him, and get yourself work, and maybe an enhanced day rate as a small commission?

If a local sparks approached me that way I'd not turn them down .

 

[Octopus]

nothing.

If you want to get the feed in tariff payments though you need to be MCS certified / work with an MCS certified company for the installation as no MCs certificate = no feed in tariff payments.

Thanks mate, you never beat about the bush with your input. Useful to know. That said no money at the moment to install!

 

[Gavin A]

Thanks mate, you never beat about the bush with your input. Useful to know. That said no money at the moment to install!

been pulling 15 hour days this weekend getting a commercial job done, no time to beat about the bush.