Why is Solar so Great?

[KDM]

Helms - rubbish.

So, what alternatives are typical? On eh installation I saw, HELMS was how you see what you're generating.

...their oil figures were based on anecdotal evidence ...

Ah, yes. The old 40% saving on oil because I would heat the water in the tank off the PV rather than the oil.

 

[SRE]

You could read your generation meter which will be next to your consumer unit, if you get an SMA inverter you can download software and read it with bluetooth, pay between £60 and £150 for an extra gadget to monitor your generation on a portable meter (quite useful if you're nerdy about things like that) install an Immersun for around £500 on top of your installation - this is much better than the Helms stuff. You need to find a decent installer near you - it takes time but keep looking

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You could read your generation meter which will be next to your consumer unit, if you get an SMA inverter you can download software and read it with bluetooth, pay between £60 and £150 for an extra gadget to monitor your generation on a portable meter (quite useful if you're nerdy about things like that) install an Immersun for around £500 on top of your installation - this is much better than the Helms stuff. You need to find a decent installer near you - it takes time but keep looking

 

[HandySparks]

So, I've seen enough similar evidence to suggest that these PV installations will pay for themselves, although it might take 10 years rather than the projected 5 years. The question still remains: why are there not more of them?

Solar PV isn't like most other 'investments'; you can't readily sell the asset and get your capital back. So, using your figure of 10 years, you're really only making 'profit' in year 11 and onwards, whereas most other investments produce growth or interest from year 1. It's more like an annuity, really; commit your capital and get an income in return. Many people don't want that level of commitment to such a long term 'investment'. I'm not saying it's wrong for everyone, but it needs proper consideration, especially if you have to borrow to fund it.

 

[AndyOz]

KDM

First up I have nothing to do with the solar industry/trade.

I do however have a 4kW system on my roof.

My advice to you would be spend time reading this forum, I wish I had before having mine installed. Undoubtably I would of ended up with a better system. Think of it as an investment for the next 25 years.

 

[Gavin A]

This is all good stuff. One concern is that a neighbour who got it done was generating 200W yesterday because NI ain't the sunniest of places. The figures were difficult to accept, but the salesman insisted they were pessimistic.

I'm trying to justify why this might be 3-5K more than other installers. Do all systems come with HELMS and thermostatic monitors on hot water tanks, temperature sensors in living rooms and remote monitoring / control?

Will all this kind of gubbins be helpful or not?

it's 3-5k more because you're being ripped off, pure and simple. I really can't work out how to put it across any clearer, and don't understand why you're still confused about the concept.

tell this company to do one, then do some research and find a decent quality installer who will charge a sensible market rate for a decent quality solar PV system, then ask them if they offer any extras and what price each will be - it will not add up to 3-5k.

 

[KDM]

This site has been the most useful and credible source. Much moreso than the sales pitch. I haven't got 11.5K to spend on a car - I'm not about to spend it on something I don't understand!



I know that at least one of you is worried about my mental health. Just for a bit of clarity, I'm in no hurry to sign. First thing I did was to get on the web, find the Tesco price then find a forum to help me explain the price difference. This thread is part of my research.


I'd come to the conclusion that, with a 75% yield due to the alignment of our property, take a 50% hit because half the time the sky is grey, a 4kW system is really a 1.5kW generator. With an optimistic 10 hours sunshine a day, that's 15 units a day. That seem to align with the findings of TedM and SRE above.

With our ROCs that's about £950/year. I haven't even counted the money I won't be spending on electricity or the amount I should be able to sell back. Break even on a £7K installation in a little over 7 years. The important thing for me is that in the meantime, the money isn't sitting losing value in an ISA.


I can't see HELMS saving me 40% on oil. I know how long my home takes to heat up and cool down and we reprogram the timer every month or so anyway. I think a better investment would be a valve on the hot water tank to prevent the OFCH heating it up in the first place. Still researching at this point. I've got it from several sources that HELMS is a gimmick.


I'm convinced that PV works with ROC/FIT, but without that, I can't see it paying for itself in under 25 years.


Simples. (I think.)

 

[Gavin A]

sounds about right, but don't worry about it not paying for itself without ROCs, that's what they are there for, and unless you're planning to DIY then there's no reason you won't get them as long as you go with an accredited installer.