wow, that hurt.... not looking forward to Christmas / New Year

Gavin A · Oct 1, 2015

Think I just clocked up 3 x 18 hour days and 2 x 15 hour days in the last 5 days getting a load of commercial installs connected in that needed site shut downs and connections after 11pm.*

First time in the office since about last monday....... and that's just the warm up act.

What's everyone's thoughts about the big one coming up then? Trying to work out how tight we can push our schedules without risking the liability of actually not getting projects finished in time.

I'm also starting to think I might be getting a bit old for this level of work and stress.

*not helped by certain supply related issues on jobs where we were labour only, but that's going to be the case come december as well I assume.

whinmoor · Oct 2, 2015

A couple of slightly quieter weeks ahead with no weekend work...well maybe some paperwork but no physical stuff.

But, it's all going to kick off soon judging from the number of enquiries recently. News is spreading and it seems that people are finally getting off the fence. I'm not sure if Xmas is cancelled yet.

I've also noticed a few time-wasters recently. It's annoying to be told that you're the 5th or even 10th company to survey. I thought I'd shaken hands on a deal with a customer a couple of weeks ago only for him to renege and ask for a further discount the next day. I refused and drove past today to find that he hadn't had it done and had missed the Sept 30th deadline.

Another guy (Jon in Barnsley) came to us via this forum. He's going to get us, Gavin and another decent local installer (Phoenix Works) to survey. That's not ideal. Given the pressure on time in the coming weeks, I'd much rather be competing against the clueless, rip-off muppets of the industry....

SolarCity · Oct 3, 2015

It wasn't as frantic for us as it clearly was for others. However, enquiries have gone through the roof and every survey we have done seems very positive.

If this carries on then the next couple of months could be crazy. Like Gavin, though, I'm starting to feel a little old for it all.

Gavin A · Oct 3, 2015

I don't like it when I find out people are getting quotes from other decent companies either, feels like they're wasting our time as we'd all come up with a decent solution, do a decent job for a decent price.

Worcester · Oct 7, 2015

Saw that Ipswich Council has PULLED all future investment in solar and cancelled its current program (£10m) in case jobs not done on time, only those in progress now to be finished, no new ones to be started..

Gavin A · Oct 7, 2015

that's not good.

The Solar King · Oct 7, 2015

Sun Edison also pulling out of UK. This is after developing plans to go for commercial rooftop and social housing. Blamed decision of changes in Government policy. Well, there's a thing.

Should add that Sun Edison owned Mark Group based in Leicester, sold it and on the same day (today) it has gone in to administration with the loss of 1000 jobs. Main thrust of their activities under new business plan was solar PV as mentioned above. They had already been stuffed on insulation due to failure of Green Deal and ECO.

Someone said to me not long after I set up my business was the greatest risk was it relied on subsidies.......

Gavin A · Oct 7, 2015

mark group have gone bust?

wow, that kinda puts this into perspective.

whinmoor · Oct 7, 2015

Gavin A said:
mark group have gone bust?

Final paragraph of statement:

"Mark Group is now in the hands of administrators who are working to secure an urgent sale of the ongoing business. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to get in contact as soon as possible."

More than 900 jobs to go at energy firm Mark Group | Central - ITV News

Sounds like a pretty risky investment in the current climate!