[Help] Solar panels

[Norman Potting]

Thinking of getting them. 1970's build detached house standard type so can't envisage installation issues but is it worth doing?

Detaiks of your views and experiences welcomed.

 

[GT49er]

Depends how long you expect to live there (or if you're over a certain age, just how long you're going to live!)

 

[BensGrandad]

There are a number of Government schemes so that you do not have to pay for the installation.

 

[Goldstone1976]

There are a number of Government schemes so that you do not have to pay for the installation.

Pretty sure these have all been discontinued as the price of the panels have been declining. You do however get a 20-year deal whereby the energy companies will pay you X p per KWh (x ~4). Over 20 years you get the cost of the installation plus a small bit extra.

 

[drew]

The tariffs you get back have gone down over the years. We were lucky enough to get ours in 2011 so still get a good return (£800 for the last qtr) but our installation was a lot more expensive back then. That said, the tariffs paid for the system within 6 years. The advantage is that you pay for hardly any electricity during the day so can do tumble drying, washing etc at those times. You can also get devices that, when you're not using the electricity you generate, it switches the power to an emersion heater. I know someone who has this and has had his hot water boiler on for about two years. Systems are also more efficient.

Make sure you get three quotes. That said, we did and ended up going for a fourth company on a recommendation as they were based in Burgess Hill. Very pleased with their service.

 

[Couldn't Be Hyypia]

Really comprehensive article from money saving expert. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/free-solar-panels