'free' solar panels - things to look out for?

Deadringers

Your bit in bold there...so true!

My Uncle thinks about when he will put on the washing machine, dryer etc or any appliance which uses lots of energy and make sure it is during the day so you are using the electricity generated by your PV panels.

Solomon Grundy

I think this technology needs to get cheaper, like plasma TV's were so expensive when they first came out.  I will wait and let other people pay for the development costs of the technology before jumping on board.

imightbewrong

Agree with that - not seing returns that much better than a risk/hassle free rate in the bank - especially if you need to think about when to turn things on.

Are they covered on house insurance if they blow off in a gale or get fried by lightning?

FZR400RRSP

The below report (which was one I read before) suggests otherwise.


Solar panels: a tax-free return of 10pc pa - Telegraph

djcla

so does the system not store up the electric then i.e. so you can turn the lights on over night i would ideally never want to use mains again.

imightbewrong

So a 10% return is a >saving< of £1000 per year on the electricity bill?

signs

No, my understanding is it goes back into the grid .




i wonder how easy they are to knick ?

imightbewrong

I think I'm probably confused about whether you get paid for the surplus - some posts suggest you do, and some suggest the opposite ('being careful to turn things on in the daytime')

Is there an official FAQ somewhere?

Solomon Grundy

Gypo's stole THIS at the weekend plus a load of lead from churches no doubt, so I am sure they'd have no problems with a couple of solar panels if there was a value in it!

imightbewrong

My final negative point is - you are betting these things are either going to work until they have paid for themeselves and more, or the company your warranty is with will be around long enough.

We had new windows and doors put in by a 'reputable' company three years ago and they already don't exist anymore.  Not too much of a worry with windows but with new tech you are putting on your roof?

Or is there some external backing?