Solar Panels

[Bold Seagull]

Serious question, if you have solar panels fitted, and a little while later you need a new roof, do the panels need completely refitting?

The panels are basically bolted to brackets that are secured against the rafters. You would simply unbolt the panels, but could leave the backets and the wiring while the roof is redone. Once done you would bolt the panels back to the brackets.

 

[pipkin112]

The panels are basically bolted to brackets that are secured against the rafters. You would simply unbolt the panels, but could leave the backets and the wiring while the roof is redone. Once done you would bolt the panels back to the brackets.

Ok, thanks.

 

[Pretty pink fairy]

Had ours since Oct 2011 and have earned £3.5k as we got in just before the tariff dropped and that is on a South West facing roof. Had we been directly south then it would have generated even more. Electricity useage is down as well by 20% so total saving over the period is just over £4k.

As for aesthetics, do they look any worse than a menagerie of satellite dishes and aerials over the roof lines?

YOU HAVEN'T SAID HOW MUCH IT COST TO INSTALL IT and the projected time scale to pay for it energy companies will move the goal posts on tariffs when ever they fancy it
regards
DR

 

[drew]

YOU HAVEN'T SAID HOW MUCH IT COST TO INSTALL IT and the projected time scale to pay for it energy companies will move the goal posts on tariffs when ever they fancy it
regards
DR

To keep you happy. Cost £10k so based on current returns, repay in 5 years however that doesn't take into account that it will be quicker if energy prices go up over the same period and also the increase in tariffs over that period. FIT contract is for 25 years and it's not the energy firms that pay the tariffs, it's the government. Or to be more precise, you. As for the amount of the tariffs, these rise each year in line with RPI. There is a gradual reduction in efficiency of the panels over the period but I'm reasonably comfortable that I'm better off with them than without.

 

[Willy Dangle]

Can you put them on a flat roof dormer (loft conversion)?

 

[symyjym]

Like these you mean?

View attachment 49607
View attachment 49608

That looks pretty smart, I have also found this type

 

[Vegas Seagull]

Just my opinion, but I always think they look horrendous on houses. I don't really see why they can't make them to look more like roof tiles.

Not just yours, estate agents say they knock £50k odd OFF the value

 

[Pretty pink fairy]

To keep you happy. Cost £10k so based on current returns, repay in 5 years however that doesn't take into account that it will be quicker if energy prices go up over the same period and also the increase in tariffs over that period. FIT contract is for 25 years and it's not the energy firms that pay the tariffs, it's the government. Or to be more precise, you. As for the amount of the tariffs, these rise each year in line with RPI. There is a gradual reduction in efficiency of the panels over the period but I'm reasonably comfortable that I'm better off with them than without.

fair comment , JUST WATCH OUT FOR FAULTY PANELS AND METERS THAT DON'T FUNCTION PROPERLY
regards
DR

 

[Uncle C]

or, they might be very desirable when the leccy bill is a few £'000 a year.

The point I am trying to make is that the development of panels is moving at such a pace that the current massive panels will soon be obsolete technology. Then you are left trying to sell a house where the new owner may not want the dinosaurs on his roof.

 

[Pretty pink fairy]

The point I am trying to make is that the development of panels is moving at such a pace that the current massive panels will soon be obsolete technology. Then you are left trying to sell a house where the new owner may not want the dinosaurs on his roof.

bit like mobile phones
regards
DR

 

[Lincoln Imp]

Solar panels will be the stone cladding of the next generation.

No, that's uPVC double glazing.

 

[Uncle C]

bit like mobile phones
regards
DR

Exactly.

 

[pauli cee]

Not just yours, estate agents say they knock £50k odd OFF the value

would probably just unbolt them for a grand or so, if that was the case.....

 

[Barrel of Fun]

Forgive my ignorance, but would it be possible to become self-sufficient from solar panels (I know there are lots of variables to that question)?

 

[hybrid_x]

in England?

pfff.

The gov will own your roof FOREVER.

You will have to give the power to the grid, then buy it back....at a little discount...wooOOoo.

Total scam and so many fall for it.

In a different country tho, its another matter.

The key is not so much the panels, its the intelligence and effeciency in the regulator/charge controller.

 

[drew]

in England?

pfff.

The gov will own your roof FOREVER.

You will have to give the power to the grid, then buy it back....at a little discount...wooOOoo.

Total scam and so many fall for it.

In a different country tho, its another matter.

The key is not so much the panels, its the intelligence and effeciency in the regulator/charge controller.

WTF do you mean by the government owning my roof? I own the roof and I own the panels. Worse case scenario would be the government breach their contract to pay me my tariff. If that happens after I had them for 5 years then they have already paid for themselves and I still get free electricity during daylight hours.

 

[Was not Was]

Solar panels will be the stone cladding of the next generation.

Yeah, bloody stone cladding generating £500 income a year - no wonder everyone ditched it.

 

[Bold Seagull]

Yeah, bloody stone cladding generating £500 income a year - no wonder everyone ditched it.

 

[symyjym]

Forgive my ignorance, but would it be possible to become self-sufficient from solar panels (I know there are lots of variables to that question)?

You're right there are lots of variables, but you would need to go the whole hog and use energy efficient appliances. Instead of having a 42 in TV and desk top PC you could just use a tablet, and for lighting use LED. You would also have to stop using your hair dryer, curling tongs and hair staighteners.

 

[Pretty pink fairy]

WTF do you mean by the government owning my roof? I own the roof and I own the panels. Worse case scenario would be the government breach their contract to pay me my tariff. If that happens after I had them for 5 years then they have already paid for themselves and I still get free electricity during daylight hours.

they'll reduce the tariff just like they've already done from their original figure by how much who knows , you sound possessive by the way
regards
DR