PV Microgeneration - The first two months (NLC)

[David]

Has anyone tried photovoltaic micro generation systems? It seems that the sums are stating to add up with a 25 year guaranteed 'feed-in' tariff making storing energy no longer and issue with solar power. Some case studies in Central Scotland are averaging 7 units per day http://scottish-sunbeams.blogspot.com/2 ... point.html Any thoughts?

[r055]

I think the Feed-in tarrifs have now been disbanded for any 'new installations'
We had a rush across our estate to get all of our Proposed PV-panel installations approved by a date (last year I think) - Cant even remember what date it was - I still cant believe we're nearly half way through May 2011!!!

[David]

I think the Feed-in tarrifs have now been disbanded for any 'new installations'
We had a rush across our estate to get all of our Proposed PV-panel installations approved by a date (last year I think) - Cant even remember what date it was - I still cant believe we're nearly half way through May 2011!!!

Interesting This might tie up with what I was told this morning that the tariff was only available with REA approved suppliers. But it is worth asking the right questions before going any further.

[r055]

i'll have a word with our Energy guy who was putting all of the projects forward...

[Mikem7709]

FIT payments are still available guys.

System has to be installed by an MCS accredited company using MCS approved products. Rate for new installations is set at 43.3p/unit (index linked) for 25 years, for domestic homes with upto 4KWp systems. This rate is valid for installations fitted and registered by 31st March 2012, after that it reduces to 36.xp for installations registered after that date.

For a company to have approval they need to be registered with REIGA or REAL.

Feel free to PM if you want more details.

[David]

Well, having looked at the pros and cons, I decided that it there's never going to be a better time to do this. So a 4 kWp system went on the roof today.





It is east facing so didn't expect much when it was switched on at 4.30pm - but 1KW was quite pleasing to see and watching the meter disc go backward put a smile on my face !

I'll post periodically to let you know how the figures and and economics work out - I've still got an open mind.

[rossybee]

Off-topic I know, but that installer-chappie has exceedingly ginger hair.

/as you were

[mckeann]

what happens when the local scrotes see it and start lobbing bricks up there????


/lives in bo'ness faction

[Corranga]

Off-topic I know, but that installer-chappie has exceedingly ginger hair.

/as you were

That is something else. Remember the old Ready Brek adverts?

[pete]

Very interested to hear how you get on...

[Doc883]

Well, having looked at the pros and cons, I decided that it there's never going to be a better time to do this. So a 4 kWp system went on the roof today.
It is east facing so didn't expect much when it was switched on at 4.30pm - but 1KW was quite pleasing to see and watching the meter disc go backward put a smile on my face !
I'll post periodically to let you know how the figures and and economics work out - I've still got an open mind.

So what's the cost of a fitted 4 KWp system and how many years before you recoup your investment and break even ?

[rossybee]

Off-topic I know, but that installer-chappie has exceedingly ginger hair.

/as you were

That is something else. Remember the old Ready Brek adverts?

Yep, but I was thinking more Russ Abbott

[David]

So what's the cost of a fitted 4 KWp system and how many years before you recoup your investment and break even ?

Well, it depends on your site but you could get a DIY setup for £10K (no FiT tariff) or about £14K for a fully commissioned FiT system. I did my calculations based on a similar house in Bearsden which, in the last year (April to April), averaged 7 units a day. So 7 x 365 x .43 = £1098, plus £39 fed to grid - so cash back pa = £1137 (they got a cheque). But they also saved buying 2555 unit at 13p = £332 so total savings were £1469. So you can expect to get about a 10% return on your money (index linked) and this will only improve as power costs go up. That's £38,000 over the life of the tarrif.

No one knows how long they will last (10 years seems realistic), but you could afford to replace the hardware twice in the life of the 25 year tariff and still be £10k in pocket. Really is a 'no brainer' at the moment. The government plan is to reduce the FiT tariff (annually) on new systems as hardware prices drop and energy costs go up. So the early adopters will get the best deals.

Edit:

Example power generated in a west facing, 3.8 KWp system in Central Scotland

[graeme]

That's a neat install David. Who did it, and would you recommend them? Thanks.

[DaveJ]

I had a 3.8KW system installed 42 days ago, and to date it has generated a healthy 760 KWh. That's averaging 18 KWh a day, so that's a very healthy £326 in 42 days plus just under a £100 in electricy savings. I am South facing so do get the ful benefit. East coast in Fife which also helps.

I had it supplied by British Eco (Scotland) and can highly recommend them. Only took a single day for the full install.

Dave