Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some quotes

[Gavin A]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

'don't pay a deposit'?

well that'd be us out then. No way I'm fitting even £6k of kit to someone's building that I don't know without at least getting 50% upfront. It's asking for trouble IMO.

 

[Earthstore]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

I keep trying to help but I feel I am going around in circles here, the barn roof is 99% certain to be asbestos, also it will fail structural survey, yes, I have seen the photos of the structure.

So to quote for fitting a set of panels is pointless, and you need a whole system, not just a set of panels.

 

[exon16m]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

I do appreciate your help but you are the only person who has said that. I have taken the photos to 4 different companies at the South of England show this weekend and they were all happy with box section perlins at 45x80 mm spaced at 1400mm apart. I have a few inspections booked in this week so will await the full verdict. If it cant be done so be it but I will at least try.

 

[Earthstore]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Have a structural survey done, that will tell you who is correct, it would only cost around £100-£150, so a very small cost and it would protect your investment of £1000's, also you would be covered by your insurance if you do this correctly.

 

[exon16m]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Thank you I will look into this, all the companies I have spoken to have said they would be doing this as part of the installation. The barn has also been Surveyed by an agricultural surveyor who reported it to be in good health6-12 months ago.

 

[exon16m]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

EPC Done and ok, have managed to get into the price range I hoped for the installation with large firms torn between two.

What are the views of:

Canada solar panels and Aura one power inverters

Vs

Mitsubishi panels and Fronious inverter

 

[Gavin A]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

surely you've not got a quote of 6k for mitsubishi panels?

not that they're necessarily any better than the next, but they were eye wateringly expensive last time I looked, for no particular reason that I could see. I guess they must have seen sense and cut their prices.

both inverters are good inverters, but in a barn I'd want to make sure you got the outdoor version for the aurora

 

[babba]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

If someone offered me a 4Kw system for 6K I would run away and thats on a concrete pantile roof.

 

[exon16m]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

both on check a trade have between 100-200 reviews and score nearly over 9.5-perfect 10 from their customers (not sure if you can make this up? and reporting bias).

mitsubishi panels were a bit more of a premium extra £1.5k over the installation.

what are the views of the panels

1) are they "good"
2) is it worth the extra to go for mitsubishi panels

 

[SolarCity]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Have they checked voltage levels and the cable supplying the barns? Have you made sure you can get the full tariff on both installs?

Mitsubishi - overpriced. Canadian Solar - budget panel. No worse than Canadian Solar.

Aurora or Fronius. It depends. What model of Fronius inverter is it? Do you have any shading?

 

[exon16m]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

One new cable being run in. Other is up to the job. I have been assured as they are two separate addresses and meter numbers should not be a problem to be on the same roof and one person can have 10 feed in setups attached to them at different addresses?

power one - pvi-3.6-TL-OUTD (although it will be inside its own separate enclosed shed)
Fronius - IG TL 3.6

No over shade on this roof.

So nothing much in the panels both of a "good" quality ???

 

[SolarCity]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Not much to choose between the inverters. The Fronius will probably give you a slightly higher yield as it is slightly more efficient and will possibly be wired entirely on one string.

Not a lot to choose between the panels in terms of quality in my opinion. If you tell me the pitch of your roof and orientation I will run both setups through PV Sol and see which yields the most.

If you're on a TT system then make sure you have a good enough earth. Also, it would be a good idea to get a voltage check done. If it is high then you may get problems.

 

[sedgy34]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Asbestos roof! 6k for Mitsubishi Install
your heading for a massive fall see you later when your back on here saying is there anyone near me to sort my problems out please my systems don't work!!!!! The company I used were 9 out of 10 on Check a trade now they have had my money and they are 9 out of see you later!!:auto:

 

[exon16m]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Not much to choose between the inverters. The Fronius will probably give you a slightly higher yield as it is slightly more efficient and will possibly be wired entirely on one string.

Not a lot to choose between the panels in terms of quality in my opinion. If you tell me the pitch of your roof and orientation I will run both setups through PV Sol and see which yields the most.

If you're on a TT system then make sure you have a good enough earth. Also, it would be a good idea to get a voltage check done. If it is high then you may get problems.

thank you for your offer:

Roof is 20-25 deg and in a SSW orientation no shade if the angle makes a difference in that range I can remeasure and work the trig.

both are using a separate ring fenced account and are with the REA and assure me protected. Deposit is low and happy if I want to pay on credit card for the deposit so 2x protected.

Not seen the TT abbreviation what does this mean

 

[SRE]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Exon16m - it seems you have done well. You've taken all the expertise on the forum for free and then screwed the installers that charge more because they bother to understand what they do rather than provide a "wham bam thank you mam" system that your original installers were going to provide you with.

I for one won't provide you with free information, I'm as keen to help out as the next person, but as many say without a site survey it's almost impossible. I'd suggest you go with an installer who knows what he is talking about rather than finding the cheapest and then taking the knowledge from the forum to make sure the cheap installer does it right, it's a recipe for disaster unless you're a pv spark - in which case you'd be installing your own, possibly on the forum providing your hard earned support to other customers and installers :wink5:

 

[sedgy34]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Post 53

 

[exon16m]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Exon16m - it seems you have done well. You've taken all the expertise on the forum for free and then screwed the installers that charge more because they bother to understand what they do rather than provide a "wham bam thank you mam" system that your original installers were going to provide you with.

I for one won't provide you with free information, I'm as keen to help out as the next person, but as many say without a site survey it's almost impossible. I'd suggest you go with an installer who knows what he is talking about rather than finding the cheapest and then taking the knowledge from the forum to make sure the cheap installer does it right, it's a recipe for disaster unless you're a pv spark - in which case you'd be installing your own, possibly on the forum providing your hard earned support to other customers and installers :wink5:

Thats sounds a bit bitter, I am not going to resort to a defensive retaliation but I can read between the lines of your post.

Forums are a way communicating with each other, of spreading knowledge and helping each other out using expertise and experience. I am a new member of this forum but most forums are driven by the pleasure others receive helping people out. It would appear others on her are more in tune with this, and are not mealy picking up leads.

In this market of poor customer knowledge and quality variation there is high risk for the customer. Customer satisfaction, confidence and experience is the difference that separates sellers.

If I had the time I would look through you other posts on other areas of this forum and see if this was a one off comment or if you fit more into the sales only catogory

Thank you to all those who are / have helped me by sharing their wisdom

 

[Earthstore]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Maybe I should not offer my advice as you choose not to listen, but hey, what the hell do I know about PV?

Have you had a structural survey carried out, also are you having a specialist Company to drill the asbestos, and the legal scaffolding requirements are very different for your type of roof, as to having two systems on different MPAN's there are legal reasons why this may not be possible.

Do you know how easy it is to get a good score on check a trade, best you ask watchdog on that.

I am done here, but I do agree with SRE..,.

 

[babba]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Thats sounds a bit bitter, I am not going to resort to a defensive retaliation but I can read between the lines of your post.

Forums are a way communicating with each other, of spreading knowledge and helping each other out using expertise and experience. I am a new member of this forum but most forums are driven by the pleasure others receive helping people out. It would appear others on her are more in tune with this, and are not mealy picking up leads.

In this market of poor customer knowledge and quality variation there is high risk for the customer. Customer satisfaction, confidence and experience is the difference that separates sellers.

If I had the time I would look through you other posts on other areas of this forum and see if this was a one off comment or if you fit more into the sales only catogory

Thank you to all those who are / have helped me by sharing their wisdom

I think a lot of people on here have given you good honest advice and you are taking their advice the wrong way. You only have to read back the thread and the wealth of information and time given to you. The truth is not always what you want to hear.

 

[SolarCity]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Okay, from the Canadian Solar option with Power One inverter for your location I get a yield of 3,650kWh

For the Mistubishi option with Fronius IG TL 36 inverter, I get a yield of 3,590kWh

To be honest, at a price of £6k I'd be very worried on a straightforward domestic install. For that price on your install I would say there must be something rotten in Denmark.

TT means Terra-terra and it is basically a description of your earthing arrangement. You will find that you have a high external impedance on this kind of install which means that they are often not a good idea for transformerless inverters.

One last thing I would mention is that you shouldn't underestimate the value of a good survey with a good design.

 

[exon16m]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

I think a lot of people on here have given you good honest advice and you are taking their advice the wrong way. You only have to read back the thread and the wealth of information and time given to you. The truth is not always what you want to hear.

I have been listening 100%, which part do you feel I am not listening to or taking the wrong way? I have had 5 local people out to quote on site all have returned in the 12-15k range. I have ensured the quotes are with licence asbestos companies safety equipment and a structural survey will be undertaken before hand.

again I was not expecting to be attacked for asking for equipment advice. thank you to those who have helped me.

 

[SRE]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Thats sounds a bit bitter, I am not going to resort to a defensive retaliation but I can read between the lines of your post.

Forums are a way communicating with each other, of spreading knowledge and helping each other out using expertise and experience. I am a new member of this forum but most forums are driven by the pleasure others receive helping people out. It would appear others on her are more in tune with this, and are not mealy picking up leads.

In this market of poor customer knowledge and quality variation there is high risk for the customer. Customer satisfaction, confidence and experience is the difference that separates sellers.

If I had the time I would look through you other posts on other areas of this forum and see if this was a one off comment or if you fit more into the sales only catogory

Thank you to all those who are / have helped me by sharing their wisdom

You said it yourself - you're just not prepared to pay for customer satisfaction, confidence and experience. You appear to want the Rolls Royce experience for the Lada price.

Sales category :rofl: I am however, happy to add you to my client list for consultancy but I suspect you're not happy to pay my prices.

 

[exon16m]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Okay, from the Canadian Solar option with Power One inverter for your location I get a yield of 3,650kWh

For the Mistubishi option with Fronius IG TL 36 inverter, I get a yield of 3,590kWh

To be honest, at a price of £6k I'd be very worried on a straightforward domestic install. For that price on your install I would say there must be something rotten in Denmark.

TT means Terra-terra and it is basically a description of your earthing arrangement. You will find that you have a high external impedance on this kind of install which means that they are often not a good idea for transformerless inverters.

One last thing I would mention is that you shouldn't underestimate the value of a good survey with a good design.

Thank you very very much that was really useful.

I have not gone with the cheapest 6k quote as the equipment offered was not "very good" imho and they appeared to be on their last legs trying to off load.
I am looking at slightly more £6750 inc all extras.

 

[SolarCity]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Thank you very very much that was really useful.

I have not gone with the cheapest 6k quote as the equipment offered was not "very good" imho and they appeared to be on their last legs trying to off load.
I am looking at slightly more £6750 inc all extras.

£6,750 inclusive of VAT? Out of interest, how long is the cable run and what size cable are they using?

 

[exon16m]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

You said it yourself - you're just not prepared to pay for customer satisfaction, confidence and experience. You appear to want the Rolls Royce experience for the Lada price.

Sales category :rofl: I am however, happy to add you to my client list for consultancy but I suspect you're not happy to pay my prices.

To take your car analogy further, Would I buy a skoda over a VW (a skoda in a dress) then yes I would. Would I buy my Skoda online or pay dealer price YES. Would I buy a LADA no. I am sorry you find me frustrating I am a awkward customer I know what I want and what I am prepared to pay for this.

 

[exon16m]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

£6,750 inclusive of VAT? Out of interest, how long is the cable run and what size cable are they using?

I am lead to believe VAT is minimal on domestic installation? but yes inc

One is already there and ok for 4 kw and the other will be required

 

[SRE]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

I know what I want and what I am prepared to pay for this.

I beg to differ - you don't know what you want otherwise you wouldn't be on the forum. I agree, you do know what you're prepared to pay. You keep a car for 2 - 5 years if you make a mistake it's easy to sort. You're talking about a 40-50 year investment for less than the price of a car you'd keep for 3 - 5 years.

 

[SolarCity]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

I am lead to believe VAT is minimal on domestic installation? but yes inc

One is already there and ok for 4 kw and the other will be required

Well it's about £330 which is a pretty hefty chunk.

What size is the existing cable? And what length? The reason I ask is that volt drop is a big issue with PV systems and it is regularly misunderstood.

Also, is the cable supplying other circuits in the barn?

 

[exon16m]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

I beg to differ - you don't know what you want otherwise you wouldn't be on the forum. I agree, you do know what you're prepared to pay. You keep a car for 2 - 5 years if you make a mistake it's easy to sort. You're talking about a 40-50 year investment for less than the price of a car you'd keep for 3 - 5 years.

I do know what i want "a good quality installation using good equipment" I needed advise about what makes a good installation and what is good equipment which is why I approached this forum.

I keep cars (I love Cars) and always look at them as a long term item and ensure I buy the best quality I can afford but with cars I know what quality is and where to look for problems.

I appreciate I started looking for a price but then realized it was more complex story which is where the advice side fitted in.

 

[sedgy34]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Thats sounds a bit bitter, I am not going to resort to a defensive retaliation but I can read between the lines of your post.

Forums are a way communicating with each other, of spreading knowledge and helping each other out using expertise and experience. I am a new member of this forum but most forums are driven by the pleasure others receive helping people out. It would appear others on her are more in tune with this, and are not mealy picking up leads.

In this market of poor customer knowledge and quality variation there is high risk for the customer. Customer satisfaction, confidence and experience is the difference that separates sellers.

If I had the time I would look through you other posts on other areas of this forum and see if this was a one off comment or if you fit more into the sales only catogory

Thank you to all those who are / have helped me by sharing their wisdom

Only you is going down the cheapo road, anyone can take the advice from the forum but your not using a forum member someone who cares. You mentioned 2 big company's they don't normally care so you will be on your own with them.

 

[exon16m]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Only you is going down the cheapo road, anyone can take the advice from the forum but your not using a forum member someone who cares. You mentioned 2 big company's they don't normally care so you will be on your own with them.

Sorry I have bitten.

Thats fine, I am sure you also get offered two items that are near identical and you always choose to pay an extra £2k. Installing has given you a different prospective on the money, please may I be your shopping advisory and take a 2k commission on your next few purchases then my perspective of money may change also.

 

[SolarCity]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

To be fair, Exon, there are plenty of customers that come onto this forum worrying about the quality of their install - there are a plenty of poor installers out there.

I like to think that our service is of a high standard. To install at the prices that you have been quoted I would have to cut corners - it is as simple as that and I can't see any good reason why it should be different for anyone else.

Of course, it may well be the case that you have hit a bargain and the firm is preparing to carry out an immaculate installation.

 

[sedgy34]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Exon

Listen to what posts have been put on here the 6k quote is to cheap simple as tthat pal there is even asbestos to deal with which you can't get sorted cheaply and I don't need to have anyone on board cause we don't carry anyone either but thanks for the idea.

Just to add we are all mcs registered operatives on this forum and have paid thousands to be in the right situation to offer our services, if you have questions to ask go back to the 2 compnays for the advice as 1 or the other will be doing your installation for you

 

[whinmoor]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

Following the thread with interest. I don't want to get drawn in but I will simply say that we've never done a "simple" domestic 4kWp installation for under £7k and we're in the north. It's difficult to believe that your job with its many additional complications can be done that cheaply without cutting corners both with regards to quality and safety. The installation company needs to make some sort of profit otherwise it won't be around to honour its warranty!

 

[sedgy34]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

As I've said in other posts big company's come and go within months
us here are finding we are picking up the peices from others who have disappeared.we want the full installations not the crappy putting it right jobs

 

[exon16m]

Re: Barn installation needed 2x4kw on same roof ? asbesto in Sussex area need some qu

so for completeness of this post. Systems are up and running and has made 660kw each over last 45 days (I am sure some will tell me that is poor) but I am happy and the cost was a little over 6k per system. (looks like tesco are offering the same price also now). again thank you for the support and help offered.