Getting quotes for solar pv - but what panels are decent

[SolarCity]

Just a thought on micro-inverters/optimisers:

We recently replaced a Solar Edge optimiser on an install where the original installer ceased trading. It cost the homeowner our labour and a scaffold erection to rectify it. He has 15 other optimisers on that install - each of them at risk of failing in the future. Replacing these can be expensive.

We will only install these as an exclusion to our warranty. Simple fact is, we cannot afford to erect a scaffold every time a Solar Edge optimisers fails - which they demonstrably do.

Margins are too small now and if Solar Edge can't support their product better - by including labour and scaffold under their warranty - then they simply are no longer an option.

 

[series530]

Just a thought on micro-inverters/optimisers:

We recently replaced a Solar Edge optimiser on an install where the original installer ceased trading. It cost the homeowner our labour and a scaffold erection to rectify it. He has 15 other optimisers on that install - each of them at risk of failing in the future. Replacing these can be expensive.

We will only install these as an exclusion to our warranty. Simple fact is, we cannot afford to erect a scaffold every time a Solar Edge optimisers fails - which they demonstrably do.

Margins are too small now and if Solar Edge can't support their product better - by including labour and scaffold under their warranty - then they simply are no longer an option.

I agree, any individual component comes with risk of failure and provision needs to be made. In our case, like anybody else, the solar panels are on the roof and subject to the same risks as any other panel. I deliberately specified having the micro inverters inside the roof space and easily accessible. I got written confirmation from the micro inverter manufacturer that they were rated for usage inside a roof space. Finally, I specified an insurance backed guarantee so as to provide some third party coverage in the event that my installer ceased trading.

A good installer who has longer term customer satisfaction in mind in addition to costs which would be attributed to him in the event of a call out will consider risks and counter measures at the design stage and price the job accordingly. A pile high sell cheap installer will not. Sadly though, the public is easily seduced by cheap pricing structures and this works against the advantages and costs of good up front design. In some ways, the public get what they deserve.

In my case, being an engineer by profession, I am seduced by the technical design and longer term pay back of the system and not simply by a cheap upfront cost. A few share my approach to capital purchases but so many people simply see the financial bottom line at the point of purchase and pick the cheapest.

 

[FB.]

I saw a house for sale on Rightmove about a week ago (now sold) and it has solar panels in a curious layout that detract from the look of the property (IMO) - see picture 16.

4 bedroom detached house for sale in Holly Bush Way, Linton, CB21

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[series530]

I saw a house for sale on Rightmove about a week ago (now sold) and it has solar panels in a curious layout that detract from the look of the property (IMO) - see picture 16.

4 bedroom detached house for sale in Holly Bush Way, Linton, CB21

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I have to agree! I cant help but wonder why the majority of the panels were not arranged in a line along the base of the roof. I also hope that there is sufficient clearance along the bottom so that rainwater reliably finds its way into the guttering system.

 

[Worcester]

Bet they didn't spilt it into two strings for the portrait and landscape panels as well...and they probably paid well over the odds for it ...