Who is doing all the installs?

[SolarCity]

I was speaking to a PV installer in our wholesalers earlier today who claimed that as much as 75% of all the installs carried out in April were done by rent-a-roof firms. I asked him how he knew this and he told me that he had been told by someone at MCS. I don't know how true this is but if it is true then we have got major problems.

If the industry has only managed to convince 25% of all the installs done in April that paying for solar is a good idea, then we really are going to be struggling.

Solar can work at 21p so why aren't the public going for it?

 

[Somecamel]

I don't doubt this one bit- The Rent a roof brigade are back on the Radio in my area pushing free solar.

On a side note, I was approached by a company that wanted me to market it for them but I don't have the concious to do it.

 

[solarsavings]

Solar can work at 21p so why aren't the public going for it?

Because of the stinking lying government we now have. This lot told/tell more lies than the last lot, how the hell is that possible?

 

[SolarCity]

I hate the way that they avoid straightforward questions. Greg Barker ignores any straight questions about PV.

 

[grandfortune]

Well i know of a group of people with 200 million to invest looking for installers

 

[moggy1968]

I'm very suprised the rent a roofers are still going given their reduced rate

 

[Somecamel]

I'm not- Prices are down and returns are back at what they were in November

 

[moggy1968]

but they aren't even getting 21p are they?

 

[Somecamel]

With my 4kW quotes I'm coming in with Returns on SAP of 15%, even if they are losing 20% of the FIT, it still makes sense for them.

They caused this mess in the first place and they're the ones that are still coining it in

 

[Earthstore]

but they aren't even getting 21p are they?

Only if they are doing up to 25 installs I believe.
My guess is there are now a lot of small rent a roof companies, all with 24 installs.

 

[mogga]

If the industry has only managed to convince 25% of all the installs done in April that paying for solar is a good idea, then we really are going to be struggling.

Solar can work at 21p so why aren't the public going for it?

I wouldnt "go for it " due to a number of reasons
1 I like my roof looking like it was designed to look
2 the government issue and their moving goalposts
3 If I go to sell the house will it add value or be seen as just another fitting ( how will money side work if,when I move)

 

[sedgy34]

PERCEPTION of the consumer is the problem they think irts not worth bothering with only the rich people in the city making more money by long term investment FREE SOLAR
we followed a couple of leads up last week, they said on the phone OHHH ITS NOT FREE THEN they are and will kill the industry

 

[Eco Deal]

With my 4kW quotes I'm coming in with Returns on SAP of 15%, even if they are losing 20% of the FIT, it still makes sense for them.

They caused this mess in the first place and they're the ones that are still coining it in

wow thats a great ROI are they your prices?

 

[Somecamel]

£7400 for a 4kW at the moment

Edit:- Tempted to put them up though, ridiculous return to be fair and they're not even selling at that

 

[snowhead]

I wouldnt "go for it " due to a number of reasons

1 I like my roof looking like it was designed to look
2 the government issue and their moving goalposts
3 If I go to sell the house will it add value or be seen as just another fitting ( how will money side work if,when I move)

Exactly my thoughts as well, I wouldn't touch it.

And I wouldn't buy a house with it on.

In 10 years time, maybe.

 

[sambotc]

Thats still a 12% return at 16p and under 10 year payback

or 11% and 13p and 10 year payback

Plus hopefully the prices coming down will open up a bit more of a margin for the installers once/if the uptake increases.

so it is perfectly viable long term and more affordable to the majority (and not just the retired lot who won't even be around in 25years!)

It's persuading the customer it's a safe place to put their money thats the hard part. Maybe everybody should be slightly more upbeat about it on the public forums as well as it doesn't help raising confidence! (not being funny)

 

[timo1]

I thought solar was no longer worth it (not really knowing anything about the industry) until it was explained to me that the investment is still the same i.e initially a 4kw system 10 - 12k to fit, now the same system can cost you half as much which makes your return more or less the same. May seem overly simplistic but would convince me. I had no idea that there was a 25yr guarantee on some panels - I still think there is a lot to offer a customer.

 

[sedgy34]

Thats still a 12% return at 16p and under 10 year payback

or 11% and 13p and 10 year payback

Plus hopefully the prices coming down will open up a bit more of a margin for the installers once/if the uptake increases.

so it is perfectly viable long term and more affordable to the majority (and not just the retired lot who won't even be around in 25years!)

It's persuading the customer it's a safe place to put their money thats the hard part. Maybe everybody should be slightly more upbeat about it on the public forums as well as it doesn't help raising confidence! (not being funny)

its the 10 yr payback thats the killer now

 

[moggy1968]

no reason why it shoiuld be though. 10 years is reasonable. It's the Governments stated payback times I'm dreading!!
Also I don't know how long the industry can support these prices, a number of manufacturers have gone under recently. I know the market is bigger than just the UK but the manufacturers seem to be discounting themselves to death (except the chinese maybe!!)

 

[sedgy34]

you try telling a potential customer that