Solar Panel - The Figures, any thoughts?
Thinking of Solar Panels, but need to hurry it along as we have scaffolding in place by builders and they're just finishing the job. Also tariff goes down end of December.Considering SP to offset electric usage, underfloor heating and such.
Total fit and supply charge (minus scaffolding) - £4,620.42
11 x 300W panels
https://www.avforums.com/attachments/figures-png.946391/ Hi @Dancook
A few things to consider if it isn't too late data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7
Solar panels are great as long as you go into them with your eyes open, so here is a list of things to consider data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7
1)Treat all figures (bar rate paid) with a pinch of salt. Assumptions are made on future electric units rate that may or may not be true (certainly hasn't been true for me in the past 3 years)
2)Unless you have people in the house during the day (or a way to use or store that energy generated) then the savings to your bill will be minimal. I have battery storage and the best i have done so far is cover 65% of my elec bill for the year (99% in summer mind data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7).
3)Be careful of supply the scaffolding, you will get a saving for the install BUT if it collapses etc they will hold you liable as you provided it (as far as they are concerned).
4) have a look at different panels as not all panels are equal, Panasonic panels are smaller than most but with a higher watt per panel than most, Benq panels are standard size but have a very high watt per unit etc, not saying change them only that look into them to see if less panels with a higher output is cheaper or if it is worth paying slightly more for the same number of panels but more watts being produced.
5)Have a look at things like heating your hot water cylinder via the elec produced. Unit costs around £300 and brings a nice gas saving (assuming you have a cylinder or would be interested in fitting one)
6)you can also buy monitoring devices like the Elios4you, its a nice toy, but far from a must buy, but it can be useful in certain setups.
7) consider the mounting system for the panels, integrated cost more but has it advantages.
Lot and lots to consider data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 I decided today not to go ahead with it.
I do work from home, and the house idles at around 600 watts with PC, lights, fridge, freezer etc..
I originally thought it could help bring down the cost of running the underfloor heating, however now that I'm more aware of what the UFH is doing I know it really won't.
UHF runs high for short time, then stops when at temp. It'll most likely be on during cold months where there's less sun - so all in all not a scenario suited to solar panels. If you have the budget then take a look at wind generation, far higher feed in tariff and plenty of wind in winter when you need the power the most, not much use in summer mind data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7
Would love to add a wind turbine, but they cost a lot more than solar data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 Domestic wind power only really works in wide open spaces. The energy saving trust did a study on this and I believe it showed only coastal areas were best for domestic wind power. ^ or on exposed hill-top sites. Yes that's correct. I was reflecting on more urban settings. There are calculators and advice on the Energy Saving Trust website. You can also get free advice from their renewable experts. In Scotland you can ask for a home visit not sure what the situation is in England and Wales re home visits as the funding of the service is devolved. Electric ufh must be a tremendous waste.... The idea should be that one puts low grade say 35degree heat into the slab continously. As such it is a natural with either an electric heat pump or a condensation type fossil fuel boiler.
A wind turbine is only feasible in very windy locations say farms or coastline.
A thermal solar system might meet your needs better. They are out of fashion now but are reliable, mine is 10 years old now needs a small bit of antifreeze every couple of years,and always makes some contribution to the heating of water 100%. Over summer monthsand lesser amounts over the winter. If your ufh is water based then the solar can be linked into it..
Pages:
[1]