Solar Panels

IronGiant

Correct to a point, but I estimate we have used 1000 of the 1300 units generated since the end of June.

And with no commitment the more energy prices go up the more money I save.

I'm in for the long haul.  For absolutely no sweat off my brow. When electricity is £10 a unit in 10 years time and I'm on my £9000 a year pension I'm sure 1000 free units a quarter giving me £40000 of free electricity a year will be more than hardly worth it.

AudiophileUk

I do agree with this, with energy prices only set to rise it will only become more beneficial.

IronGiant

And of course if prices rise massively you may get your money back in a lot less time than predicted

Philly112

Just an update.
Because of some shading issues, we will now be limited to a 3kw system. But we have been recommended the Solar Edge inverters. These are micro inverters attached to each panel which feed into a main inverter. So each panel operates independently and the effects of shading from say a tree are greatly reduced compared to a single or twin string system. We'd probably never have more than one or two panels shaded at any one time, but under a conventional system that would knock out the whole array. For a large portion of the day there would be no shading on any panels, but I was very worried about morning and evening shade.
My main problem with all the people I have seen is that I am getting conflicting info. And I thought buying a TV was difficult.
But these micro inverters do seem to be a pretty good idea.
Time do do a bit of Googling.

Phil

AudiophileUk

tricky, I did read about diodes to switch off panels in shade... we have varying shade but am paying to have the rather pretty silver birch removed, seems like it will be worth while in the long run.

I know inverters are quite an expensive item if they fail...something to consider.

IronGiant

Not heard of those but they sound interesting for a shaded set up. Any idea what they cost?

I gather that your inverter will almost certainly fail within the next 25 years but it is anticipated that by the time it does they will be cheap to replace.

Philly112

We I have been quoted £9500 for a 3kw LG system, and £11.5kw for a similar but better Sanyo system. These mini inverters are not expensive, and actually have a 25 year manufacturers warranty. The main inverter has a 12.5 year warranty. The two go together; Solar Edge call it a power optimisation system.
Of course, this is pretty new technology and the first one installed in the UK was in Jan 2011!
So I need to do some digging I think. One advantage is that each panel can be monitored separately. A geeks delight.
But I would be worried after say 5 years and one breaks. The company has gone bust - what do I do then?
So some issues but it doesn't look overly expensive.
Phil

IronGiant

Thanks Philly.

Philly112

No problems. I am at age where I want to supplement my pension. So the 25 year FIT looks good to me. I just don't want to throw my money away. I'll keep the thread informed. But my gut feeling is to to go with the Solar Edge technology. If it goes belly up... Well, it's only £11k
Cheers
Phil

Smurfin

The only other thing to consider is whether the manufacturer themselves will be around in 25 years...