alcazar

iTrader: (2)

We had some fitted yesterday, just in time to catch the higher tariff.

We paid for the fitting, so we own the leccy we generate.

Now: how do I maximise my investment?
Do I use as much leccy as I need to during the day? Or export it and use my leccy at night?

I'm unsure how to make the most of this.

scud8

iTrader: (1)

Unless you have an export meter fitted it will be assumed that you are exporting 50% of what you generate. You should therefore try and use as much of it as possible - so have your washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher on during the day rather than at night.

Chip

Yep, use your leccy during the day making use of dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier etc during daylight hours.

What size system have you got Jeff, I had a 3.68Kw/h system fiited in Nov and am about 10% more on generation than anticipated. Best investment around if you can afford to do it.

Chip

Chip

Check out:

http://www.navitron.org.uk/forum/index.php?board=7.0

Lots of info on there.

Chip

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Owing to the fact that our roof has FOUR slopes, and a set of two Velux windows on the SW face, we could only fit in 9 panels.
Had the windows NOT been there, we might have got 12 in. I don't think 0.75kW is a huge loss and like the windows, I use the loft as a room for my toys, small lathe, milling machine etc
That gives us 2.25kW.

We have apparently generated 12 units today alone.

Plus the inverter is in the house's coldest room and gets quite warm

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

Jeff showed me the system earlier and I was very impressed. It's certainly not an eye sore and I only wish I had the funds for a similar set up albeit on an east/west roof. Good value for money IMO on the better tariff!

speedking

How would that work then

scud8

iTrader: (1)

12 units yesterday is good going - I only got 13 units from my 3.6kW install. Where are you - south of france?

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Nah, I wish.
Sunny Scunny.

It was OK this morning, but veiled cloud, duller this afternoon, we got another 6 units, up to now, with half an hour or so daylight left.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Sorry, not a very clear post, was it?

I meant, should I use the stuff I generate during the day, or export all of that and connect to the grid at night?

I have the answer now. Thanks.

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

How much did it cost to install in total?

zip106

Do you lot realise that the sun's going out soon..?

Chip

I'm going out soon as well, to the pub

Chip

Alcazar,

The suns out , tell the Mrs to get the washing in

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Not here it ain't. Dull as fek.

We are producing, though, so yes, a load is on. Yesterday saw TWO loads* and the dishwasher, neatly spaced

*Youngest home from uni with a bagfull of washing.

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

I've never seen so many white t-shirts Jeff

Chip

My system was about £11k

Chip

molko

anyone know of any reputable firms in the Preston area.

Look to get PV a west facing roof....only really want to cover the costs of the leccy bill which is around £800 a year ! What sort of kW would I need meet that target ?

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Mine was £6500 fitted.

The higher tariff has now ended: any systems fitted now will get 21p/unit. It's due to drop to 12p too

My bro-in-law was in first and gets 63p/unit

How much you make depends on your installed power, most are around 3kW, but 4kW systems are round here too.

Then, your supplier assumes you use HALF what you supply. So your payback is:

Units supplied x 0.5 x price per unit.

Then add to that the REDUCTION in your leccy bill.........which could be quite a lot. I've done THREE washes and a dishwasher load this week since mine were fitted, all free.

Chip

Molko,

Check out the energy saving trust website.

Chip

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Sunshine, YAY!

And just in time for the match, too ........

andy97

iTrader: (1)

4kw @42p per unit
So £1.68 per hour generated. Lets say 10 hours a day (generous) =£16.8 a day
£6500/16.8=386days to get return. Even you had half that generated 2 years to get your investment back.

The payback period seems to good to be true! Ignoring repair costs etc

I've not heard anybody saying that they are making plenty on these solar panels

Chip

Where do you live, in the Maldives or something?

A 4Kw/h system should if South facing generate on average approx 9.70 KW/h per day giving a tax free income of £1700 per year which will include the FiT , electricity savings and export of excess electricity giving a payback time of approx 6 years.

andy97

iTrader: (1)

My calcs were done on the back of *** packet taking some averages.

However taking your workings 6 years seems a bit optimistic and there no mention of maintenance or replacement costs. I suspect it would nearly double the time to break even. Maybe not for the ones who got in first, but the lower tariffs offered now make it dubious to me.

Chip

My calcs were based on the 43p tariff.

Suresh

PV is a great way to scam the taxpayer and fill your boots. Unless the Governnent reneges on agreements and scraps the FIT.

Chip

Correct