Anyone got free solar panels?

[solus]

A bit of a long shot I know, but I was wondering if any Wabbers have had free solar panels fitted on their roof? Our house has been deemed suitable but we are a little reluctant to sign any contracts before trying to find out from someone who has already got them about their experiences.

The basic idea is that we would be the "Landlords" and would "lease" the airspace above our roof for a period of 25 years [by which time we'll either be dead or in our early 80s!] and in return for free installation and maintenance of the panels we would benefit from (allegedly) reduced electricity bills as we would have the free use of any electricity thus generated during daylight hours. Any excess is fed into the National Grid and all benefits from that are reaped by the "tenant" company. Most mortgage lenders are apparently agreeable to this and there seems to be a "get out" clause for them should (God forbid!) we be repossessed. The "lease" is transferrable at no cost to a new owner should we sell the house - bearing in mind that some prospective buyers may be deterred by having half of the roof covered in solar panels. Then some'd probably be deterred by my lawn-free, plant-filled garden and the wildlife pond!

According to the solar panel company, many more domestic homes will have this system installed during the next few years under the Government's new Feed In Tariff scheme, for which this and future Governments are (so I was informed) tied in so tightly that it'd cost 'em billions to back out.

So.... has anybody been down this road before? It sounds a good idea but we are fully aware there is no such thing as a free lunch and we do realise that someone else will get the money from the surplus electricity sold to the National Grid but there is no way we could ever afford to instal solar panels ourselves and if our bills are reduced substantially that is no bad thing! (And that's from the selfish point of view, not taking into account the long-term environmental benefits!)

Please feel free to PM me if you do not wish to discuss your experiences on an open form.

Thanks!

[tom00_uk]

best to do your self if you can afford the initial costs as there is money in it if your in the right location, hence why there are national radio/tv and print adverts by companies eager to get on your roof.

You could also make money by selling the generation certificates to companies that are trying/claiming to offset, though personally they are best retired by you if you want true "green" power

[Gill Catton]

If I wasn't in rented accommodation I'd definitely go for it. Not just for the cheaper leccy bills but because I personally am a big fan of renewable energy and would use it all the time if possible!

Mum and Dad took their savings out of the account where they were getting no interest and bought into solar so instead of getting the interest they get cheaper electricity and money back for excess and it seems really good.

One thing is for certain seeing the little meter whizzing away on a sunny day is very satisfying.

[solus]

Originally Posted by tom00_uk

best to do your self if you can afford the initial costs

As I already mentioned in my original post paying for this ourselves is not (and never will be!) an option. It would take a decent sized lottery win and if we had that (unlikely, as they keep picking all the wrong numbers!) then we would simply pay off the mortgage and move elsewhere!

We are going to read all the documents and discuss this over the weekend, probably phoning the company for answers to any further questions that may arise but of course their responses will be biased towards their point of view. I just wondered if anyone here had signed up for this and how they were getting on?

[Hedera]

Interested in your situation - was reading a report in the DT today about the sales pitches etc of the solar panel firms being "dodgy". Over-estimating the profit to be made, which depends on the perfect roof position facing south and with no shady areas. The DofE guidelines treat Cumbria the same as Cornwall! Also the inverter would need replacing after 10 yrs or so costing £1k or more. They reckon you would save a third to a half of your bill by using all your panels. The Government generation tariff gives you 4.33p for each kw, guaranteed for 25 yrs tax-free and inflation proofed. If you sell spare kw that nets you only 3.1p each.
We were considering this solar method some years ago as some acquaintances had it installed and were very pleased. They still are using it after about 20 years or so, paid up by now.
Haven't seen any Free panels offered. Investigations are being pursued.

[solus]

Hedera - I have sent you a PM.

I've just had a look at the DT article online but the difference here is that no-one is asking us to part with money to buy anything so the Company involved will only install the panels in a location that stands to receive maximum sunlight - such as our south-facing, un-shaded rear roof. I know it's a good position - I get a lovely tan on the patio at ground level most summers! :-)

[solus]

Well, we went ahead and signed the contract, the mortgage company consented in record quick time and the panels are being installed on 11th August.....

[Boddie]

My old queen is getting these done but paying for the panels (not cheap either)

Sounded like a great deal when she explained to me.

[meinchewster]

i would be interested in looking into this further also. I have googled it many times but they all seem like a bit of a con.

Does anyone know the approximate cost of installing solar panels to run a 2 bed house? Of note we face due south so one half of the roof is always in the sun.

If we generated enough electricty to cover our bill then it would be well worth it in the long run.

[Boddie]

You are looking at around 10 grand for a decent set, fitted well, with 35 year guarantee