Oct 11 - Worth & Aire Valley Mag

Thinking about SOLAR PV?Buyer Beware & Purchase with confidenceThere has been an astounding amountof growth in the solar photovoltaicmarket in the last quarter. Consumersare becoming increasingly aware andinterested in energy effieciency and newchoices open to them for powering theirhomes. The increased demand hashowever led to an increase in rogue tradersolar companies, as recently mentioned onTV; and some newcomers have jumped onthe bandwaggon thinking it will be an easyand profitable business opportunity.We recently learned that one reputablePV company from Queensbury had beenout to an installation for an 83 year oldgentleman in Wyke, Bradford, whereanother company had tried to charge£43,000.00 for a installation that wasworth £13,300.00!It may seem obvious but it is advisableto get more than one quote fromrecommended companies.Don’t assume that cheaper is better.Solar PV companies should be chargingaround the same unless they are usingsub standard materials or sub contractedlabour. Be sure you are quoted like forlike. and ask for clarification if you don’tunderstand the information or request anitemised quotation.Here is a Solar PV buyers’ checklistUse this to ensure the salesperson orsurveyor adequately checks the suitabilityof your home for solar PV.During a visit from a solar PV installationcompany, a good surveyor should do thefollowing.rMake written notes of all theTo advertise call us on 01535 64222716measurements, in particular theorientation of the roof.rLook at the roof – from both inside andoutside.rUse access equipment for closerinspection where roof quality is uncertain.rRecord any possible risk of shade on theroof from trees, neighbouring houses andchimneys.rExamine the loft and measure the tiltangle of the roof.rLook in detail at your consumer unit(fuse box) and metering.rIdentify your main electrical appliancesand when you use them.rLook around your house and discusswhere to locate cables and equipment.rProvide an in-depth quote includingscaffolding costs, panel/moduleinformation, details of warranties, detailsof the inverter, the company’s terms andconditions, and information on how it hascalculated the payback, rate of return andsavings.Remember to ask how long the companyhas been in the PV business. Alwaysask for references and follow them up. Areputable company will be delighted to putyou in touch with their customers. Youcan then find out just how good they areby speaking to others who have had thesystem installed.Find out, if the company is accredited witha recognised consumer advocate group ora professional association.As in all major purchases, buyer bewareis the axiom. There is no substitute for duediligence; you may indeed benefit from theinstallation of solar PV.Convert Sunlight into Electricityand get paid for it!• Install Solar Panelsnow and earn up to£1500 a year from thegovernment feed in tariffkfor 25 years• Save on your annualelectricity bill.k (We prefer to give a conservative estimate)