Solar electricity panels on south-facing roof. Photo by clownfish
Solar energy panels -- both photovoltaic (generating electricity from sunlight) and thermal (hot water heating) -- are an obvious way for householders to harness pollution-free energy. However, there's a downside to their status as one of the leading green home improvements: certain companies have started to market solar panels in unscrupulous ways, employing the kind of sales tactics that earnt the double glazing industry a bad name in the 1980s.
The source of many complaints are overpriced quotes. In 2005, BBC South West's Inside Out programme investigated a Bournemouth-based company named Solar Technik Ltd (which has now become Ultimate Energy plc) and found the company quoting elderly customers far more than the competitive rate. One Isle of Wight pensioner was quoted an initial £22,000 for an installation, and eventually paid £15,000 after various discounts. A fair rate from a competitor could have been as little as £4,000.
This company is known to focus on England's South Coast -- ostensibly because it receives the most sun, although it helps that the area is also home to plenty of their preferred target: affluent, retired homeowners.
Whilst other merchants may be a little more subtle, you should also be wary of direct selling techniques such as:
- the "drop close" -- you are offered substantial money off the original quote in return for signing up on the day
- impressive but vague claims, particularly claims of huge savings without properly explained calculations
- simple old fashioned pressure -- sales reps know that if they make a sale on your premises, there is no "cooling-off period".
Other householders have been sold installations that in practice are simply unsuitable: roofs with insufficient exposure to the sun (the angle and the facing direction are important) and inappropriate materials in the roof's construction (panels are heavier than standard roof tiles).
It's a shame that these problems have started to surface -- not just for the individual customer, but also for the credibility of renewable energy industry at large. However, there's plenty of good news right now about solar. Installation prices are coming down, grants are available, and there are plenty of ways to get the job done properly and fairly.
So -- what can you do to make sure you get a trustworthy solar installation?
First, and most obvious: shop around for quotes. Get at least a couple of companies to quote, and satisfy yourself that the sums work. Take this advice from the Renewable Energy association:
"The company should provide you with written estimates of the anticipated performance of the micro generation system it recommends for you. It should be clear if it is using your own data, or estimates from others. If the company provides you with an estimate for your type of dwelling, you may find it interesting to compare it with your actual consumption".
Second, look for reputable companies such as firms in the REAL Assurance Scheme, or members of the Solar Trade Association.
Third, for absolute peace of mind you can get a 10-year guarantee on your solar installation, absolutely free, from REIGA (Renewable Energy Installation Guarantee Association).
Solar electric roof tiles
integrated into traditional roof.
Photo:solarcenturyFinally -- see if you can get a grant. A grant programme for home solar installations is managed by the Energy Saving Trust. The scheme offers a maximum of £2,000 per kW of installed capacity, subject to an overall maximum of £2,500 or 50% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower.
Solar energy has already taken off in other parts of Europe, and despite Britain not being renowned for its sunshine, solar energy does add up for many householders -- so there's no reason for the UK to lag behind.
Or as one commentator put it, a south-facing roof is simply "under-utilised real estate -- what else are you using your roof for?"
Mark Churchill