Solar panels - is current pricing excessive?

H

Homer

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We spoke to someone yesterday about getting solar panels installed.

After a very long and extensive presentation, which could have been done in less than half the time, we were quoted a price that took our breath away. The sales man then offered all sorts of 'discounts' if we would sign up straight away, agree to have a board put up outside our house, etc. etc.

This still left the price at just over €10k for a relatively modest 4 bed semi. We were told that this was the maximum price and that they could carry out a full inspection that might indicate that it could be done more cost effectively e.g. by having all the panels on one side of the roof rather than having to go for an 'east-west' configuration. (Our back garden is south west facing.)

We were told that getting this inspection done would not put us under any obligation, but we were then asked to pay a deposit that would be refundable against the work carried out. The sales man repeated that there would be no obligation on our part, but then said that if we decide not to go ahead, the deposit would be refunded less any costs incurred in carrying out the inspection.

He was a very personable chap with a likable manner (as they tend to be), but I have to say that I found the selling process way too high pressured and in spite of several statements from him that we should take our time about it and not feel under any pressure, he could only hold the 'discounts' until next Monday.

I don't know if I should name the company, but their credentials seem very good and the sales man claims that they are the market leader. However, the cost seems to be excessive and I didn't like the selling process, which at times reminded me of Glengarry Glen Ross.

I'd welcome any thoughts on how we should proceed.

By way of background, I should say that we support the 'green' agenda and would take environmental factors into account as well as financial ones when we are making a final decision.
 
Sounds excessive, and what about grant aided?

at 10k, will take you approx 30 years to recoup the installation cost, assuming nothing requires repair or servicing for 30 years!!!

ANYONE how asks or pushes for an immediate deposit, throw the by the scruff of the neck out your door........

Have a reputable energy rating firm out to assess your house (you maybe able to avail of the HALO type assessment on offer) and sit down with the results and a professional (who does not sell, install any of the proposed solutions) to make an informed choice of what is the most cost effective and energy conscious choices you can make for you budget.

My money is on insulation, insulation, insulation....
 
Work out how much money you'll save over the life time of the solar panels and see if you're likely to end up saving money on fuel bills. Consider that as more people install them, the price should come down. It could be more economical to wait a few more years.

I've noticed that the local council where I live seem to be installing them in houses.
 
DGOBS said:
ANYONE how asks or pushes for an immediate deposit, throw the by the scruff of the neck out your door........

My money is on insulation, insulation, insulation....
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I agree. We didn't sign anything and we have been thinking since that insulation should be our first priority and that maybe we should wait a while to see if solar panels become more cost effective.

Thanks
Homer
 
Hi Homer,

You don't have to name this company. There is a number in it?? Notorious shower. We have numerous OAPs virtually crying down the phone trying to figure out how to get their money back.

AFAIK there is only one such company in the industry. I think they should be named and shamed but usually board rules don't allow it.

There is a law which would entitle you to a refund in such a forced sale, but there is an exclusion if you invite them onto your premises. You will find that technically this is what happened, right?

On most houses, the sort of system they offer (usually 4 Sq M and 200L cylinder) can usually be bought and installed for about €4,500. There is a refund of about €1K leaving you with a bill of €3,500. I don't think prices will come much below that - one small upside of the recession is the availability of labour at fair prices.

Q
 
quentingargan said:
Hi Homer,

You don't have to name this company. There is a number in it?? Notorious shower. We have numerous OAPs virtually crying down the phone trying to figure out how to get their money back.

AFAIK there is only one such company in the industry. I think they should be named and shamed but usually board rules don't allow it.

There is a law which would entitle you to a refund in such a forced sale, but there is an exclusion if you invite them onto your premises. You will find that technically this is what happened, right?

On most houses, the sort of system they offer (usually 4 Sq M and 200L cylinder) can usually be bought and installed for about €4,500. There is a refund of about €1K leaving you with a bill of €3,500. I don't think prices will come much below that - one small upside of the recession is the availability of labour at fair prices.

Q
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Thanks Quentin

Yes, we did invite them onto our premises. I think it's mad that there's an exclusion to entitlement to a refund in such circumstances. We certainly felt under pressure to sign and it reminded me of a time when someone called to our house trying to sell us an all-signing all-dancing alarm system that was a multiple of the cost of most alarm systems.

On that occasion, I had to shout at the sales rep and threaten to call the police in order to get him to leave without us signing up. I kid you not! I felt guilty afterwards for being rude to him, but it seemed to be the only way to get through to him. There really should be some law against this form of selling.

The alarm system incident was a number of years ago and I suppose we should have learned our lesson from it.

Anyway, I note that you are something of a specialist on renewable energy. Would you agree that our first priority should be ensuring that our insulation is up to scratch? And once we've done this, have you any recommendations about who we should use to install solar panels? And would we be better off buying the panels and then getting someone else to install them?

Thanks
Homer
 
Homer said:
Would you agree that our first priority should be ensuring that our insulation is up to scratch? And once we've done this, have you any recommendations about who we should use to install solar panels? And would we be better off buying the panels and then getting someone else to install them?

Thanks
Homer
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Hi Homer, I'm in the industry, so I have my own bias about supplies (!)

But I would absolutely agree that the low hanging fruit is insulation. You'd be surprised how many houses have solar panels and only a couple of inches of lagging in the attic.

Bear in mind that putting in solar panels also includes putting in a well insulated cylinder, so this will provide some savings all year round (unless your existing cylinder is a good one).

But in order of priority, insulation, draught-proofing, boiler efficiency, then move on to renewables.

Cheers, Q
 
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