Get best value from solar packages
Look carefully at what is being offered when buying solar photovoltaic (PV) equipment, warn advisers.
Competitive installation packages might seem attractive, but buyers need to check what is included and the quality of the panels, warns Giles Hanglin of Savills Energy.
Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) rates for solar PV schemes smaller than 50kw are being maintained until the end of June and this is expected to prompt renewed interest in the technology. Rates are reviewed quarterly, with the level of take-up dictating future payment rates. FiTs for schemes larger than 50kw will be cut by 3.5% from 1 May 2013.
Most agricultural roof-mounted solar PV installations are just below the 50kw bracket and cost anywhere between £52,000-62,000, depending on the building structure and roof material, said Mr Hanglin.
“With solar PV there is a great disparity between the quality of the equipment used. Those investing should consider warranties, performance guarantees and insurance, which are key to providing long- term output.
“It is also important to factor in whether the cost of registering the system, arranging export meters and ongoing monitoring is included in the installation cost.”
In the earlier days of solar installation, economies of scale were more easily achieved, said Mr Hanglin – now quality of the equipment, service and support package was of more importance.
The condition of the roofs on which installations are mounted can also affect costs.
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