What to ask before having solar panels installed

[5oysterman2]

Not sure if this is the best forum to ask about solar panels on, so move it if required.

We have been informed that we qualify for free solar panels installation because of a government scheme.

What questions should i ask before agreeing to it. I asked the woman who phoned just now & she didn't really know anything so i have to send over any questions i need asking. I'm just looking for any pitfalls with solar panes going forward down the line. Many thanks

 

[accelerator]

Informed by who? It just sounds like a run-of-the-mill sales call.

 

[5oysterman2]

Informed by who? It just sounds like a run-of-the-mill sales call.

I believe it's legit because got a letter from local council.

 

[JohnD]

You have to ask yourself if you've got five thousand pounds (or similar number) to spare that you won't need in the next ten years

And if you have fully funded your pension and ISA, which will give you a better return, and have paid off your mortgage.

Does your house have gas heating and hot water?

 

[Koolpc]

You have to ask yourself if you've got five thousand pounds (or similar number) to spare that you won't need in the next ten years

And if you have fully funded your pension and ISA, which will give you a better return, and have paid off your mortgage.

Does your house have gas heating and hot water?

And a useable toilet!

 

[JohnD]

We have been informed that we qualify for free solar panels installation because of a government scheme.

Not that this may well not be true.

Especially if the vendor is unable to tell you the name of the scheme so that you can look it up.

Do you think the company has in some way access to find out your age, disability status, and benefits or pensions you receive? If not, how do they know what grants you qualify for?

 

[5oysterman2]

You have to ask yourself if you've got five thousand pounds (or similar number) to spare that you won't need in the next ten years

And if you have fully funded your pension and ISA, which will give you a better return, and have paid off your mortgage.

Does your house have gas heating and hot water?

According to the local council i will not have to pay a penny towards the installation. It's a government initiative Warm Homes Local grant.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I believe it's legit because got a letter from local council.

Sounds more like an opportunity, to get a foot in the door, to sell a system to you.

 

[JohnD]

Read this.

Get solar panels - Clean Energy Homepage

Discover the benefits of solar energy. Learn how solar panels cut costs, generate clean power, and pay back over time.

cleanenergy.campaign.gov.uk

 

[5oysterman2]

Not that this may well not be true.

Especially if the vendor is unable to tell you the name of the scheme so that you can look it up.

Do you think the company has in some way access to find out your age, disability status, and benefits or pensions you receive? If not, how do they know what grants you qualify for?

I have spoke to the local council (Cumberland) after receiving a letter from them, who went through a questionnaire over the phone. Due to my answers she said i would probably qualify but a surveyor would need to come out & look at my property.

He came round 3 days ago & looked at loft insulation, windows, boiler, thermostat& radiators. I had a phone call from this morning from Next Energy who are the company that the council are using saying i would qualify for solar panels. I informed her i needed some questions answered & will email them off to her.

 

[JohnD]

Are you in social housing?

 

[JohnD]

It sounds like the survey was for an energy performance certificate. Once it has been registered, you can look it up, free, on
https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate

There might already be an old one on file.

 

[5oysterman2]

Sounds more like an opportunity, to get a foot in the door, to sell a system to you.

I'm not going to buy a system, obviously free electricity appeals to me in this current climate. I've never looked into panels before, if i was going ahead with it i want anything i am unsure about answering

 

[JohnD]

I've got it, it probably saves me a few hundred a year, and I get hundreds for the electricity I sell.

The payments I think are lower now.

You won't save much, because it makes most electricity on sunny summer days, when you don't need much electricity.

In winter you will be lucky to make more than your light bulbs use, and only in daylight.

But if it's free, it will be profitable for you.

Don't lease or rent your panels, you will be bound by a contract that might last 20 years.

 

[5oysterman2]

Are you in social housing?

No private