Solar PV - [not] Great Expectations!

[Ollyfp]

It's amazing how much people are prepared to self flagellate and throw money away to be seen to be green and hopefully save a fiver.

Well, just for the record, I run an old Ford Ranger, so I'm certainly not an evangelical net-zeroist! I just did the math(s)! So, firstly we can't get gas here, so the only standing charge we have is for electricity, and I would usually spend about £500 on oil every year. With the Warm Homes grant, I have been able to insulate my home, replace my ancient oil boiler system with an ASHP and new rads, and install solar PV - for much less than an updated oil system!
If I've done my sums correctly, I'd have to spend an additional £1000 a year on heating before being out of pocket. Also, I can get rid of a very large oil tank that stinks when the sun shines. That makes me happy.

 

[ReganAndCarter]

Well, just for the record, I run an old Ford Ranger, so I'm certainly not an evangelical net-zeroist! I just did the math(s)! So, firstly we can't get gas here, so the only standing charge we have is for electricity, and I would usually spend about £500 on oil every year. With the Warm Homes grant, I have been able to insulate my home, replace my ancient oil boiler system with an ASHP and new rads, and install solar PV - for much less than an updated oil system!
If I've done my sums correctly, I'd have to spend an additional £1000 a year on heating before being out of pocket. Also, I can get rid of a very large oil tank that stinks when the sun shines. That makes me happy.

Glad it worked out for you. Living in the sticks using oil is poss one reason to change. However, it is only viable for many if taxpayers' money funds it. The upfront costs are too high otherwise. Having to install ASHP with the necessary installation of bigger rads and better insulation is a considerable outlay. Funding it yourself, it would be a long payback and you would have to make sure you're going to live there for many years to make it worthwhile.

 

[Ollyfp]

Glad it worked out for you. Living in the sticks using oil is poss one reason to change. However, it is only viable for many if taxpayers' money funds it. The upfront costs are too high otherwise. Having to install ASHP with the necessary installation of bigger rads and better insulation is a considerable outlay. Funding it yourself, it would be a long payback and you would have to make sure you're going to live there for many years to make it worthwhile.

Agreed. Over the years, I've renovated several houses, and each time I've been forced to pay out a huge amount of money in order to meet some of the ridiculous demands of building regs, so I was pleasantly surprised to [finally] be given a bit of help!