Looking for thoughts and views on investing in solar panels. So far we have only been offered figures from sales people - and the different amounts and opinions vary considerably - TIA :)
I had solar panels supplied & installed by Iberdrola in June 2021.
They provided a free estimate by email - they use your current consumption pattern and a google image of the property to recommend the best location for the panels; and then followed up with a site survey to confirm costs.
After installation, they will then move you onto their Solar tariff - where basically, you pay a low rate for overnight usage (when you're not generating) and then the rate is higher in the daytime (but you shouldn't need to purchase much, as you'll be generating). You also earn approx. €0.05 per kWh that you export into the grid, if you're not using what you generate.
They provide a calculation which shows how long it would take to recover your investment (in my case 6-7 years); and they also offer finance. They also do all the paperwork for obtaining approval from your local council, etc.
Note - I missed out on getting any grants, so you should also enquire if there are grants or discounts against your IBI with the regional councils, etc. as any of these need to be claimed in advance of installation.
I paid around €4K for 5 panels delivering a maximum of 1.6kW, which was calculated to cover my average daytime consumption. I've seen people pay more for a lot more kW, but most of the benefit is in avoiding buying power from Iberdrola due to your self-consumption, so whilst you get a feed-in tariff (as mentioned above) when generating more than you need, this takes longer to recover the investment.
The system was also designed so that I could add more panels in the future fairly easily (if, for example, I bought an electric vehicle).
Independent companies can do most of the above, are probably cheaper and may be more helpful with obtaining grants, etc. (my only criticism of my experience with Iberdrola) but you would have to arrange the change of tariff with Iberdrola yourself, once you have all the correct documentation.
I'm saving €30 - €50 per month off my bill, which is on track for the expected 6-7 year return period.
Hope this helps!
Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2023 1:25pm
RichT wrote on Sun Mar 12, 2023 3:22pm:
I had solar panels supplied & installed by Iberdrola in June 2021.
They provided a free estimate by email - they use your current consumption pattern and a google image of the property to recommend the best location for the panels; and then followed up with a site survey to confirm costs.
Read more...
After installation, they will then move you onto their Solar tariff - where basically, you pay a low rate for overnight usage (when you're not generating) and then the rate is higher in the daytime (but you shouldn't need to purchase much, as you'll be generating). You also earn approx. €0.05 per kWh that you export into the grid, if you're not using what you generate.
They provide a calculation which shows how long it would take to recover your investment (in my case 6-7 years); and they also offer finance. They also do all the paperwork for obtaining approval from your local council, etc.
Note - I missed out on getting any grants, so you should also enquire if there are grants or discounts against your IBI with the regional councils, etc. as any of these need to be claimed in advance of installation.
I paid around €4K for 5 panels delivering a maximum of 1.6kW, which was calculated to cover my average daytime consumption. I've seen people pay more for a lot more kW, but most of the benefit is in avoiding buying power from Iberdrola due to your self-consumption, so whilst you get a feed-in tariff (as mentioned above) when generating more than you need, this takes longer to recover the investment.
The system was also designed so that I could add more panels in the future fairly easily (if, for example, I bought an electric vehicle).
Independent companies can do most of the above, are probably cheaper and may be more helpful with obtaining grants, etc. (my only criticism of my experience with Iberdrola) but you would have to arrange the change of tariff with Iberdrola yourself, once you have all the correct documentation.
I'm saving €30 - €50 per month off my bill, which is on track for the expected 6-7 year return period.
Hope this helps!
RichT - Thank you so much for this timely and comprehensive reply - it is extremely informative and very much appreciated!! Lots of very useful information - I thank you for your time :) We shall definitely look into this :)
RichT wrote on Sun Mar 12, 2023 3:22pm:
I had solar panels supplied & installed by Iberdrola in June 2021.
They provided a free estimate by email - they use your current consumption pattern and a google image of the property to recommend the best location for the panels; and then followed up with a site survey to confirm costs.
Read more...
After installation, they will then move you onto their Solar tariff - where basically, you pay a low rate for overnight usage (when you're not generating) and then the rate is higher in the daytime (but you shouldn't need to purchase much, as you'll be generating). You also earn approx. €0.05 per kWh that you export into the grid, if you're not using what you generate.
They provide a calculation which shows how long it would take to recover your investment (in my case 6-7 years); and they also offer finance. They also do all the paperwork for obtaining approval from your local council, etc.
Note - I missed out on getting any grants, so you should also enquire if there are grants or discounts against your IBI with the regional councils, etc. as any of these need to be claimed in advance of installation.
I paid around €4K for 5 panels delivering a maximum of 1.6kW, which was calculated to cover my average daytime consumption. I've seen people pay more for a lot more kW, but most of the benefit is in avoiding buying power from Iberdrola due to your self-consumption, so whilst you get a feed-in tariff (as mentioned above) when generating more than you need, this takes longer to recover the investment.
The system was also designed so that I could add more panels in the future fairly easily (if, for example, I bought an electric vehicle).
Independent companies can do most of the above, are probably cheaper and may be more helpful with obtaining grants, etc. (my only criticism of my experience with Iberdrola) but you would have to arrange the change of tariff with Iberdrola yourself, once you have all the correct documentation.
I'm saving €30 - €50 per month off my bill, which is on track for the expected 6-7 year return period.
Hope this helps!
We also from Iberdrola, very satisfied. Sold the house with the solar panels.
Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2023 2:28pm
Helpful member
carolepage wrote on Sat Mar 11, 2023 12:48pm:
Looking for thoughts and views on investing in solar panels. So far we have only been offered figures from sales people - and the different amounts and opinions vary considerably - TIA :)
I am on solar panels off grid with no electruc at all...so cheap and brilliant source of power ..back up generator for the odd cloudy day..they are perfect for this climate
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Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2023 2:47pm
jorge1306 wrote on Mon Mar 13, 2023 2:28pm:
I am on solar panels off grid with no electruc at all...so cheap and brilliant source of power ..back up generator for the odd cloudy day..they are perfect for this climate
Thank you :)
Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2023 2:48pm
Lydia1953 wrote on Mon Mar 13, 2023 1:57pm:
We also from Iberdrola, very satisfied. Sold the house with the solar panels.
Thank you! :)
jorge1306 wrote on Mon Mar 13, 2023 2:28pm:
I am on solar panels off grid with no electruc at all...so cheap and brilliant source of power ..back up generator for the odd cloudy day..they are perfect for this climate
Hi Jorge
That sounds brilliant!
What type of battery did you get and what is the KW.
Also the approximate price including the generator would be very much appreciated.
Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2023 12:34pm
Helpful member
Cat2020 wrote on Wed Mar 15, 2023 12:18pm:
Hi Jorge
That sounds brilliant!
Read more...
What type of battery did you get and what is the KW.
Also the approximate price including the generator would be very much appreciated.
They were in situ when we purchased ...lead acid batteries 12 offering 24 volts ..obviously you need an inverter as well to convert dc to ac .generator in situ 500 w . 300 to 500 eueid ish Depends on your house type and swimming pool and pump..we don't have solar water on the roof got a traditional electric water heater but all run by solar
RichT wrote on Sun Mar 12, 2023 3:22pm:
I had solar panels supplied & installed by Iberdrola in June 2021.
They provided a free estimate by email - they use your current consumption pattern and a google image of the property to recommend the best location for the panels; and then followed up with a site survey to confirm costs.
Read more...
After installation, they will then move you onto their Solar tariff - where basically, you pay a low rate for overnight usage (when you're not generating) and then the rate is higher in the daytime (but you shouldn't need to purchase much, as you'll be generating). You also earn approx. €0.05 per kWh that you export into the grid, if you're not using what you generate.
They provide a calculation which shows how long it would take to recover your investment (in my case 6-7 years); and they also offer finance. They also do all the paperwork for obtaining approval from your local council, etc.
Note - I missed out on getting any grants, so you should also enquire if there are grants or discounts against your IBI with the regional councils, etc. as any of these need to be claimed in advance of installation.
I paid around €4K for 5 panels delivering a maximum of 1.6kW, which was calculated to cover my average daytime consumption. I've seen people pay more for a lot more kW, but most of the benefit is in avoiding buying power from Iberdrola due to your self-consumption, so whilst you get a feed-in tariff (as mentioned above) when generating more than you need, this takes longer to recover the investment.
The system was also designed so that I could add more panels in the future fairly easily (if, for example, I bought an electric vehicle).
Independent companies can do most of the above, are probably cheaper and may be more helpful with obtaining grants, etc. (my only criticism of my experience with Iberdrola) but you would have to arrange the change of tariff with Iberdrola yourself, once you have all the correct documentation.
I'm saving €30 - €50 per month off my bill, which is on track for the expected 6-7 year return period.
Hope this helps!
How are you saving 30 to 50 euros a month? Thanks
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