Solar Panels - Worth it ?, Do they last long enough ?.

[Ostrich]

It seems that most of the cost is in labour, and getting scaffolding to work on a roof isn't cheap (can add the better part of £1K to the total cost by itself).

Yes - our scaffolding cost, itemised separately, was just under £400 - we're a bungalow, so just a single "storey" was needed.

Just out of interest, what are folks' experiences of solar thermal systems (roof-mounted tubular array which heats your water tank by pumping glycol round a closed system)?

 

[rangersac]

I've had two solar thermal water heaters, one in western Scotland near Oban (so hardly the world capital of excess sunshine) and another in Tasmania. For Tasmania the system basically supplied all hot water requirements for a household of four for nine months of the year. In Scotland it was more like 6-7 months, although even in the middle of winter, a reasonably sunny day would result in a thermal gain of around a good 20C. Ideally you want a unit that is roof mounted with the water tank above the thermal tubes as that way the glycol passively circulates through convection, so negates the need for a pump. This may require structure strengthening of your roof though which can be expensive.

It seems that most of the cost is in labour, and getting scaffolding to work on a roof isn't cheap (can add the better part of £1K to the total cost by itself).

I'd stake a fair chunk of my life savings on tradies in Australia costing more than a UK equivalent. A standard electrician would be at least £50 per hour in Australia, with specialist solar installers commensurately more.

 

[Noddy]

Do you pay VAT on solar/battery installations in Australia?

 

[The Ham]

Yes - our scaffolding cost, itemised separately, was just under £400 - we're a bungalow, so just a single "storey" was needed.

Just out of interest, what are folks' experiences of solar thermal systems (roof-mounted tubular array which heats your water tank by pumping glycol round a closed system)?

My parents have had one for over 15 years, and find that they hardly pay to heat their water, mostly in the winter - however even then it reduces their bills noticeable.

I think they had some maintenance on it once where they replaced a few tubes or got better efficiency tubes, but otherwise near zero cost to them after install. They are very happy with it.

 

[rangersac]

Do you pay VAT on solar/battery installations in Australia?

An equivalent tax called the Goods and Services Tax is applied, however this is lower at 10% than VAT.

 

[westv]

Maybe one day all new housing will be built with solar panels and that panelling will last the time length of the roof.

 

[The Ham]

Maybe one day all new housing will be built with solar panels and that panelling will last the time length of the roof.

Indeed, it's one area where we've been rather slow on the uptake, even very new houses may only have a panel or two, when I suspect the extra cost for 5 or 6 (or even more) wouldn't be all that much more.

 

[najaB]

Indeed, it's one area where we've been rather slow on the uptake, even very new houses may only have a panel or two, when I suspect the extra cost for 5 or 6 (or even more) wouldn't be all that much more.

The panels are, usually, the least expensive component of the system. Last year I set up a system for my parents and going from 4 panels to 6 only added about 10% to the overall price, for 50% more capacity.

 

[Wynd]

100% worth it.

Even a 1.25kw system is enough to get free washing, fridge and most cups of tea throughout the day, most of the year.

Doesnt sound like much but it adds up. Over 5 years, it becomes significant.

A 5kw system is enough to see a house through nearly the whole year bar Dec and Jan, in Aberdeenshire. South facing, I wil conceed.

Its an obvious calculation once you figure out how much you can save.

 

[Bald Rick]

It seems that most of the cost is in labour, and getting scaffolding to work on a roof isn't cheap (can add the better part of £1K to the total cost by itself).

From the investigations / quotes I have had, the cost seems to be based on how much you will save, rather than how much it costs to install. Unfortunately for me, my roof layout is such that I can’t get enough panels on to make it worthwhile.

The panels are, usually, the least expensive component of the system. Last year I set up a system for my parents and going from 4 panels to 6 only added about 10% to the overall price, for 50% more capacity.

If you know your stuff, and willing to do it, you can install yourself for much lower cost. A friend of mine put a 4.8kW system on his roof (with his brother)… he’s an electrical engineer so does know what he’s doing. Cost him about £4k. Rumours that he is using his Polestar as a battery with V2G, and coining it, are as yet unconfirmed…