Solar Together quote - any good?
Discussion
A while ago I was contacted by the local council and invited to apply for a quote for a home solar system via “Solar Together”. I provided some basic information about our typical electric consumption, and the type, size and orientation of our roof. I’ve just received the quote, and would be really grateful for any comments on the pricing and how realistic the numbers are.
Our house is a 3 bedroom detached converted bungalow in Woking, with an upper floor in what would have been the roof space, although there is still some loft space above. The front roof is south facing, about 7.2m long and I estimate about 4m from gutters to ridge. It has two dormer windows, below which there’s about 1.3m, and slightly less above. The roof has slate tiles.
I estimated our annual electric consumption at about 4,600 kWh, so about 12 per day. We have gas central heating with a combi boiler, so no electric water heating.
They are quoting for 6 panels of 425W (peak) each, about 1.7 x 1.1m in size. By my reckoning there is definitely space below the dormers, and I think we could actually accommodate a horizontal run of 4 panels. If there’s enough space above the dormers then I reckon we could accommodate up to 8 panels. I’m ignoring the possibility of putting anything between the dormers, or to the sides.
They have estimated generation of 2,474 kWh with 6 panels - I presume this is annual. Is that a reasonable and realistic figure for a system with peak power of 2,550W (6 x 425W)?
If I'm right and the roof could accommodate 8 panels instead of 6, the cost of this is not very much (about £650 extra) but it increases the generating capacity by 850 kWh and the savings increase. So up to a point I would be inclined to go for as many panels as the roof can accommodate.
What I'm less sure of is battery capacity. What factors influence the optimum size of battery? I guess there's no point having a huge one that spends all its time nearly empty, but a battery that's too small will mean being forced to export more back to the grid, which I gather doesn't pay very much. They use an estimate of 15p per kWh, which I believe is rather optimistic. The type of battery is Li-ion.
They don't attempt to provide a payback period. But if we take their savings and export earnings, I make it about 10 years for 6 panels, or 9 years with 8 panels (both with a 4.6 kWh battery). Going for the 6.9 kWh battery increases the 6 panel case to 11 years, and increases the 8 panel case a bit less. However, this doesn't take into account battery replacement.
Any opinions on these numbers would be greatly appreciated.
So far this is all based on stuff I provided in an online questionnaire. The next stage would be a £150 deposit followed by an on-site survey. The deposit is refundable if the survey results in substantial differences from the initial quote.
Here are screenshots of the quote...
^^ Not sure about the “scaffolding for additional roof”. I may have inadvertently clicked a box that said there was another roof available, but I thought I backed out of that.
And here’s a picture of our roof…
Many thanks for any input!
Our house is a 3 bedroom detached converted bungalow in Woking, with an upper floor in what would have been the roof space, although there is still some loft space above. The front roof is south facing, about 7.2m long and I estimate about 4m from gutters to ridge. It has two dormer windows, below which there’s about 1.3m, and slightly less above. The roof has slate tiles.
I estimated our annual electric consumption at about 4,600 kWh, so about 12 per day. We have gas central heating with a combi boiler, so no electric water heating.
They are quoting for 6 panels of 425W (peak) each, about 1.7 x 1.1m in size. By my reckoning there is definitely space below the dormers, and I think we could actually accommodate a horizontal run of 4 panels. If there’s enough space above the dormers then I reckon we could accommodate up to 8 panels. I’m ignoring the possibility of putting anything between the dormers, or to the sides.
They have estimated generation of 2,474 kWh with 6 panels - I presume this is annual. Is that a reasonable and realistic figure for a system with peak power of 2,550W (6 x 425W)?
If I'm right and the roof could accommodate 8 panels instead of 6, the cost of this is not very much (about £650 extra) but it increases the generating capacity by 850 kWh and the savings increase. So up to a point I would be inclined to go for as many panels as the roof can accommodate.
What I'm less sure of is battery capacity. What factors influence the optimum size of battery? I guess there's no point having a huge one that spends all its time nearly empty, but a battery that's too small will mean being forced to export more back to the grid, which I gather doesn't pay very much. They use an estimate of 15p per kWh, which I believe is rather optimistic. The type of battery is Li-ion.
They don't attempt to provide a payback period. But if we take their savings and export earnings, I make it about 10 years for 6 panels, or 9 years with 8 panels (both with a 4.6 kWh battery). Going for the 6.9 kWh battery increases the 6 panel case to 11 years, and increases the 8 panel case a bit less. However, this doesn't take into account battery replacement.
Any opinions on these numbers would be greatly appreciated.
So far this is all based on stuff I provided in an online questionnaire. The next stage would be a £150 deposit followed by an on-site survey. The deposit is refundable if the survey results in substantial differences from the initial quote.
Here are screenshots of the quote...
^^ Not sure about the “scaffolding for additional roof”. I may have inadvertently clicked a box that said there was another roof available, but I thought I backed out of that.
And here’s a picture of our roof…
Many thanks for any input!
Have you tried using this Solar Panel calculator .. be interesting to see how they compare ..
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/tool/solar-energy...
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/tool/solar-energy...
The generation will depend on which way the solar panel face. South and you may get that output. Otherwise you'll get between 70% and something else.
The cost is crazy to be honest, as the issue is the small size of the setup. The panels and inverter cost is around £1,500 of that.
When you factor in 4-6% bank interest on the capital cost, the reality is it'll never pay for itself I'm afraid.
The cost is crazy to be honest, as the issue is the small size of the setup. The panels and inverter cost is around £1,500 of that.
When you factor in 4-6% bank interest on the capital cost, the reality is it'll never pay for itself I'm afraid.
Firstly recognise you’re taking a punt on the future cost of electricity, as well as the green benefits. That can affect your outcome and isn’t in your control.
We have 3.2kw peak generation (7 or 8 panels, can’t remember) installer squeezed an extra one on! As you note the fixed costs are high so just pack it out. This is most useful in winter when generation is lower, and havibg more oanels is good. In summer you’ll likely produce more than you can use unless you’re charging a car.
For battery storage - I have an EV tarriff so i sized the battery based on my on peak demand. As a result we’ve not used any peak electricity since it went in in January. So I’ve been paying a max of 7.5p / KWH, except for that generated by solar which is “free”.
This has taken my bills right down obviously.
The other approach is to focus on “saving” what solar you produce and using it later. So then it’s more about what you think you’ll produce, and how long between sun up and sun down and your usage. Similar concept but slightly different approach.
Either way you can work out what you’ll save and size accordingly.
We have 3.2kw peak generation (7 or 8 panels, can’t remember) installer squeezed an extra one on! As you note the fixed costs are high so just pack it out. This is most useful in winter when generation is lower, and havibg more oanels is good. In summer you’ll likely produce more than you can use unless you’re charging a car.
For battery storage - I have an EV tarriff so i sized the battery based on my on peak demand. As a result we’ve not used any peak electricity since it went in in January. So I’ve been paying a max of 7.5p / KWH, except for that generated by solar which is “free”.
This has taken my bills right down obviously.
The other approach is to focus on “saving” what solar you produce and using it later. So then it’s more about what you think you’ll produce, and how long between sun up and sun down and your usage. Similar concept but slightly different approach.
Either way you can work out what you’ll save and size accordingly.
Thanks for the thoughts so far folks! 
When I first looked at it, I was pleasantly surprised because I thought a typical solar installation was 10k or more.
But it’s still a 10 year payback.
And the point about what the money would earn if I didn’t spaff it on solar PV is a good one. I normally reckon on 7% per annum returns on equities, and I take long-term inflation as 3.5% (which I think it will return to in time). So at a net return of 3.5% a sum of £7,000 would grow to about £10,000 in ten years, in today’s money. The loss of £3,000 return should therefore be added to the cost.
My instinct is that it’s not quite right yet. Perhaps it will become more compelling when I inevitably have to replace my car with an EV. And do we think solar will continue to come down in price, making it more attractive in say five years’ time?
Still interested to hear people’s opinions, so keep ‘em coming!
When I first looked at it, I was pleasantly surprised because I thought a typical solar installation was 10k or more.
But it’s still a 10 year payback.
And the point about what the money would earn if I didn’t spaff it on solar PV is a good one. I normally reckon on 7% per annum returns on equities, and I take long-term inflation as 3.5% (which I think it will return to in time). So at a net return of 3.5% a sum of £7,000 would grow to about £10,000 in ten years, in today’s money. The loss of £3,000 return should therefore be added to the cost.
My instinct is that it’s not quite right yet. Perhaps it will become more compelling when I inevitably have to replace my car with an EV. And do we think solar will continue to come down in price, making it more attractive in say five years’ time?
Still interested to hear people’s opinions, so keep ‘em coming!
Dr Mike Oxgreen said:
Thanks for the thoughts so far folks!
When I first looked at it, I was pleasantly surprised because I thought a typical solar installation was 10k or more.
But it’s still a 10 year payback.
And the point about what the money would earn if I didn’t spaff it on solar PV is a good one. I normally reckon on 7% per annum returns on equities, and I take long-term inflation as 3.5% (which I think it will return to in time). So at a net return of 3.5% a sum of £7,000 would grow to about £10,000 in ten years, in today’s money. The loss of £3,000 return should therefore be added to the cost.
My instinct is that it’s not quite right yet. Perhaps it will become more compelling when I inevitably have to replace my car with an EV. And do we think solar will continue to come down in price, making it more attractive in say five years’ time?
Still interested to hear people’s opinions, so keep ‘em coming!
Make sure you add in costs for an inverter or two over that period, battery drop off, you might be at 15 years.When I first looked at it, I was pleasantly surprised because I thought a typical solar installation was 10k or more.
But it’s still a 10 year payback.
And the point about what the money would earn if I didn’t spaff it on solar PV is a good one. I normally reckon on 7% per annum returns on equities, and I take long-term inflation as 3.5% (which I think it will return to in time). So at a net return of 3.5% a sum of £7,000 would grow to about £10,000 in ten years, in today’s money. The loss of £3,000 return should therefore be added to the cost.
My instinct is that it’s not quite right yet. Perhaps it will become more compelling when I inevitably have to replace my car with an EV. And do we think solar will continue to come down in price, making it more attractive in say five years’ time?
Still interested to hear people’s opinions, so keep ‘em coming!
We had that scheme offer here & a fair few of us in the road got a price, at least 2 neighbours are getting panels but not through the scheme as they found they charge extra for every little thing that others throw in or say you can easily fit yourself (bird net) & are the top end or higher than going direct, and are some what unrealistic with some bits & pieces.
The neighbour who has already got their installation done was told they couldn't have panels on their south facing (larger) garage roof due to the distance from the house (east/west so panels been mounted on both sides), company who did it said its no bother so will likely add in later & the Solar together company said we will mount the kit in the loft, not sure who on earth thought they would be able to lift it up there.
The neighbour who has already got their installation done was told they couldn't have panels on their south facing (larger) garage roof due to the distance from the house (east/west so panels been mounted on both sides), company who did it said its no bother so will likely add in later & the Solar together company said we will mount the kit in the loft, not sure who on earth thought they would be able to lift it up there.
We also got a quote through this. It was only a fraction higher from an independent we got to quote alongside.
Probably go with the independent given they have invested time and effort with me to size the array (8x405w panels and a 10.6kwh battery)
I know payback is a long way off but it’s the reduction in monthly’s and environmental investment that makes we want to invest my ~10k here
Probably go with the independent given they have invested time and effort with me to size the array (8x405w panels and a 10.6kwh battery)
I know payback is a long way off but it’s the reduction in monthly’s and environmental investment that makes we want to invest my ~10k here
OP I would suggest you try and find a local Solar company and get them to quote. I went through the Solar Together scheme and it wasn't a good experience. The first company that 'won the tender' pulled out after more than a year, obviously had underquoted and were busy doing other contacts so ditched the Solar Together work. Their replacement were much better time wise but we got a mixture of different subcontractors doing the work (scaffolders, electricians, panel fitters) so plenty of time delays and plenty of blaming others.
A friend had a similar system fitted by a local company, similar price and his work was completed within about a month of his initial enquiry, mine took nearly 2 years. He also has much better technical support and trouble shooting.
A friend had a similar system fitted by a local company, similar price and his work was completed within about a month of his initial enquiry, mine took nearly 2 years. He also has much better technical support and trouble shooting.
Bumping this because we've got an enquiry through with Solar Together. Doesn't sound like a great experience so might quote local
I'd be happy with 10 years payback on panels plus battery but think we'd need the EV to really make it work given our heating/HW is on gas and switching to heat pumps is a longer term project.
But then the car just sits there really, so why can't that be the battery?? Ie we top up the car from solar and have it feedback into the house in the evenings, say,
I'd be happy with 10 years payback on panels plus battery but think we'd need the EV to really make it work given our heating/HW is on gas and switching to heat pumps is a longer term project.
But then the car just sits there really, so why can't that be the battery?? Ie we top up the car from solar and have it feedback into the house in the evenings, say,
https://ie.trustpilot.com/review/www.solartogether...
Some mixed reviews. We had a FB locally discussing it and turns out that a group of local residents created a collective and got a like for like price from a local supplier well under solar together prices.
Some mixed reviews. We had a FB locally discussing it and turns out that a group of local residents created a collective and got a like for like price from a local supplier well under solar together prices.
dmsims said:
Be very careful if considering Solar together:
The price is not competitive
There has been a lot of dissatifaction with the scheme
For reference here is a quote from just over 2 years ago:
What about ST do you need to be careful about? And links would be v helpful! The actual installers are Greenscape, who get decent reviewsThe price is not competitive
There has been a lot of dissatifaction with the scheme
For reference here is a quote from just over 2 years ago:
Anybody recently used this?
Our local council had an auction through this scheme and prices seemed reasonable. Quote below although I don't think we need the additional roof scaffolding so that can be knocked off. This is for 10 x 405W panels and a 4.7kW battery.
Any recent feedback? The installing company is Solar Bureau.
Our local council had an auction through this scheme and prices seemed reasonable. Quote below although I don't think we need the additional roof scaffolding so that can be knocked off. This is for 10 x 405W panels and a 4.7kW battery.
Any recent feedback? The installing company is Solar Bureau.
jock mcsporran said:
Anybody recently used this?
Our local council had an auction through this scheme and prices seemed reasonable. Quote below although I don't think we need the additional roof scaffolding so that can be knocked off. This is for 10 x 405W panels and a 4.7kW battery.
Any recent feedback? The installing company is Solar Bureau.
The battery is a bit expensive but otherwise that's a remarkably good price. Our local council had an auction through this scheme and prices seemed reasonable. Quote below although I don't think we need the additional roof scaffolding so that can be knocked off. This is for 10 x 405W panels and a 4.7kW battery.
Any recent feedback? The installing company is Solar Bureau.
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