Discussion
I wonder if anyone has heard of or has experience with these two companies? They are a central Scotland based supplier of solar panels who operated a controversial system of loans/finance. Basically what happened was that they raised Green Deal finance for part of the installation and used the FIT tariff to pay off the remainder of the cost - the purchaser agreed to transfer the FIT to PV Solar Investments. This setup would run for 20 years or so.
To cut a long story, we moved around two years back, and agreed to pay off the remainder of the loan part of the deal so that in effect we now own the solar installation. We also can use power generated during daytime, but don't benefit from the FIT, which still goes to PVSI. The whole thing becomes even murkier because HELMS (the installer) went into liquidation in 2016, and in documentation we got with the house - I quote :"HELMS and PVSI have the same beneficial owner". I managed eventually to contact PVSI to investigate the buyout cost of the FIT, assuming that since much of the FIT had gone to PVSI, most of the remainder of the deal would have been paid. No!! They still want £3700 for that! The companies worked the same deal with over 4000 properties, mostly Central Scotland, and have attracted quite a bit of adverse publicity and some attempts at a class action.
I contacted our MP before the election, but he lost his seat and all his cases went into abeyance, so I'm about to start again! Just wondered if it's a new story or if anyone has any advice/views?
To cut a long story, we moved around two years back, and agreed to pay off the remainder of the loan part of the deal so that in effect we now own the solar installation. We also can use power generated during daytime, but don't benefit from the FIT, which still goes to PVSI. The whole thing becomes even murkier because HELMS (the installer) went into liquidation in 2016, and in documentation we got with the house - I quote :"HELMS and PVSI have the same beneficial owner". I managed eventually to contact PVSI to investigate the buyout cost of the FIT, assuming that since much of the FIT had gone to PVSI, most of the remainder of the deal would have been paid. No!! They still want £3700 for that! The companies worked the same deal with over 4000 properties, mostly Central Scotland, and have attracted quite a bit of adverse publicity and some attempts at a class action.
I contacted our MP before the election, but he lost his seat and all his cases went into abeyance, so I'm about to start again! Just wondered if it's a new story or if anyone has any advice/views?
With respect, this is something you should have tackled before you bought the house. How much longer is the tie for the FIT? We're about 300 miles south of you, and the FIT is around £1200 per annum. If you've more than three years left, they're about right.
It may well be that there's controversy about the company or companies that exploited people's ignorance 20 years ago, but it could be argued that you had every opportunity to examine the solar agreement before you commited to buying the property. I'd say you've had all you'll get.
It may well be that there's controversy about the company or companies that exploited people's ignorance 20 years ago, but it could be argued that you had every opportunity to examine the solar agreement before you commited to buying the property. I'd say you've had all you'll get.
Thanks for the reply. I did read the stuff before buying and didn't want to lose the purchase over a comparatively small additional cost. The point I was making is that the FIT goes to PVSI for 20 years, so at your figure of £1200 pa. they have a pretty good deal going. The installation dates from 2014, by the way, so the costs have clearly been recouped. I'm not out of pocket, but other customers did end up in debt quite badly through not understanding the contract. Had it been me from installation time, I wouldn't have touched it - I just reckon it's an unfair setup.
Hi from Chris.
I'd pretty much given up on this whole business. However, here's the address for HELMS : 131 Cambuslang Road, Glasgow G32 8NB. 01416417575.
There was quite a bit of coverage of the company in the media some years ago, so I imagine that the internet will still be a source, and perhaps you can find an email contact. All a bit of a ripoff under the "Green Deal". Good luck!
I'd pretty much given up on this whole business. However, here's the address for HELMS : 131 Cambuslang Road, Glasgow G32 8NB. 01416417575.
There was quite a bit of coverage of the company in the media some years ago, so I imagine that the internet will still be a source, and perhaps you can find an email contact. All a bit of a ripoff under the "Green Deal". Good luck!
HI Guys. Just seen this topic. I have had similar problems with HELMS, I was told by them that the panels would pay for themselves by way of generation offsetting the cost- it doesnt.
THe Parent company of PVSI is based in GLASGOW at 131 Cambuslang Road, Cambuslang Investment Park, Glasgow, Scotland, G32 8NB
The FIT was signed over to PVSI who still exist. I contacted GDFC assets who is the company I pay my monthly debits to for the panels. They put me on to GOOD ENERGY, who in turn contacted PVSI for me and I received an email today from Steve Disly, who is one of PVSI.s directors.
Looking on the GOV website of companies, he operates from CANADA.
Other directors are:
Jason David Cogley (3rd Floor, Queensbury House, 3 Old Burlington Street, London, United Kingdom, W1S 3AE
Brian Moncik 145 King Street West, Suite 1500, Toronto, Ontario M5h 1j8, Canada
Alina Osorio same address
Othman Taleb same address
His email Address is : sdisley@fierainfrastructure.com
I will let you know what he has to say.
Hope this helps
Pip
THe Parent company of PVSI is based in GLASGOW at 131 Cambuslang Road, Cambuslang Investment Park, Glasgow, Scotland, G32 8NB
The FIT was signed over to PVSI who still exist. I contacted GDFC assets who is the company I pay my monthly debits to for the panels. They put me on to GOOD ENERGY, who in turn contacted PVSI for me and I received an email today from Steve Disly, who is one of PVSI.s directors.
Looking on the GOV website of companies, he operates from CANADA.
Other directors are:
Jason David Cogley (3rd Floor, Queensbury House, 3 Old Burlington Street, London, United Kingdom, W1S 3AE
Brian Moncik 145 King Street West, Suite 1500, Toronto, Ontario M5h 1j8, Canada
Alina Osorio same address
Othman Taleb same address
His email Address is : sdisley@fierainfrastructure.com
I will let you know what he has to say.
Hope this helps
Pip
Well done for all your research. I hope you can find out a bit more. As I said in my original post, I'm not much out of pocket and yes, I can use power generated, but I'd rather have the FIT in my pocket than somewhere a bit dubious. Maybe I will get in touch with our current MP and see what happens.
Hi all,
I have been in the same situation. PVSI is asking for the same amount to buy back FIT. I did some research before buying the property, both solicitors said and stated fit rights will be transferred to me. But that wasn’t the case. They are blaming each other now and forcing seller to pay half not sure if they will.
Can I make a claim anywhere because my solicitors stated this was paid and would be transferred also stated by sellers solicitors.
Did anyone win against PVSI.
And even if I buy this was installed in 2014 how much are the fit payments a year to recover the costs.
I have been in the same situation. PVSI is asking for the same amount to buy back FIT. I did some research before buying the property, both solicitors said and stated fit rights will be transferred to me. But that wasn’t the case. They are blaming each other now and forcing seller to pay half not sure if they will.
Can I make a claim anywhere because my solicitors stated this was paid and would be transferred also stated by sellers solicitors.
Did anyone win against PVSI.
And even if I buy this was installed in 2014 how much are the fit payments a year to recover the costs.
Did you manage to contact pvsi for a settlement quite via the contact details pipcee provided?
In the process of buying our solicitors clearly didn't ask enough question on the fit so hoping to get a quote then make them pay up claiming against their indemnity insurance so we gain ownership..
In the process of buying our solicitors clearly didn't ask enough question on the fit so hoping to get a quote then make them pay up claiming against their indemnity insurance so we gain ownership..
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