Owning your own home

We had this - screaming banshee type sound - I took the motor out and took it to euronics shop Rayners Lane - guy put it on a test bed and said he has no idea - probably a bearing or brush issue and a new motor would be more than a new machine. I was surprised how simple it was go take the motor out - it was a low range Bosch .

Figures - very waterworld end of days vibey

Anyone had a solar installation recently and wouldn't mind sharing rough cost?

I'm in Wilts and they have organised a scheme through Solar Together* where companies bid for the package of work - presumably getting a good deal on a load of work across the county - and have had my "personalised recommendation" which is very light in any info apart from number of panels (12) and cost (about £8k). The next step is to pay the deposit of £150 which doesn't seem like it's refundable if I decide not to go ahead after I manage to get more info.

I'm quite keen on solar and maybe battery storage too but also keen not to get ripped off.

*seems to be legit as it's endorsed by the council

EDIT:

If householders choose to accept their recommendation, the specifics of their installation will be confirmed with a technical survey, after which a date can be set for the installation of their solar PV system.

from here https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/6264/Solar-panel-and-storage-group-buying-scheme-to-launch-across-Wiltshire

My issue is paying £150 up front when all other companies would, I assume, come out and quote and talk through specifics before any money had changed hands.

I have just had solar and batteries installed down in Devon, so happy to share my costs;

System to consist of following ;
6.24KWp (16 x 390wp Panels) system complete with all electrical components/Labour/roof access
All associated isolators and control wiring
SOLAR-EDGE 5.0KWp Inverter and 16 X Power Optimizers
All relevant warranty’s – certification, Building control and Western Power notifications
1 x 10KWh Solar-Edge Battery complete with all electrical wiring and components

All cost £14k

My quote under that scheme (I’m in Wiltshire) has come back exactly the same as yours. I’m loathed to sign up/ pay a deposit especially as we’ve got renovations/extensions planned for next year (roof off). Looks like the battery is a few extra £k as well...

In our case, battery was roughly half the cost!

I would say that chatting to my installer, there are major shortages of both panels and batteries, which is causing massive delays, he is now booking in installs for next summer, as that is when he can get the panels for.

Out of interest, do you know what the payback period will be?

I bet they just have a basic formula that says if roof size between X and Y then Z panels.
3KwH battery was another £3ish k but 6KwH battery was less than a grand more so they are pricing in the other materials and components too I think.

The more I think about it the more I think it's less likely to be a good solution, more of a "one size fits all" solution. Maximising profits :(

About 8 to 10 years depending on what prices do.

Our electric bill was about £320 a month prior to the install, we have only had it a month, and obviously summer time (although the first couple of weeks were awful weather!) but currently we are generating 86% of our own energy.

That's really great. You'll be sitting comfortably when we're all getting payday loans to pay the leccy this winter!

Yes, pure fluke that I managed to get some booked in before this all kicked off!

Personally I dislike these schemes because I suspect the suppliers view the local authority or group buy organisation as the customer, not you, so you'll be treated like shit.

I dislike them as they're not overly fair.

Wealthy retired person with no mortgage gets free solar because their salary is 'low'

Wait. Who gets free solar?

I'm pretty sure there is no means testing in this scheme, everyone is paying a private company.

The benefit to households should be that the company have got a big load of work so can make savings on bulk buying etc and pass these onto the household.

Except that because it is only available through companies that partner up with local authorities, all semblance of competitive pricing is removed, and the cost to the consumer is the maximum that the company can get away with.

See also: insulation grants, 4g internet grants etc...

I'm pretty sure there is no means testing in this scheme

Yeah, there isn't. Folks, in theory, get cheaper solar than they can achieve as a private buyer because of scale and the tougher negotiation a group buy or LA can apply.

* in theory because of the reasons TW raises

We moved into an ex local authority flat recently. It's leasehold and the council are the freehold. Has anyone been in the same position and wanted to move an internal wall for example? What's the process like to ask permission from the council?

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much better reply below

Yes. Process including pain very much varies depending on the Local Authority/Freehold owner. In our instance, all internal walls were not structural but we still needed to provide a lot of information upfront before works could begin - structural engineer calcs, confirmation of approved inspector, contractor insurances etc.

Your Freehold owner will more than likely have a list of permissible works, and depending on your house type/context they rarely deviate from this but your mileage may vary and all that.

Regardless of pain, ex-LA flats/homes are generally well proportioned and built and provide a wealth of opportunity so worth pursuing.

Feel free to ask any specific questions.

my mum, I'm bitter

It's finished!
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/welsh-homes/inside-grand-designs-home-saddest-24515465

Thanks man, that's really helpful, might PM you at a later point if you don't mind.

Sure thing!

Anyone with a flat had to sort out an intercom not ringing? It works to buzz people in but doesn't ring when someone presses it from the front door

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