Solar panels

I loved ours. Tenants now benefitting from the free electricity although we still get the feed-in money so not complaining. Cook when the sun's out, do the washing when the sun's out etc etc

Don't have a green light but "guesstimate" by how often generating light is flashing! Washing machine on at full tilt, dishwasher next!

I have solar panels but for hot water only. I do love them and I am so sorry that my washing machine and sishwasher are cold water heat ups, if that is the correct exprsssion which I doubt!

When first installed I used to write in my diary the length of time that the immersion was switched on. This was to try and work out how much money I was saving. I am past that now!

The big downside is that I only really want to use the tumble drier when it's raining, but then we're not generating very much electricity (if any) at all!

Maybe April weather - sunshine and showers will be ideal!

Last year was a fantastic year for photovoltaic owners. Another summer like that would be fine.

In addition to running the washing machine, followed by the dishwasher, then doing any ironing we run the ground source heat pump when the sun is shining and heat the house for free.

Th quarterly cheques are useful too!

20+ kwh hours today - roll on summer!

We have been toying with the idea. We have a south facing roof that doesn't look on to any neighbours ( so they dont have to look at them!). We dont work standard 9-5 as both self employed so could easily leave the washing for DH to put on, maybe a casserole to pop in oven.....The installation cost is dropping, and although I know that the sell back unit cost isnt as much as it could be, do you think the investment is worth while?

I know that costs are dropping. I only have solar panels which heat the water, not PV. My house is my own but 4 years ago the local council decided to pay the bulk for a select few, mine was chosen and I paid £800. It will be many more years before I will notice financial benefit.

I was told that servicing would cost £500! I contacted another solar panel fitter who told me that they need not be serviced for around 10 years but that cost is something which also has to be factored in.

I have never seen why the payback time mattered. What matters is that you are helping by using renewables.
If you can afford it, do it.

I certainly would recommend solar. I was quoted £6,000 for hot water only with little return, declined that one as it seemed a lot of money, but the PV ones on the roof are excellent. No regrets at all.

Yes hot water not deemed to be a great investment in the UK. Although my sister does get a fair bit of bathwater out of hers on a sunny day in Ireland. But you are better off I understand getting photovoltaics that can heat water for you and you get paid for the electricity as well. (even if you use it...)
Why sunnier countries don't use more solar hot water though, is a mystery.