Photovoltaic System cost

[puternut]

Had a guy here today and he was quoting me for a photovoltaic system to be installed on my house roof. Intrigued by the apparent returns what with Government subsidies, refunds from the power company and also some from some kind of other subsidy from the Environmental homes body.

System consists of 5 panels at .25 units of power each (sorry cant recall the official units he used) for just over £7k.

There is no obligation and I am looking online at other companies but none seem to quote a price without getting a guy in.

Has any ABer taken the plunge with one of these systems and if so how much?

[Mosaic]

The questions I would ask are: what amount of average sunshine does my property receive, and where are these figures from? How will this system be fixed to the roof and what happens if your installers cause damage to my property? Who owns this system - have I bought it outright or am I tied into some kind of rental or profit-share arrangement? Who will be able to repair it if it develops a fault? If it's so good and simple, why can't I pop down to B&Q and buy one?

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Five panels of 250watts is not worth the 7k outlay.Leave it for a few years and you will be able to buy a 4kw system that will take up a lot less space on the roof...and cost less.Im afraid the feed in tarrif reductions have killed off any incentive to buy.DONT DO IT!!!

[sfby]

There was concern a few months ago about problems with getting a mortgage on properties with PV installed - can't remember the details, but probably worth asking around - may make the property harder to sell.

[Twenty20]

As Mosaic says, you should make sure you are clear whether you are buying the panels or whether you are simply renting roof space.

I'd also be concerned about what these do to the value of your house, especially if you are renting out the roof space.

You should also look into long term maintenance costs - and look into these independently, not from the salesman's figures.