Philosophical dilemma

Jonathan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120234566#Comment_120234566

Check out the list of installers sticky. The Solar as a Service provider.

Hellrazer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120234566#Comment_120234566

Pm`d you there.

eclipsechaser

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120229013#Comment_120229013

I do find your take on the numbers a bit strange. If I could buy a device that printed €1200 a year for 20 years and probably beyond, I would bite your hand off to purchase that device for €5,000-€7,000.

Only investing in early Bernie Madoff would generate better returns.

I won't do out the maths for you but even if it generated €800 (2/3 of what you say would be be required) then I think that would be a no-brainer even at the top end of your cost.

graememk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120235138#Comment_120235138

My first year, 2021, I saved about 800 euro, Had about a 8-9 yr payback, back when electricity rates were a lot cheaper, Locked in a cheap rate until july 2022.

2022, its at 1200, before any FIT.

2023, I still have a decent rate until july, and if I took 2022 use/production its pushing 1900, ex any FIT.

Padre_Pio

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120234554#Comment_120234554

Seems to be a very grey area.

kippy

Interesting thread.

I notice from a lot of Solar threads that those putting in Solar tend to live in either very large houses or houses with a heatpump etc but I could be wrong here.

Living in an average 1600 detached 2 storey house build circa 2001. House hasn't been pumped or actic insulated much more above standard. Double Glazed PVC windows and doors. Average electicity use per year. 5 person house. Used around 4600 units last year down from 5300 the previous year. Heating is OFC with old school burner.

No one home during the day for 70 percent of the time however summer and holidays kids and wife etc at home.

Based on roof size I'd expect 8 - 10 panels maximum in a south east facing direction. No obstuctions etc. At most I'd reckon 3.2 to 4.0 kw system (4 would be a push) Haven't gotten pricing etc but I'd expect that to cost roughly 5-6 K after grant, would probably want hot water diverter and car charger while the work was being done also pushing things up a bit but would hope no more than 9K after all grants.

To me, until I get the house insulated, and a drafty front door replaced it doesn't make much sense to spend 9K yet while money is tight.

Solar as a service might be an option based on what has been said here, but I don't think the system would cover enough of my elec requirements for the payback to be worthwhile. 9K is enough to upgrade the OFCH burner to condensor, put a porch in and insulate the house better than it is now - which is probably a better use of the money.

graememk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120235553#Comment_120235553

Pick the lowest hanging fruit first.

Hellrazer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120235553#Comment_120235553

You could be describing my house exactly!!!

However in saying that I insulated the attic to 300mm, drylined the exterior walls , resealed the front door and windows. The windows are old school double glazed aluminium. You`d be surprised how little the above costs if you can DIY it.

Insulation was probably around 40 a roll, insulated plasterboard around 40 a sheet.

The door seals were from Amazon at something like 10.00 for 30 metres of the stuff. The windows were resealed around them with silicone and expanding foam - I basically removed the old crappy sealer and resealed them completely. Any seals that were completely gone were replaced.

Thats why I went with the solar as a service. Its at the very least going to cover the 50 every month. And anything over that cuts my electricity bill - In January it covered it in 2 weeks so if it had been a full month at the same generation it would have taken 50 off my next bill.

slave1

some strange savings being mooted here, savings should be based on the lowest cost out there and reflect night rate usage, not mad high supplier rates, if you want to save money then change provider and habits first, then PV savings kick in.

I could leave energia D/N and go to the most expensive provider and be saving thousands according to mis-logic posted here from time to time

the_amazing_raisin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120235138#Comment_120235138

It doesn't seem too crazy, like I said I could be saving around €2,400 for around €14k investment. So half the investment for half the savings seems logical

To be fair, it isn't really a money printer (that would be a nice feature) but a way of saving money. The problem is that when people have money they tend to spend it on something (yay consumerism) so when you save money you don't exactly notice straight away

The only way I've found is to make regular savings and increase the savings amount when you do something to reduce costs. It's a lot more visible then and, for me at least, having the money off in a savings account gives some mental separation to spending money so I don't just immediately spend it on junk

kabakuyu

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120236612#Comment_120236612

What size system do you have ?

What are you currently paying per unit to make a saving of 2.4k per annum?

the_amazing_raisin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120236773#Comment_120236773

Not installed yet, but I'm getting a 6kWp system anda battery at some point in the future

I based my savings calculations on the Energia EV plan which I'll be on when my current discount expires in May, plus the amount I'll be getting from deemed export

I calculated how much output I'd be getting using an online calculator and deducted that from my annual usage (minus around 10% for losses)

When I've the battery I'll be charging it from night rate when there's not much sunlight expected to lower the cost of buying electricity from the grid a lot

kippy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120235844#Comment_120235844

Where did you get a system for 50 euro a month? I can't see anything for that kind of money. Perhaps you got a great deal when prices were lower. I will have to look into the door seals alright

con747

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120238181#Comment_120238181

The installer is on the list here https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058243236/solar-pv-boards-members-installer-information#latest The price they charge now has increased a lot since last year when they offered a basic system for around €29.99 a month.

Hellrazer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120238181#Comment_120238181

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120238533#Comment_120238533

I ordered last September for a November install and its was €55 for 4kw + Diverter. - The same system today is €77 and without diverter is €66.00 - thats a serious increase in price. My actual direct debit price is €50.50 but that was due to the deal I did regarding the rectification works.

At €77 youd have to look at other installers prices for a 4kw system with diverter - Im not sure it makes sense at €77 a month.