Lower amount of panels installed - not reflected in price

solarpanel

Hi all

In South west of Ireland and got an install this week. Initially got a quote for 12 and then after a site visit they said actually you can fit 17 so got a quote for 17 panels. Difference in quote of 1500 which works out 300 per panel.

Come the day of the install they say actually can only get 15 I say well if thats what can fit.

Invoice comes in yesterday and they have reduced it by 200. I say oh you have made a mistake it should be down 600. They then come back saying panels cost 100 so that's what we are reducing it by - they also say it's if you wanted another panel then it's 300 extra.

I am well prepared to pay for quote of 17 - (300*2) even though I wanted a 17 panel system.

Now there is a hefty amount still to be paid and the grant is also going direct to them so I'm in a strong position.

Whats people thoughts on here with the situation I'm in.

con747

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058346502/lower-amount-of-panels-installed-not-reflected-in-price

I would want a bigger discount. If they say panels cost €100 then offer to pay them for the panels fitted at €100 each and see how they react. Bottom line look for a better discount than they offered. Maybe post the quote here without naming the company to get better advice.

solarpanel

The rest of the price is very good - I did extensive research. This has just left a bad feeling. I wondered had anyone else had the same scenario and what happened to them.

If they don't play ball Ill say sure come out stick the 2 panels on the north part of the roof and I'll pay you the 17

con747

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122012362#Comment_122012362

They should be able to work with you to reach a reasonable solution you can both be happy with. Just make sure they don't drag their heels on the NC6 being submitted if they get the hump. Get confirmation from ESBN that they received it and get proof via email in case ESBN lose it, they have in the past.

solarpanel

They have already emailed me the NC6 form to me. If they haven't submitted it could I forward it on?

They are getting the grant directly to them + about 6k is owed to them. They are awaiting 8k because they are trying to screw me out of 400.

con747

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122012405#Comment_122012405

I'm not sure who can send the NC6 in tbh but just have a good chat with the boss if possible not the grunts because it's not in their interest to be pissing a customer off over such a small amount. Word of mouth can give or take sales.

solarpanel

Thanks appreciate your thoughts. I'll update next week

solarpanel

Double checked they submitted NC6 and I was cc on it.

con747

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122012439#Comment_122012439

Get email confirmation from ESBN so you have it on file in case it gets lost.

...Ghost...

I was afraid this very thing could happen, so I emailed the solar company with the agreed price for the minimum number of panels agreed and then I added the cost per additional panel added up to the maximum number I would take. I had everything in writing before they touched my roof.

In my case, the min was 9 panels I was hoping to fit onto my south roof. Any panels which would not fit on the south roof would be moved to the north roof, where a max of 4 panels would be installed with optimisers costing an extra €250 per panel plus €50 for each optimiser. I ended up with 8 fitting on the south, so I had 1 panel paid already for the north roof, less the cost of an optimiser. Add the 3 extra panels and optimisers and the final extra was 950 ((3*300) + (50)).

Your installers are talking absolute crap and you need to stand firm with them. You have the base cost for the 12 panels. You have the additional cost of the additional 5 panels quoted. They only installed 3 extra panels, so you should only pay for those 3.

Nobody cares what they paid for the panels. You were quoted for the materials AND labour. They were charging you an extra €300 per panel to include labour, so on the basis they only installed 60% of the additionally quoted panels, you take the difference between the quote for 12 and 17 which was costing you €1500 and multiply that by 0.4 = (the amount you deduct from the final quote) = €600. That is not a discount. That is simply the cost per extra panel + labour they couldn't install. It's a bit on the high side for extra panels too. I got optimisers and panels for that price. Don't back down and don't give them an inch. You are either talking to a chancer, or an idiot.

Don't pay a cent more until they correct their invoice. Based on what you have written, I wouldn't rely on smooth after service anyway.

edited to tidy up some typos

solarpanel

Exactly.

They have put in writing the additional cost per panel but somehow that doesn't go back the other way.

They sized the system not me and now I am penalized. They were happy to quote for 12 and 17. I went with 17 as they said the more the better.

The only issue is if I have ongoing support (I'll have to YouTube / search forums for info) but the business could be wound up in a year and what support would I get then.

I know I can't name them here but on a Facebook group they don't have that issue. I will be factual and write up my experience and warn others to have in writing what happens if the system changes with more/less panels. The lads on the day I couldn't fault it's the office staff the issue is with.

solarpanel

Same rubbish today with them.

I've gone back making it very clear I will pay the correct amount on issuing of correct invoice but I am not paying for their incorrect sizing.

solarpanel

Same thing today. Asked for updated quote and they sent through incorrect amount. I then rang and spoke to owner and they said that's how it is. I honestly couldn't believe it.

slave1

You're obviously a number to them, I would not be too worried about on going support as there's a reasonable chance you are already going to be ignore because of the "grief" you are causing (which you are not, I'm just guessing their stance).

I'd cover it once more on email and leave it at that, if they want your money then they need to provide your proper invoice.