Shropshire renewable energy expert issues guide to solar PV Installation

Seven out of 12 companies recommended putting panels on a shaded part of the roof and three-quarters of companies are over-estimating how much energy the solar PV panels would produce, according to a Which? survey.

Shrewsbury businessman Andy Boroughs, managing director of Organic Energy, said the results of the consumer champion’s survey were “extremely worrying” and could damage the reputation of the industry.

Organic Energy is a pioneer in the renewables field, being the first in the UK to introduce a fully automatic wood pellet boiler system and is also a distribution partner for the leading global solar PV manufacturer, SCHOTT Solar.

Andy said: “We need consumers to have confidence in our industry and the Which? survey shows how quickly the reputation of the sector can be tarnished.

“New and inexperienced companies are springing up to take advantage of the boom in solar technology and it is extremely worrying that in some cases it appears householders weren’t even asked about how much energy they used.

“We wanted to demonstrate that the majority of operators in the solar PV industry are experienced, knowledgeable and importantly, trust-worthy. And we hope that by producing our top ten guide to solar PV installations, consumers will have the information they need to make the right decisions.”

The Which? Survey asked 12 companies to survey a house in southern England and quote for a solar PV installation. The results showed that most companies underestimated how long it would take for the system to pay for itself and seven companies recommended putting panel on a shaded roof.

Andy said: “We know that with the cost of energy continuing to rise, and gas and electricity bills increasing every quarter, domestic and business users are looking at alternative ways to generate their energy.

“When you add in the Government incentives like the Renewable Heat Incentive, the premium payments for installation and the Feed-in-Tariffs, it is no wonder that some companies think they can jump on the bandwagon and cash in.

“But the industry itself must act now to come up with a way of ensuring that consumers are not hoodwinked or misled by dodgy sales tactics or inexperienced companies advising consumers that they will benefit when solar PV might not be the best solution.

“As a responsible and established renewables company, we have come up with top ten tips which we hope will be a guide for consumers looking at the potential of solar PV installation. And we really do believe in its potential.

“Although a solar PV system can means an initial financial commitment, the potential profits from the Feed-in-Tariffs can be impressive.”

Organic Energy, based in Welshpool, is a UK distributor for the leading SCHOTT Solar PV range and works with MCS-accredited installers across the country.
For further information see www.organicenergy.co.uk or contact info@organicenergy.co.uk or call 01938 530070.