I have 10 solar panels on the roof 2 solar thermal for hot water. Got the first tariff going and then saw rates fall so now I would lose money on energy if moving. I am also biding my time over batteries waiting for more progress like many views expressed above! I also have a venting system running on a second water circulating pump as I have old rads and this keeps the house much warmer in the winter. Finally have had the house approved on Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which awards £300 per year. Have therefore reduced my energy costs by over 30% over the past 5 years. So more money to spend on the MOG!
On our bungalow, we have 2 solar PV arrays. 9 panels facing south and 15 panels facing east. This means none on the street side so no visual impact. The inverter copes with this arrangement and maximises generation throughout the day whilst limiting generation to 4kw. Peak generation 29kwh per day. Our hot water is produced by an ASHP with a 300Litre storage. Heating is via 15kw ASHP and BIG rads. The loft has about 300mm of insulation and all cavities are insulated. We also get RHI of £650 per year (for 5 years).
Our total elec consumption is about 14500 kwh per year, costing £1800 and we collect Solar FIT of £2500, but have only 18 years left on the original 25year contract. (By then i will be 88 so what to do then will probably be on my son's agenda!) Overall, i am happy with the package, on the down side, the maintenance on the ASHP kit costs £300-£400 a year and, will it last 18 years? Probably, just. I also expect i will get through 1 or 2 Solar PV Inverters at £1500 a piece. When i am 88 i will update you!
