Photovoltaics, contractor installed
CASE STUDY PV02
LONG LAWFORD
INSTALLED
7 May 2008.
FUEL REPLACED
Supplements electricity from grid.
DESIGNED TO SERVE
2 adults.
PROPORTION OF NEEDS MET
To early to tell.
PROJECT IDEA
What I did:
Had Solar PV panels installed on roof of my house.
Did you ask if you needed planning consent?
No - no longer required.
Why I carried out the project:
To reduce our carbon footprint
What type of equipment was installed?
- Sunpower Sunpack SPR8 solar PV array (8 panels)
- Model SPR-205-BLK
- 1.64kW peak rated power
- Fronius/IG15 inverter
Who was the installation company?
JHS Power Solutions Ltd., Banbury.
What costs were involved?
£9486 with a grant of £2500.
DID I THINK IN TERMS OF PAY-BACK?
No - we are elderly and therefore not concerned about pay-back period.
FINANCIALLY WAS DECISION DIFFICULT?
No.
WAS THERE SOMETHING I OR MY FAMILY DID NOT PURCHASE AS A RESULT?
Yes, new carpets and house decoration.
WAS THERE AGREEMENT IN THE HOUSEHOLD THAT THIS WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO?
Yes.
WHAT I LEARNED FROM THE PROJECT
To investigate more fully the costs involved and the advice we could have had from environmental agencies.
WHAT WORKED?
Installation went smoothly and system has performed satisfactorily.
WHAT DIDN'T WORK?
Communications with Ofgem.
UNEXPECTED KNOCK-ON EFFECTS, GOOD OR BAD
We read our meters more frequently than before and we now try harder to reduce our electricity consumption.
HOW WERE CARBON EMISSIONS & PREVIOUS FUEL CONSUMPTION REDUCED?
We haven't had our system operating long enough to enable us to comment.
HAVE YOU REDUCED YOUR DEMAND FOR FOSSIL FUELS AS MUCH AS YOU CAN - COULD YOU DO MORE?
Trying to reduce demand, but since we are elderly and consequently spend most of our time at home, our heating requirements are high.
WOULD I REPEAT THE EXERCISE?
Yes.
WHAT WOULD I DO DIFFERENTLY?
(see ‘WHAT I LEARNED...' above).
DO I PLAN TO INSTALL OTHER RENEWABLE ENERGY EQUIPMENT?
Yes.