23 October 2006
Beware of paying over the odds for solar panels
Wealden District Council, along with other local authorities, have become aware of a number of unscrupulous companies who are charging well above the going rates for solar panel installation, and are using high pressure selling techniques to lock homeowners into expensive deals.
“We‘ve come across one or two companies offering to install solar hot water panels for £9,000, when the likely installed costs for an average-sized house should be £2,500 to £5,000,” explained Fiona Berry, Wealden Home Energy Efficiency Officer. They then offer a once only discount, bringing the quoted price down to around £7,500 but only if the owner agrees to sign up there and then and pay a hefty deposit.
This is still too much, but if the customer has already requested a sales visit– maybe only through a sales reply coupon – then the normal consumer cooling off periods don’t apply. We know of cases where pensioners have lost over £2500 because of pressurised selling techniques.”
Buyers also should beware of the projected levels of savings that today’s solar panels can offer, and companies suggesting specifications too large for the customers needs.
“As a rule of thumb you would expect solar panels to be able to provide almost all your hot water needs in summer, and up to half in winter – the remaining half requiring a top up from your normal system,” says Fiona.
“Homeowners have an important part to play in combating climate change and there are many ways to reduce carbon emissions from heating our water and our homes,” said Cllr Mrs Rowena Moore, Wealden’s Sustainability Champion. “But whether its solar panels or wind turbines, we suggest people find out as much as they can about new technologies before spending money on changing their homes.”
The Energy Efficiency Advice Centre - 0800 512012 –is one useful source of information as is the Energy Savings Trust website. Grants for all types of household renewable technologies are available under the Government Low Carbon Building Programme. This programme provides a list of accredited installers, including local Wealden based companies, who can provide solar panels. Find out more by ringing 0800 915 0990 or visiting their website. Alternatively, a list of members can be obtained from the Solar Trade Association – 01908 442290.
Wind turbines are another area of renewable energy attracting considerable attention, but homeowners should check first with the district planning authority before agreeing to any installation.
For advice and information about domestic energy efficiency , please contact Wealden’s Home Energy Efficiency Officer Fiona Berry on 01323 443321.
