Renewables-Advice wanted

[radswilldo]

Have been watching the developement of this market for a number of years and cannot make up my mind as whether to get involved with the current products. Solar hot water, as far as I am concerned is a joke and GSHP will always be an eye watering niche. I do like ASHPs, though they involve a significant investment and their returns are best when installed for some one on electric. Where I am located, gas is plentiful, though there are a small number of oil/lpg villiages dotted about. I am constantly in contact with my federation tech regarding the 'Green deal', all is up in the air. What are my peer's thoughts.

 

[markfxy]

Solar hot water is far from a joke it works well even in our climate the payback time is way too long though, as for renewables in general I like many others have lost interest what with Blue skies then MCS and competent person schemes, green deal etc all a load of nonsense that will cost a fortune for very little return.

 

[MP plumb]

if you live near london, go to the ideal home show at earls court, there are loads of sustainable and energy saving ideas. you can speak to the representatives and learn about all the new devices.

 

[wiggers1]

Their is also a Home building and Renovating show at the NEC 29 March - 1 April and Ecobuild is next week.

 

[eaton]

Thermal works well, have a few out there on natural gas systems, saving roughly £250 a year on gas bills. At 3-4k install plus the £300 grants they've had payback isnt bad.

 

[Howsie]

Out of interest why would saving 60% of your hot water bill be a joke?

 

[TBServices]

I think the joke is the installation cost vs. potential savings. Its just not affordable enough, which is a shame as the systems are good.


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[Howsie]

Tell that to the people having them installed. They (and I) seem to think the numbers add up quite well.

 

[TBServices]

That may be true if you live/work in an affluent area where people have the cash to front the installation. Otherwise it's a big investment for not much return. It's also not the kind of thing to invest in if you don't plan on staying in your property for much longer, so in small, cheap houses its simply not worth it as the cost of the install is a much higher percentage of the houses worth and will add not add significant resale value compared to other renovations for similar money.

It's good technology but the simple fact is, it needs to come down in price, as with most energy saving solutions.

FYI I'm not slamming solar, if I was settled in a home I knew I would stay in, I'd fit it in my own house.

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[tprywell]

It's also not the kind of thing to invest in if you don't plan on staying in your property for much longer

Why? It increase the property value, or not?