Consistently Good Service and Aftercare
Green Energy Electrical fitted our solar system in May 2022 and I was delighted with the firm from the start. I am writing this review to supplement what I wrote on Google and provide potential customers with detailed information which may assist them if they are thinking of having a solar system fitted. In the first place, Mark who came round to carry out the initial survey etc, could not have been more helpful. He knew the optimum amount of panels and location to suit the orientation of our house. As we are north east/south west facing, the Solar Edge system was best, in that all panels function independently. With other systems, each panel will only function to the same extent as the lowest performing panel at the time.) I had thirteen panels fitted 7 to the front and 6 to the rear of the house, together with three batteries with a collective storage capacity of 7.2 kw.
This system is working extremely well for me and in 18 months I recouped 16% of my original expenditure. At this rate I should break even in 7 years approximately. (I keep a record of the savings for my own information). I hasten to add that there was a wait before my batteries were installed, as they were not available until the October after the panels were fitted. Covid had messed everything up around that time. If the batteries had been installed with the panels, the savings would have been greater. I will explain below.
With solar panels alone, they power whatever is functioning at the time they are generating. Any excess goes to the grid where you receive payment for this, depending on your supplier tariff. It is always most cost effective to use the energy as it is being produced so it is important to run heavy duty appliances when there is plenty of light. These need to be staggered, because if you use more power than the batteries are generating, it takes the extra from the grid. Hence, thought and organisation is required.
If you have batteries, they will store the energy and only send to the grid when the batteries are full. This means that you use more of the generated power yourself and thus save money. You are less susceptible to minor variations in light intensity. If the dishwasher is on and a cloud passes by as the machine is heating the water, then of course, it will take power from the grid. If there is stored energy, it will be used and the battery will charge again when the sun comes out etc. I have three batteries and in the summer, there is usually enough power to keep everything working until the sun rises the following day and usually, the solar panels meet all my needs. This is with two people and average energy use. Obviously, larger households will maybe need an additional battery etc.
There are some very good tariffs now on offer. I have signed up to Octopus Flux which offers cheap electric between 0200 and 0500 hours. Mark very kindly went to a lot of trouble to arrange with Solis to set my system to charge the batteries at this time and during the winter months, the stored energy 7.2kw, is enough to power the house all day, until charging recommences. The export payment is approximately the same so if the battery fills at night and discharges during the day, I get my money back. Between 1600-1900, there is an expensive period so it is best to avoid serious cooking etc at this time. The batteries cover this though, so for me it does not signify. The export payment is very good at this time 28p approx per kw. This means that the system is affording me significant savings all year round now. I can store and use cheaper electric in winter and receive significant payment for export, in summer. Obviously, it is best to set washing machine/dishwasher, to operate during off peak window as this saves the power for general daytime use.
This company is as good as they come! Mark is, and always has been very helpful towards me and sorts any queries/issues as quickly as he can. Some organisations don’t want to know you, once they have your money. Mark and his colleagues consistently GO THE SECOND MILE FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS!