O/T - Ecovision and their FREE solar panel offer

As I walked through the door there was a disscussion on radio 4 about it-What I heared sounded interesting and would advise anyone thinking about going down this road to listen.Should be able to get this on BBC i-player -Julian Warricker Show,Radio 4

Merlin,

The only thing I would check is who gets first dibs on the energy produced. I doubt it will be a case that you get to use as much as you want and then whatever is left over goes to EcoVision who get a refund from the Grid.

You may find that the first few kw's go to EcoVision and you then get what's left. This may then mean that you only subsidise your electric by about 20% and not the 50% they are quoting. They will be trying to maximise the return fron their install.

They never ever told me that they would save me 50%! lol my electric bill is close to £128 a month usually but is now £30 cheaper per month.

Eco visions installed systems has NO STORAGE - the energy is converted from AC into DC so that it can be used instantly in the home. Basically - Whilst it is creating energy for you from day light hours it is instantly available for you to use, YES you may be consuming MORE kw/h than what it is creating at any given time, but you are still getting free energy as part of your consumption. However you may be using less energy than what its creating at any given time, and this is where ecovision will benefit, as any unused electricity during the times it is creating the energy will go back to the grid and they will get their share of the rewards! Personally - there is not much unused energy at any time at my house!! Thats a guarantee as we are a 3 children working family so its always all go in my house, computers, Games consoles, battery charging, TV etc etc - Eco-Vision aren't really benefitting much from my home tbh! Where as with homes they will, when home owners are not home all day long, and have nothing switched on burning energy of any great relevance.... Free cash for Eco-Vision!

IT all depends on your personal circumstances to be honest - What may be worth alot to one family - might not benefit another! (unless of course you pay for your own Solar Power units that HAVE a storage procedure!) then you can sell the energy back to the grid yourself for any unused electricity.

Because my family circumstances mean that my Wife is home during the day - this is when most of the appliances are on, eg. TV, Radio, fish tank, fridge/freezer, etc etc all the usual constant appliances and then the high consuming appliances such as microwave, iron, dish washer, and the dreaded Tumble dryer!! we try to make sure that the only times we use these appliance is when we absolutely have to... eg Tumble dryer only goes on during prime solar charging time between 11 and 4pm, and only if the weather isnt good enough to hang clothes out on the line etc etc... so we try to maximise the way in which we utilise the system.

So like I say, it all depends on your circumstances as to whether you would benefit from them or not. And in my case I do, we give N-Power a regular meter reading which we can tap in online, and our bills are adjusted accordingly. On last year alone we have saved almost £400 in the bill difference.

I'm having ecovision to put solar panels for free on our roof.

They state that you should use as much electricity during the day. Put items on a timer etc if you are out during the day so that electricity is used.

They are free after a 25year period.
They are maintained free of charge for that period. These panels are uk made not from Asia. You can expect to loose around 0.7percent per year of there total output.

The only time they don't generate electricity is when they are covered in snow and ob at night.

We went for them as we are not planning to move unless we win the lottery.

We also have a hot tub which I will put upto 40centigrade during the day and turn off at night.

I've gone through the contract etc and I can't see any problem. They will call out within 48hrs for a service if you require and sooner if your roof collapses.

As for insurance mine stayed the same,

Just do as they say and use as much during the day.

I'm having ecovision to put solar panels for free on our roof.

They state that you should use as much electricity during the day. Put items on a timer etc if you are out during the day so that electricity is used.

They are free after a 25year period.
They are maintained free of charge for that period. These panels are uk made not from Asia. You can expect to loose around 0.7percent per year of there total output.

The only time they don't generate electricity is when they are covered in snow and ob at night.

We went for them as we are not planning to move unless we win the lottery.

We also have a hot tub which I will put upto 40centigrade during the day and turn off at night.



I've gone through the contract etc and I can't see any problem. They will call out within 48hrs for a service if you require and sooner if your roof collapses.

As for insurance mine stayed the same,

Just do as they say and use as much during the day.

I would be amazed if you could generate enough electricity to heat a hot tub (5kw?) with solar panels, and whatever else your planning on using during the day, unless you've got a very big roof!

You are very limited what you can use on a timer during the day when you are in work, your washing machine, dishwasher and tumble dryer are about it. You have to be organised enough to arrange to have your laundry/dishes ready every morning and set the timers/delay starts on them. And of course many people feel uneasy about leaving domestic appliances on when they aren't at home.

Obviously your fridge/freezer is on 24 hours, and when your home in the evening the lighting, heating, cooker, kettle, shower, tv/radio/computer etc

So although it sounds like a good idea, it's not always as clear cut as they like to make out when they are trying to sell them to you.

Love the bit about them calling out quicker if your roof collapses

3kw heater... I'm home most days so we will hopefully save a few quid over the year. We had a solar engineer with British gas go through our usage and daylight hours etc and we should save around half our yearly bill by changing a few things. As for the tub it would only need heating every couple days.

As were staying put Im hopeful its a good thing to have..

:D

3kw heater... I'm home most days so we will hopefully save a few quid over the year. We had a solar engineer with British gas go through our usage and daylight hours etc and we should save around half our yearly bill by changing a few things. As for the tub it would only need heating every couple days.

As were staying put Im hopeful its a good thing to have..

Don't get me wrong I'm all for energy efficiency, recycling and so on. It's just that, as with all the "latest fads" so many cowboys get in on it, and all is not always what it seems.
You seem to have done your homework though so good luck to you.

Does anyone have any experience of this company, or know of any reason why their current offer of installing FREE solar panels to the roofing of your house is a bad idea?

They claim to fit it all (£15000's worth of solar panel) and maintain it free for 25yrs (grants from the government to use natural energy sources) and to make the country more eco-friendly.....

I have been accepted provisionally - and have a surveyor coming around this afternoon to check the property out.

I just wanted to know if anyone has heard or experienced any bad press, meetings, info on them? etc etc before I make any decisions myself.

here is their website - http://www.ecovisionenergy.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and their FAQ here:

Free solar energy

Q. What's the catch?

There is no catch! Ecovision supplies, installs and maintains (for 25 years) a solar electricity generating system at your home completely free of charge. We can do this for free because we receive payments from the Feed In Tariff, which was set up by the Government in 2010. The payments we receive are for the electricity that is generated by the system on your roof (irrespective of how much of the electricity you use or don’t use).

The only thing you need to do is to sign a 25 year lease, which means that you are renting your roof to us for 25 years-there’s no catch there either and we have produced a plain English version for you too. There aren’t any catches. You rent us your roof for 25 years, we receive the Feed in Tariff payments set up by the Government, we install a £12,000-£15,000 system on your roof and you receive all the electricity that the solar panel system produces for the next 25 years and beyond. And it doesn’t cost you anything!

Q. How do I get free electricity?

Launched in April 2010, the UK Government’s Feed In Tariff scheme allows Ecovision to install and maintain solar power systems free of charge if homes meet certain criteria. During the hours of daylight, the Ecovision solar panel generates free electricity that can be used by your home. And whilst you’re using free electricity, you don’t have to buy electricity from your normal electricity supplier. Learn more about how our system works.

Q. How much will an Ecovision solar panel system save me?

Depending on the location of your home and the way in which you use electrical appliances, Ecovision solar panel systems can save householders up to 50% on their annual electricity bill. And if your home meets certain criteria, then we will install the entire system for free.

Q. Are there any additional costs with your free solar electricity package?

With Ecovision, free means free. If your home meets the criteria for one of our free solar panel systems, then we will install it free of charge. Furthermore, we will also maintain the system free of charge for 25 years.

Q. Will I be able to run all of my electrical appliances?

Absolutely. There will be no change to your daily life whatsoever. Your electrical appliances will function correctly, and there is no need to purchase any special electrical equipment or lighting. If you use more electricity than your Ecovision solar panels are generating, then the solar power systems automatically draws the additional electricity that you need from your normal energy supplier.

Q. What will happen to my electricity bills and do I need to notify anyone?

The beauty of our system is that you don’t need to do a thing. You will continue to receive bills from your normal electricity supplier because you will still be using their electricity during non-daylight hours and at any point during the day that you use more electricity than the Ecovision solar panel is generating. The only thing you will notice is smaller electricity bills!

Q. How do I make the most of free electricity?

Simple. Try to schedule activities such as running dishwashers, washing machines and dryers whilst your Ecovision solar panel is generating electricity during the day. You can set timers for these electrical appliances if you are not at home.

Q. What if I don’t use all the electricity that my Ecovision solar panel generates?

Any electricity that our solar panel systems generate that is not used in your home will be safely exported to the national grid so that it doesn’t go to waste.

Q. How can Ecovision afford to install free solar power systems?

In April 2010, the UK Government launched a Feed In Tariff scheme. For homes that meet certain criteria, we are able to install our solar power systems free of charge. That means you save up to £15,000 on the installation cost, in addition to receiving all the free electricity generated by the Ecovision solar panel. In return, Ecovision will receive the Feed In Tariff for 25 years, which covers the cost of installation. Learn more about free solar electricity from Ecovision.

Q. Will I own the freely installed solar panel system?

Ecovision receives the Feed In Tariff for 25 years to cover the cost of solar power systems and their installation. After that 25-year period, you will own your system outright.

Q. If I am eligible after the online process what do I do next?

There is no need to do anything else. You will be called by us to arrange a site survey.

Q. Do I have to pay anything during the lifetime of the contract?

Installation, maintenance and administration is all carried out free of charge for the lifetime of the contract.

Solar Energy

Q. What is renewable energy?

The planet’s reserves of oil, coal and gas are gradually being depleted to meet our energy demands. Using renewable energy sources such as solar power doesn’t compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own energy needs. Examples of other renewable energy sources include wind, sea waves and currents, hydro power, bio mass and heat from the earth.

Installation

Q. Is my home suitable for an Ecovision solar panel?

For an Ecovision solar panel to work effectively, the ideal roof is south facing (between southeast and southwest) and unshaded, particularly from trees or other buildings. There needs to be approximately 19 to 30 square metres of clear roof space. The roof must also have a 30 to 45 degree angle, which is fairly typical in the UK. The quickest way to determine whether your home is suitable for an Ecovision solar panel is to enter your postcode in the box provided. Simply place the pin on the map to identify your house and we will respond with an initial assessment. Alternatively, you can call us on 0845 003 8001.

Q. Will my roof take the weight of an Ecovision solar panel?

Most roofs are more than able to support an Ecovision solar panel, which only weighs approximately 20-25kg. However, we will make a thorough assessment of your roof during our survey visit. If we have any concerns, then these will be made clear to you. We never install solar power systems until we are absolutely sure that the installation can be completed safely and to your complete satisfaction.

Q. Is planning permission required for an Ecovision solar panel?

Planning permission is generally not required for an Ecovision solar panel installation, except on listed buildings.

Q. How long do solar power systems take to install?

Our nationwide installation company works to the very highest standards of safety and quality when installing solar power systems. Weather permitting, we can usually complete installations in a single day. The only disruption to your daily life will be a brief period during which we need to turn your electricity off whilst we connect the system.

Q. What happens if I move house?

Solar power systems can increase the value of your home. Recent surveys show that a growing number of people are interested in buying or renting homes that have renewable energy systems such as a solar panels pre-installed.

Q. Can Solar Panels be fitted only on the roof?

Solar Panels (photovoltaics), have to be placed in a South facing direction in order to benefit from maximum sunlight exposure. We only install on roofs (unfortunately not on flat roofs).

Solar Power Systems

Q. What type of solar power systems do Ecovision install?

There are two types of solar panel available. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert the sun’s energy into electricity, whilst solar thermal panels convert the sun’s energy into heat. Ecovision will install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels that generate electricity. This electricity can be used in your home to power your electrical appliances.

Q. How do solar power systems work?

In brief, the Ecovision solar panels on your roof will convert the sun’s energy into direct current (DC) electricity. This is subsequently converted into alternating current (AC) electricity using an inverter so that it can be used in your home. A meter monitors how much electricity your Ecovision solar panel is generating. Learn more about how our solar power systems work.

Q. Do I need to switch my Ecovision solar panel on and off?

Our solar power systems are completely automatic. As soon as it is daylight, your Ecovision solar panel will be generating free electricity and feeding it directly into your home.

Q. Does an Ecovision solar panel work all year round?

Yes. Your Ecovision solar panel will generate electricity whenever there is daylight. However, the amount of electricity a solar panel generates will depend on the weather and season. The solar panel will generate more electricity on sunny days than on cloudier days. The duration that electricity is generated will be less in winter than in summer because of the shorter days. Homes in the South of the UK usually get more sun than those in the North. In fact, the only situation in when an Ecovision solar panel will generate little or no electricity during daylight hours is if it is covered in snow!

Q. What if my solar power system requires maintenance?

Ecovision’s solar power systems are reliable and hard-wearing. In the unlikely event that maintenance is required, then homeowners with our free solar electricity package will receive it free of charge for 25 years. Furthermore, our solar power systems feature an automatic alert that notifies us of any maintenance issues immediately. If this happens, then we will contact you and arrange a convenient time for our engineer to visit. Ecovision even insures the system for 25 years. Learn more about free solar electricity from Ecovision.

Q. Do Solar Panels work in overcast weather?

Yes they do, but the efficiency will be slightly lower.



About Ecovision

Q. What are Ecovision’s credentials?

Ecovision has extensive experience in the installation and maintenance of solar power systems. We have been successfully installing renewable energy solutions since 2005. Furthermore, both Ecovision and our installation company are Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) approved. This is an independent scheme that certifies products and installers of small scale energy producing equipment. Learn more about Ecovision, our track record and our team. You can also read more about the MCS scheme.

Never heard about this company installing free solar panels.. Cost of installation of these panels is pretty high so I am not sure about such an offer.

Firstly it was stated in this thread that the cost would be £15,000 for a typical installation. This was true when the first companies began to emerge and the feed in tarrif was high. The government has now halved the feed in tarrifs and the price of these systems has dramatically fallen with a typical installation now costing around £6000 for a 4 kw system.
There are many companies that will install a free system but most of them work on the strict criteria that your house is due south facing in order that the maximum power can be generated.

Does anyone have any experience of this company, or know of any reason why their current offer of installing FREE solar panels to the roofing of your house is a bad idea?

They claim to fit it all (£15000's worth of solar panels) and maintain it free for 25yrs (grants from the government to use natural energy sources) and to make the country more eco-friendly.....

I have been accepted provisionally - and have a surveyor coming around this afternoon to check the property out.

I just wanted to know if anyone has heard or experienced any bad press, meetings, info on them? etc etc before I make any decisions myself.

here is their website - http://www.ecovisionenergy.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and their FAQ here:

Free solar energy

Q. What's the catch?

There is no catch! Ecovision supplies, installs and maintains (for 25 years) a solar electricity generating system at your home completely free of charge. We can do this for free because we receive payments from the Feed In Tariff, which was set up by the Government in 2010. The payments we receive are for the electricity that is generated by the system on your roof (irrespective of how much of the electricity you use or don’t use).

The only thing you need to do is to sign a 25 year lease, which means that you are renting your roof to us for 25 years-there’s no catch there either and we have produced a plain English version for you too. There aren’t any catches. You rent us your roof for 25 years, we receive the Feed in Tariff payments set up by the Government, we install a £12,000-£15,000 system on your roof and you receive all the electricity that the solar panel system produces for the next 25 years and beyond. And it doesn’t cost you anything!

Q. How do I get free electricity?

Launched in April 2010, the UK Government’s Feed In Tariff scheme allows Ecovision to install and maintain solar power systems free of charge if homes meet certain criteria. During the hours of daylight, the Ecovision solar panel generates free electricity that can be used by your home. And whilst you’re using free electricity, you don’t have to buy electricity from your normal electricity supplier. Learn more about how our system works.

Q. How much will an Ecovision solar panel system save me?

Depending on the location of your home and the way in which you use electrical appliances, Ecovision solar panel systems can save householders up to 50% on their annual electricity bill. And if your home meets certain criteria, then we will install the entire system for free.

Q. Are there any additional costs with your free solar electricity package?

With Ecovision, free means free. If your home meets the criteria for one of our free solar panel systems, then we will install it free of charge. Furthermore, we will also maintain the system free of charge for 25 years.

Q. Will I be able to run all of my electrical appliances?

Absolutely. There will be no change to your daily life whatsoever. Your electrical appliances will function correctly, and there is no need to purchase any special electrical equipment or lighting. If you use more electricity than your Ecovision solar panels are generating, then the solar power systems automatically draws the additional electricity that you need from your normal energy supplier.

Q. What will happen to my electricity bills and do I need to notify anyone?

The beauty of our system is that you don’t need to do a thing. You will continue to receive bills from your normal electricity supplier because you will still be using their electricity during non-daylight hours and at any point during the day that you use more electricity than the Ecovision solar panel is generating. The only thing you will notice is smaller electricity bills!

Q. How do I make the most of free electricity?

Simple. Try to schedule activities such as running dishwashers, washing machines and dryers whilst your Ecovision solar panel is generating electricity during the day. You can set timers for these electrical appliances if you are not at home.

Q. What if I don’t use all the electricity that my Ecovision solar panel generates?

Any electricity that our solar panel systems generate that is not used in your home will be safely exported to the national grid so that it doesn’t go to waste.

Q. How can Ecovision afford to install free solar power systems?

In April 2010, the UK Government launched a Feed In Tariff scheme. For homes that meet certain criteria, we are able to install our solar power systems free of charge. That means you save up to £15,000 on the installation cost, in addition to receiving all the free electricity generated by the Ecovision solar panel. In return, Ecovision will receive the Feed In Tariff for 25 years, which covers the cost of installation. Learn more about free solar electricity from Ecovision.

Q. Will I own the freely installed solar panel system?

Ecovision receives the Feed In Tariff for 25 years to cover the cost of solar power systems and their installation. After that 25-year period, you will own your system outright.

Q. If I am eligible after the online process what do I do next?

There is no need to do anything else. You will be called by us to arrange a site survey.

Q. Do I have to pay anything during the lifetime of the contract?

Installation, maintenance and administration is all carried out free of charge for the lifetime of the contract.

Solar Energy

Q. What is renewable energy?

The planet’s reserves of oil, coal and gas are gradually being depleted to meet our energy demands. Using renewable energy sources such as solar power doesn’t compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own energy needs. Examples of other renewable energy sources include wind, sea waves and currents, hydro power, bio mass and heat from the earth.

Installation

Q. Is my home suitable for an Ecovision solar panel?

For an Ecovision solar panel to work effectively, the ideal roof is south facing (between southeast and southwest) and unshaded, particularly from trees or other buildings. There needs to be approximately 19 to 30 square metres of clear roof space. The roof must also have a 30 to 45 degree angle, which is fairly typical in the UK. The quickest way to determine whether your home is suitable for an Ecovision solar panel is to enter your postcode in the box provided. Simply place the pin on the map to identify your house and we will respond with an initial assessment. Alternatively, you can call us on 0845 003 8001.

Q. Will my roof take the weight of an Ecovision solar panel?

Most roofs are more than able to support an Ecovision solar panel, which only weighs approximately 20-25kg. However, we will make a thorough assessment of your roof during our survey visit. If we have any concerns, then these will be made clear to you. We never install solar power systems until we are absolutely sure that the installation can be completed safely and to your complete satisfaction.

Q. Is planning permission required for an Ecovision solar panel?

Planning permission is generally not required for an Ecovision solar panel installation, except on listed buildings.

Q. How long do solar power systems take to install?

Our nationwide installation company works to the very highest standards of safety and quality when installing solar power systems. Weather permitting, we can usually complete installations in a single day. The only disruption to your daily life will be a brief period during which we need to turn your electricity off whilst we connect the system.

Q. What happens if I move house?

Solar power systems can increase the value of your home. Recent surveys show that a growing number of people are interested in buying or renting homes that have renewable energy systems such as a solar panels pre-installed.

Q. Can Solar Panels be fitted only on the roof?

Solar Panels (photovoltaics), have to be placed in a South facing direction in order to benefit from maximum sunlight exposure. We only install on roofs (unfortunately not on flat roofs).

Solar Power Systems

Q. What type of solar power systems do Ecovision install?

There are two types of solar panel available. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert the sun’s energy into electricity, whilst solar thermal panels convert the sun’s energy into heat. Ecovision will install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels that generate electricity. This electricity can be used in your home to power your electrical appliances.

Q. How do solar power systems work?

In brief, the Ecovision solar panels on your roof will convert the sun’s energy into direct current (DC) electricity. This is subsequently converted into alternating current (AC) electricity using an inverter so that it can be used in your home. A meter monitors how much electricity your Ecovision solar panel is generating. Learn more about how our solar power systems work.

Q. Do I need to switch my Ecovision solar panel on and off?

Our solar power systems are completely automatic. As soon as it is daylight, your Ecovision solar panel will be generating free electricity and feeding it directly into your home.

Q. Does an Ecovision solar panel work all year round?

Yes. Your Ecovision solar panel will generate electricity whenever there is daylight. However, the amount of electricity a solar panel generates will depend on the weather and season. The solar panel will generate more electricity on sunny days than on cloudier days. The duration that electricity is generated will be less in winter than in summer because of the shorter days. Homes in the South of the UK usually get more sun than those in the North. In fact, the only situation in when an Ecovision solar panel will generate little or no electricity during daylight hours is if it is covered in snow!

Q. What if my solar power system requires maintenance?

Ecovision’s solar power systems are reliable and hard-wearing. In the unlikely event that maintenance is required, then homeowners with our free solar electricity package will receive it free of charge for 25 years. Furthermore, our solar power systems feature an automatic alert that notifies us of any maintenance issues immediately. If this happens, then we will contact you and arrange a convenient time for our engineer to visit. Ecovision even insures the system for 25 years. Learn more about free solar electricity from Ecovision.

Q. Do Solar Panels work in overcast weather?

Yes they do, but the efficiency will be slightly lower.



About Ecovision

Q. What are Ecovision’s credentials?

Ecovision has extensive experience in the installation and maintenance of solar power systems. We have been successfully installing renewable energy solutions since 2005. Furthermore, both Ecovision and our installation company are Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) approved. This is an independent scheme that certifies products and installers of small scale energy producing equipment. Learn more about Ecovision, our track record and our team. You can also read more about the MCS scheme.

Never heard about this company installing free solar panels.. Cost of installation of these panels is pretty high so I am not sure about such an offer.

The catch is as it says you are leasing your roof for 25 years, if you wish to move or sell your house then someone has to agree to take the lease on.

If you want to buy out of the contract it's not cheap