Domestic Solar PV Quotes 2022 - No PM requests - See Mod note post #1

Totally makes sense.

If I was you, I'd go and buy the double socket, the back box and some decent cable. Then a half decent sparks will just do it for you

Depending on your chosen inverter and if its local to the inverter its very cheap, offer to buy them lunch.

Hi All,

    I was also looking to bounce a couple of quotes off you guys. I live in munster with plenty of roof space. 1 x EV, no charger installed at present. High electricity usage, more than 7000KwH/yr. I have quotes from 2 companies, both recommended by word of mouth.

1. 5.7 Kw system: 14 x 410 watt jinko panels, Sofar 5Kw hybrid inverter, Zappi,Eddi, Fire safety switch??, Dyness 4.8 Kw battery= €16,700 (€13,700 post grant)
2. 5.3 Kw system: 13 x 410 watt jinko panels, Sofar string inverter 5Kw, Eddi, Zappi = €13,200 (€10,230 post grant)
3. 5.9 Kw system: 16 x 370 watt REC panel, Huawei inverter 6.0Kw, 5 KWh Huawei battery, Eddi, Zappi = €14,350 post grant

I realise that these are on the high side. But are they exorbitant? Everyone is telling me that demand for solar is very high right now.

Would appreciate any advice.

Not sure I'd 100% agree with that. It always depends a little on the size of system being ordered. it's virtually impossible to match the formula for small sized systems.....and indeed there was a poster within the last 2-3 weeks on this thread who was close to the formula, so if it's wrong, it's not wrong by much. Maybe €1.3k per 1Kwp, but I don't think €1.5K per 1Kwp is a fair reflection of the market.

Look at message #3025

There are good quotes out there, but the formula was never intended to be the "correct value" to pay for all system. The reason being is that for smaller systems you have these fixed costs which are the same for bigger systems. E.g you have to pay for getting two guys out and possibly scaffolding erected so they can put panels on your roof. It's basically the same cost labour wise to put 8 panels up as 18 panels. So it's kind of an economies of scale for larger systems and hence why it's easier to match it for larger ones.

I chased them via email and telephone from last July 2021 until November with no joy so gave up and went with a bigger system elsewhere. I found them very bad at communication in general.

So got a few quotes, but these 3 are from the most reputable companies I think. Anybody got any thoughts? (the price is after grant)

It's obviously between Company A and C for me.

It is unclear exactly how many panels will fit on the roof because we have a converted attic, so might be a bit of tetris required on the rear facing side of our A-Frame room. From that perspective, I was thinking that the smaller rated panels might be better because I'm guessing that they are physically smaller so hence more scope to fit an extra 1 or 2 in on the day. Is that mad?

I'll be going back to the two companies to get their thoughts too, but also interested in the feeling on the quotes on here. I tend to agree with previous poster, they all seem to be consistently dearer than the estimate formula of 1.2k per Kw etc.

Typically that's true. It's not that a larger producing panel is more efficient, but rather it produces more power because it's physically larger. It's also worth noting that the "all black" panels (which I think look nicer than the more traditional "white backed" panels) usually knock out 10-20 watts less than the white backed panels. This is due to the white backed panels reflecting more heat so they are cooler.

Tell the lads to bring along 2 or 3 extra panels and to fit them if they can. Cheapest way to install panels is a part of the original install. This is what most people do.

Yeah, maybe the formula need adjusting to €1.3/1Kwp. Still if you asked those 3x companies for a 7.5Kwp system with 10Kwhr battery, I bet it would come in fairly close on target.

Please could someone send me the name of the Enniskillen supplier of the solar panels or any other companies they recommend? Location sligo. Thanks in advance!

On what basis would you adjust a formula - on the basis of the prices being quoted ??? The driver of pricing is at source - the wholesalers.

Increment guidance upwards and you simply accept that overpricing is OK, then give it two months and we'll be at €1.4k per 1kWp

My hope is always to starve those who overcharge of business.

You have to remember that a company gets paid the GROSS Amount. So even SaaS get paid almost €6k for 8 panels and a string inverter, for a days work. Care to price that with a wholesaler - at their -20% off retail prices ???

My guess is that it's more time consuming. These guys are max 2 days on a job. Whack rails onto a roof - done.

If they charge €3k per day for labour (of course they won't tell you this but it's possibly what they are charging), then labour is now €6k vs €15k

The roof mount was 9600 after grant. That was 8 panels.

With me going all in for 18 panels on ground mount, I need a bigger inverter, there is more wiring involved because of legislation for ground mount and some electrical box. Plus wires need to be buried. Its 18800 after grant. I have asked if they can do a better price, he hasn't come back yet

I agree, but roof not suitable, as alrady have panels up 15 years and still going strong and they are in prime location. It becomes a mix and match for new panels, and because of dormer windows creating shadow, not advised. They will do it but suggested it would be a waste of money. Hense the ground mount. But ye its way more pricey.

I spoke to another engineer who said its way more expensive to do ground mount and wasn,t surprised at price. So have to decide if I want it or not. Thanks drphilG

Hey, looking at options....when you say "as already have panels up 15 years and still going strong and they are in prime location" do you mean you have old 15 year old smaller output panels that on the roof now, so it means the good roof for solar can't be used? Might be misreading you.

If that's the best position then take them down, whack the new ones up to get better output. Then you can always move the old ones to a roof somewhere else. Or put them in a shed and DIY them yourself at a future point. The installer will likely also quote to move the old ones for you. Or help your mates use them to get started on solar. Or, or....

My installer said he'd move our panels if we ever moved house. So some installers will happily move old kit to put new kit up (they will charge of course).

What output are the old panels and what sort of kwhs do they generate per month? Then folks here can advise if it's worth paying to rehome them or if squeezing in a few new panels will give the same output. I've no idea of the output of older systems.

Got a quote for 20panels for 20k, take away the grant and if I signed up there and the i would get 15% off too. but I had to sign up there and then. I said no as i hadn't done any research but I thought it seemed a bit mad that I had to sign up there and then and he couldnt email me out the quote! He says this company has 16years experience. But this seem crazy?