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

Yes they did.

They looked at the fuseboard, in the attic and at the roof.

Then provided a quote that included "all electrical testing".

And there's a dedicated quotes thread. This is for tips and troubleshooting

Thanks for this.

When you say "the additional ESB re-connection fee" what is that?

Is that different to the fee for updating the tails?

It took me 30 seconds to inpect the tail in my meter box, and put a micrometer on the single outer (neutral) insulation, which told me what I already knew, the cable is 10mm sq, about 6mm diameter measured on the single insulation. 16mm sq is about 7 mm diameter. If he means the fuseboard main breaker current is too light (mine is clearly labeled 63A) then they should have been able to see that on inspection. If he's saying the fuseboard is physically undersized, which might mean insufficient room for the additional PV breakers on the DIN rail, that would be obvious on pre quote inspection. I think your system was inspected by a suit, not a sparks or an engineer.

You could always look for a seperate quote for a tail upgrade from any registered electrician/electrical contractor. I can't see them asking you for €750 with a straight face, to swap a metre of wire, especially if you've to pony up €186 on top to the ESB for their fee. However, nothing surprises me anymore.

Also they put in another mini fuse board as there wasn't space on the board. They've done that already.

Read this quote from SafeElectric.ie newsletter

"The response from NSAI/ETC/TC 002 was clear, Rule 551.9.4 requires that option (a) applies i.e. “before connecting any micro-generator, including a Photovoltaic installation, it is required that the existing installation should be inspected and tested.” All RECs installing PV installations should be inspecting and testing the existing installation and making the property owner aware of any non-conformances in the existing installation which will need to be rectified prior to installation of the micro-generation"

Its quite clear, testing and inspection are done before installation, so this cost is factored into the original quote. The only defect discovered is that it connected by ten square tails, this must have arisen time and again, they would be fully aware of it, so it is their responsibility to factor in the cost of this obvious defects In the original quote. They seem to be interpreting this recommendation of Safe Electric to their own benefit. it,'s possibly a ruse to make the original quote look better. "It was considered important that Safe Electric inspectors get clarity on this matter because micro generation includes PV installations which are now common and installers with different interpretations could be at a commercial advantage when pricing work."

As this is the only defect the retest data is just the original test and inspection with the defect now excluded, so retesting is trivial. They can prepare the Cert upload to the SafeElectric.ie database using the original test and inspection data that was included in the quote. There will be a charge for this cert, notwithstanding that they must have known it was needed prior to the original quote.

Read the text here, page 5. it arose from a query whereby PV installers themselves are unsure of how to proceed. Safe Electric are vague about what installers should choose to do, giving them the option not to check in advance, and thus make a meal of it.

I suggested that you get a quote for a tail upgrade from a different contractor, they are listed in the SafeElectric.ie home page. Perhaps you could contact the ESBN to get some information. I know they only charge €35 for a re connection within the time frame of 6 months, after that you must pay a cotractor for an inspection and cert before ESBN will come out and pop in the fuse. I suppose its possible they will the tails also, it makes technical sense, but I think they do it with a contractor on site. Unlike a new build, where the tails are dangling and the building is unconnected, a tail replacement is effectively a wiring disconnection followed by a wiring reconnection, so the fee of €186 seems about right for that part if it.

Its putting me completely off a PV install, if I wasnt already skeptical of the value for money, but the idea that you could haemorrhage an extra grand over 8 quids worth of wire is a stinker.

Tell them to pack up and give you a refund. This is the only course of action that will teach them a lesson.

I'm close to this TBH.

Can they then turn around and take their panels and EDDI and cabling and keep the 50% we've paid so far by claiming we breached the contract or something?

Is it sharp practice? Not to spot a 6mm square tail in the quote inspection? Leave out €750 + 286 to add it later? As suggested by their own regulator Safe Electric.

Thanks for all the advice.

I will see what the firm says about the 750 charge.

Hi folks,

first quote

12x 4 k panel including optimisers , 4.8 kw system

5kw hybrid solis inverter

5kw battery

total after grant 13900€

Davidhunt site doesn’t cover optimizer , so not sure if the extra 2-3k only for optimiser or not.

from a reputable business, is quote too high? Thanks in advance

No, 2 aspects for 12 panel quoted

Because of chimney probably. I am still due for engineer to visit and discuss. But comparing most quotes here, its sounds way off.

They are 405W panels. So it’s a 6.48kWp system if you have 16 of them. 6500 is a good price for this system if the my assumptions are true.

how did you get 2kw??