Domestic Solar PV Quotes 2024 - No PM requests - See Mod note post #1

This is what you need. Should be some companies who do them here.

I won't pretend to know if that main roof is not feasible. But if it is, do you have another flat roof like an extension or large shed? I've 5 panels on a flat roof. Others here have a garden full. Some even did the ones in the garden before the main roof - unusual but hey!

Who'd be adding panels though? You'd surely install what you could, or what you need in one go on a given stretch of roof, especially if it has to be in-roof replacing the tiles rather than sitting on top. New builds save the cost of tiling, as you're tiling with panels, albeit in roof type, or standard type sat in specific in roof frames. You can panel to the edge too, for a visually neat finish, whereas you've to leave a margin on the grant spec installs, which always visually jars. There must be some in roof installs here somewhere.

To be fair, I've a small roof so if I go for one side that would be it done I'd imagine.

Anything I do I have to keep in mind the ability to add a velux somewhere (ideally at the back).

Thanks @deezell - that and even actual solar tiles might be options, albeit more expensive (once I get some prices!).

I'll put the quotes in here if I get them.

For sure having them on the main roof is best for shading - as you say

€6K for 5 panels sounds like a 'someone actively ate your cash' quote alright.

You should perhaps try talking to a builder/roofing business with a view to a solution for either fitting the rail hooks, or else sinking a waterproof space to carry in-roof panels. It wouldn't be that difficult to just replace the problem clay tiles with flat conrete pantiles, in such a way that the solar panels will cover the changed tiles. This would give you a robust base to work on under the panels, and a large stack of spare clay tiles should any of the perimeter ones break.

Installers are one trick ponies it seems, just interested in the in and out cash cow work, no problem solving additional skills beyond the basics. Talk to some builders/roofers about getting the rails up, in-roof frames, or just retiling the target roof area. It will cost more no matter what the solution. Just check also that you won't fall foul of planning by altering the visual character of the roof, It sounds like it could have architectural heritage issues if all the roofs have these ancient pretty tiles.

Yeah, a quick Google shows some specialist equipment so it seems like they just don't like to bother.

Onto one last crowd here ha.

Does anyone know if it's possible add a ground mount system with an existing roof installation? Only space for 3 more panels which would bring the system up to 5kw so just wondering if a ground system would make more sense.

Is this their "4 kWp solar offer and a post works BER for only €4,800" offer?

Any further feedback on Flogas - who installs, lead time, any negotiation etc?

Did you price around?

Do you get to keep the BER for future use or do they have exclusive use of it?

My turn

What are people's thoughts on this price?

Solar Panels
***
8.700 kW Total Solar Power
20 x 435 Watt Panels (TWMNH-48HD435)
6,968 kWh per year

5G RHI Hybrid Inverter - 3PH DC (5-10k)
5kW of Inverter Power   
SOLIS
1 x RHI-3P5K-HVES-5G 
10.0 -year Standard Warranty

Eco-Smart Energy Diverter
3.68 kW, Single Phase Eco-Smart Energy Diverter
1 x EDDI-16A1P02H

Total System Price €13,773

SEAI €2,100.00

Purchase Price €11,673

Thanks for the feedback.
Not sure where I mentioned the supplier?

One comment I'd have though is that system is a pretty beefy install. I take it you've looked at your bills and determined you'll use it?

We used 6809 kWh last year, hope to have that down this year (new house, better-rated appliances)
I work from home so skipped on the battery.

I've seen a few posts here where folks have said if they could do it all again they would max out on the initial solar panel install.

Max install? Yup, I'd be one of those posters who'd also advocate maximizing all your available roof space. My own case, I got the initial install of 14 panels. Then added 3 more. Then added 6 more, but my case is a little unusual. Would have been a lot cheaper if I could have gotten it all done at the same time (not possible for me)

That said, you can have too much too. While the current climate of FIT is pretty generous (~€0.20/kwh), there's no garuntee that we'll always have these nice high FIT rates. With no battery, you might be exporting your surplus at low rates. However, with a consumption of 7000Kwh, you definetely are above average which is about 4500Kwh, so you'd be doing well there with that sized array.

Regarding your question is the 5Kw a bottleneck. No, "not really" is the answer. Sure, you might experience "clipping", but if you do, you might end up losing a few (single digit) % of your overall production for the year.

Take me today. Blue skies outside, it's noon….here's my production for today.

Barely breaking 4kw off a 6.5Kwp system. The reality is that the sun as it moves around the sky doens't face the panels directly, so there's a "slant angle" to consider. If your entire 8.7Kwp was facing south then you would probably be "clipped" to 5kw for 2-3 hrs in the summer months, but overall…..you'll still be getting 95%+ of the production.
If your roofs were E/W (like mine) it's unlikely you'll see much if any clipping. I've never seen any even though I've 6.5Kwp on a 5Kw inverter.

Edit: With 8.7Kwp on 5Kw, you would of course be more likely to see clipping, but again, the actual loss you'll have out of the year is single % points. The 8.7Kwp is much needed for those days where it's cloudy and your only generating (say) 20-30% of your max production. Say 3Kw - so on those days you won't see any bottleneck

Well spotted, just checked and I'm def single phase. I'll query that with them. (was just a sales guy out)