Dodgy Dealers - Risks of choosing the wrong system
What sort of risks are there
Sadly the biggest risk is paying significantly more than is appropriate for the product through very effective and often aggressive sales techniques. Take care to select your solar provider carefully, you should certainly ask for more than one quote and consider rejecting the companies that give the hard sell.
Solar water heating systems have been routinely installed in some countries for many years now, so the technology has had time to develop. It is not a new idea and you shouldn’t expect to pay a premium for “the latest technology”.
Within the UK , we have been slow to take on this means of collecting solar heat but can gain by adopting a mature technology with few risks. Unfortunately there are certain companies that are using the same hard sell approach that the worst of the double glazing companies use. The price is the last thing mentioned and even then there is a “smoke and mirrors” attempt at making it seem less than it really is.
Advice
When you are visited by a salesman of surveyor, prepare yourself by having a view of how much you are currently spending on heating and hot water. The cost of your hot water is relatively easy to work out. Simply check your fuel consumption during the summer months when the central heating is switched off!
Anyway, at least make sure that you have a record of your overall annual spend on heating fuel, don't be bamboozled by the salesmand into thinking your spend is greater, and consider that your spend on hot water will be about 1/3rd of the total!
Don't be pressured into thinking that a big selling point is a sign outside your house advertising the installation company. Nor that you are part of a selected group of properties in your area specially selected for a marketing trial! This is a promotional trick that has been around for years!
Sadly, having a BS9001 or similar is not an indicator of a realistically priced product or an effective system, the standard indicates that the company has a process and satisfies certain business rules.
Clear Skies say: "The cost of a professionally installed solar system for heating hot water can vary significantly. It is therefore important that those considering investing in this technology do as much research as they can to ensure that they are getting the best system for their needs along with value for money. This research should include at least three quotes from reputable suppliers."
Personal Experience
When I initially started looking at installing Solar Water Heating I responded to a leaflet that came through the door. When I responded by telehone I asked for a price or a range of prices. They wouldn't provide even the slightest indication.
Eventually I had a saleman visit, I must admit to forgetting most of what was discussed but he went through various charts saying how much I spent on central heating and hot water. This differred significantly from what I knew I spent. One of the key plus points seemed to be that I would have a sign outside my front advertising the company! Eventually I said that I wouldn't continue the discussion unless some indication of the likely price was given. At near on £8,000 back in 1999 with energy prices as they were and what appeared to be a fairly small system I suggested politely that he might leave and save his breath!
renewable energy, solar heating, wind turbine, solar panels, sustainability, eco,