Solar panels on block of flats

Jan 05, 2012 9 Replies

Article in the Standard tonight.


1 million spent on solar panels on 10 blocks

Providing power to 238 flats



Should save up to 150 pa per flat


238 * 150 = 35,700 pa saving

Pay back = 1M /35.7k = 28 years (without interest, etc.)



Will any PV panel last that long?



Not if the local pigeons have a hand in it... Brian

The best with blocks of flats is to fit exterior cladding with insulation under with triple glazed windows. The block then looks brand new and very different and modern lasting longer than PV panels. It kills many birds with the one stone when doing this but will cost more than 1 million. But you get more than just insulation in the structure. And visually it becomes appealing. At the same time putting PV panels on the roof, designed into the top structure for visual appeal, would be beneficial as excess electricity will go into the grid.

The cost of putting these panels on roofs of block is feasible. What will one block generate? Then £1 million per block - will be cheaper if many are done at once. Then what is the cost a new power station to that? A new station will have delays because of NIMBYs, court cases etc. It needs transport infrastructure to it and gas or oil pipe lines, then grid lines from it. It will be pretty remote as well with long lines. PV cells are emissions free on use with no waste, unlike the power station.

With PV cells there is no to little line losses as the electricity is consumed locally.

HMG should insist that building with good south aspects have PV panels designed into the structures - maximum efficiency is then gained and visually they will be unobtrusive. It is cheaper to clad buildings with PV cells than marble.

Is it possible that the reduction in electricity consumption from the grid = £150pa per flat, but the council/owner is expecting to get the FIT income for generating the electricity which pays back the outlay in a faster period?

D

Good god he is saying something sensible.

That is exactly what they did with the flats a mile away from me. They also filled them up with older folk and dumped the residents in a bigger sink hole so they ay actually stay that way for a bit.

Will the FIT last that long? I htought the tariff only lasted 25 years.

Robert

So old folk never commit crime or act in an antisocial manner then?

I know many that need ASBOs

At 43p though it'll be in profit by then.

NT

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