"Graham Easterling" wrote in message
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Estimated pay back time was 15 years+ using just for hot water, using for
heating was totally out of question
Will

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Don't understand this bit. What you use the power for is based on what
appliances you are using when the sun's out (or it's bright). The supply
from the inverter being taken in preference to that from the mains. So use
power when the sun shines! In any case for solar PV the payback time is
largely dependent on the FIT. As the inverters are quite expensive, it makes
sense to go for as many panels as is practical.

It's also worth pointing out that the panels can be mounted in an unshaded
garden, which I don't have, if the roof is unsuitable. They do need to face
between SSE & SSW though.

I was limited to 1 row of panels, as the lower part of my roof gets a good
deal of shade in the winter, and shading of just 1 panel in a traditional
set up dramatically reduces the output. There are new systems now which,
with additional wiring & electronics, overcome this, presumably by having
multiple feeds into the inverter.
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But when the sun's out we are normally outside enjoying ourselves not using
appliances indoors. We really need energy in winter and the sun don't shine
much in winter up here!

I do have an unshaded garden and that is a good point, but do I really want
to sacrifice my beautiful garden for some unsightly panels to save a few
pennies?

Will
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http://www.lyneside.demon.co.uk/Hayt...antage_Pro.htm
Will Hand (Haytor, Devon, 1017 feet asl)
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