The Micro Renewable Energy Federation (www.mref.ie) has encountered some serious issues that farmers need to be aware off when choosing a solar PV installer. Chair of MREF, Ciaran Kells, said that asking a few important questions early in the process can avoid regrets and problems later on.
- Eliminate the cowboys
Ciaran Kells advises farmers to ensure the installation company they choose has relevant and up-date insurance cover in place that covers working at heights. All personnel installing the solar PV systems should have the necessary safe passes, including working at height training and sign-off qualifications for all electrical installation. Ideally, the installation company should also be members of a recognised professional representative organization, such as MREF.
- Paperwork
He said: “Farmers also need to ensure that their chosen installation company has the competencies and capacity to prepare grant application paperwork and advise on grid connections to help ensure that both are delivered in a timely fashion.”
Mr. Kells said that some farmers had encountered a lot of difficult. For example, he said a farmer he knew of had installed a 40kwp system on the advice of his installer only to learn subsequently that the maximum system size that he could install based on his electrical connection was 15kWp. This farmer is now facing the prospect of having to disconnect the installation and forfeit the TAMS grant that he had secured to help fund the project.
- Freedom to Choose
Mr. Kells said: “Farmers need to ensure that they do not allow themselves become a slave to any one utility company. Independence and the freedom to make the right choices are important. Farmers should retain full control over who they deal with for their energy purchases and sales on a year-to-year basis. One of the reasons why utility companies want a role in the installation of their customers’ solar PV systems is to tie them into long term contracts and reduce the ‘churn rate’ of customers leaving to competitor suppliers.”
He said choosing an independent installer gives farmers the freedom they are entitled to make the right choices for themselves.
- Warranties
Mr. Kells said: “Farmers should also question the quality of components, and the provenance of the warranties provided. Too often farmers are accepting verbal and written statements that offer attractive warranties only to learn that when a problem arises that they are not covered. Farmers should demand that the details of warranties are explained and be clear on what’s covered and what’s not covered.”
- Deposits
Mr. Kells said farmers also need to be careful around deposits. He said: “Deposits should only be paid to reputable companies that have a track record of delivering the projects they commit to. Farmers should ask for reference sites and contact details of previous customers who they can contact in advance of taking any decision.”
Concluding, Mr. Kells said that the government supports available to the farming community for renewable power installations are really good. A 60% TAMS grant – coupled with a full VAT refund and 100% capital tax write off – makes solar PV an excellent investment. “So, make sure the job is done right,” he added.
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