Solar panels - Optama

[muddy42]

No space on the ground - the roof is one of my concerns as it’s an old slate roof and tiles slip all the time. Local roofer has recommended re laying it, but it’s cost prohibitive. My big concern is water damage in a year or two under the panels, gone unnoticed, and repairs suddenly require removal of panels by a roofer at great expense

They’ve done the whole street basically, but I’m a bit sceptical compared to the locals who just say yes.

They’ve dangled the carrot by saying they will install electric radiators in every room (apart from bathrooms of course), which is attractive to her as the house doesn’t have any heating or insulation - that’s right, welcome to old Scottish homes, zero insulation and just one fireplace! As she’s getting old, heating would be a nice to have of course

Your situation feels very similar to what Ive encountered with friends and family in Scotland. I totally agree - if a slate slips under the panels it will go unnoticed or gets cracked as part of the install. It would be best to re-slate the roof as part of the install. Then you get underlay and probably better structural support and waterproofing for the panels. But I appreciate that's expensive.

Eco4 companies are pretty fly. You get little control over the quality of the installation. I've seen them install wall insulation over carpets for example. The whole process seems rushed and low cost and Id be really nervous about the quality of their roof work.