We're too mean to pay DEH and want to suck the power of the sun to run the place. Anyone done this and got any feedback from the in-country installers?

We're looking at getting quotes from eco-sun and Alexakis at th minute..

Ta.

Blackie, KP will be here soon telling you how to do it by buying panels at 2 cents each that run off donkey power .

No idea about installers (as I'm only a virtual member from foreign parts) but do a search on Photovoltaics to find a recent thread with some info from various contributors - as well as KP!

Now now my backsidegas.... don't mock! Donkey power is indeed one option, though not a very efficient one!
Solar panels are slightly more efficient and if the black pooch buys from a Greek company, he will pay a fortune for them, though they will fit!
However, should blackie the dog decide to look at direct purchase and either fit them himself or appoint an electrician just to fit, then I'd be happy to point him in the right direction whereby he could get some!

Cor, you are not still trying to unload those dodgy panels on some poor gullible punter are you KP boy ?

Dodgy?? Dodgy??!!
These are absoloutely genuine off the back of a lorry guv!

Nice little earner guv.... anything you want or need? Nudge, nudge, wink, wink.... know what I mean?

I just saw the back end of a programme about solar panels that are flexible, sort of on plastic sheets, and the important bit (can't remember the name) is printed on to the flexible plastic. Apparently they are heaps cheaper than the traditional kind. Sorry cant throw more light on it. Maybe you can search around.

Can't get cheaper than off the back of a lorry, eh KP?

Donkey power? Bit short of donkeys over here, will snakes and scorpoins suffice KP? We got plenty of both although no rats seen so far, either. Assume the snakes got em all. My cousin in the UK has a pig farm and they go on endlessly about their methane converter. I'll put you in touch if you like KP..

Yeah, we're scoping out the prices for sourcing from Blighty as well. To be honest, so far the quotes we had from far and wide, ie UK & Greece - Greece is cheaper so far, by quite a margin. I was amazed too. lol

There is a new flexible pv collector, but from what I can gather it's more suited to the type of application where you'd have a felt roof. I don't know why someone hasnt come up with a spherical one, or at least semi-spherical -- do away with the need for tracking devices then. That said, I suppose given the flexi stuff, it's just a matter of time.

Best one I've seen to date was a completely independent array - panels, batteries, inverter, you name it - all trailer mounted so you can site it where you want and hide it when the tax man cometh. I'm not sure if the inventor has heard of thieves, however.

Just noticed the SOLAR topic. All the systems available for complete independence are expensive & will take about 20 years for payback. If your looking to go 12 volt that is another story. I have them on my boat for 5 years & they are great.

Good Luck

Thanks for your input. We don't have a mains connection & DEH want us to settle the national debt in exchange for a connection, so going off-grid makes sense for us. Might not in all cases though, I agree.