Hello
Now, I'm a relaxed person usually, quite calm, but I love what we do and some things just make me mad! One of the frustrations we have is that there are so many myths and a lack of information out there, about what renewable energies work and where, and how. Unfortunately there are an increasing number of companies looking to exploit that, to exploit customers, to exploit YOU! And I don't like that!
I know it is bad form to bad mouth 'competitors', and usually I wouldn't. There are some very good renewable energy companies out there. We'd like to think with our spread of expertise and our accreditations, and our customer service we are up there with the best, but then we would think that, it's best you decide for yourself. But this isn't about us; it's about you, and about the sharks out there.
So, what has got me so mad! The solar thermal market. Have you had mail drops from a company hundreds of miles away offering solar thermal systems, maybe free? Printed on thin scabby paper, and I doubt it's recycled! Do you really want a company in Kent installing your system in Lancashire? What if there's a problem? I digress (drinks water and calms down). Recently we have had customers and potential customers telling tales of woe about these sharks, and one in particular, Everest. All the double glazing sales techniques are out in full force. All the lies and misrepresentations. One customer, Ellie, had to turf the rep out at 10.30pm, literally turf them out. The rep tried to close them for a solar thermal system for £9,000. Miraculously two days later they could do it for £7,000. We went to do a survey and priced a system at £5,400. That was over a month ago, they say they'll go ahead, when they are ready!
Here's another, Alex, a customer wanting solar photovoltaics (PV) to generate electricity, but received some information from Everest about solar thermal (hot water) and decided to give them a call. I don't think she was expecting to be sat for hours listening to how rubbish solar PV is, how it doesn't work, and how she could get a 'great deal' if she signed up today! They also told her how perfect her house was, with a perfect south facing roof. Now either the guys compass wasn't working, or he was a lying toad, you make your own judgement. But Alex's roof faces west. Not a major problem, she'll only lose minimal efficiency, but customers deserve the truth. The 'honest' chap from Everest also explained how solar PV can't be connected to the grid, and if it can, you get buttons for the electricity you sell back!! (We'll return to this). Fortunately Alex isn't the 'simple woman' she was taken for, but a sharp cookie that saw straight through the lies. She is also taking the same Environmental Science degree as me at the Open University. I'd say she knew a fair bit more than our 'friend' from Everest. I took Alex to see an existing solar PV installation last week, one of our customers happy to show exactly what he had generated since his installation in December, what he has used, and what he had sold back, and how much money he was making at present. If the system is good, you only need the truth!
One last one, Mrs Holmes near Huddersfield, again our 'friends' from Everest explained that solar PV can't necessarily be connected to the grid, and if you do, you'll only get 1p per kwh. Strange, ALL of our customers are connected to the grid, and all have chosen to either claim their own ROCS and get 15p per kwh for everything generated, from Good Energy, or to let Scottish and Southern be their ROC agent and get 28p per kwh for everything exported.
IT MAKES ME MAD!
If you are thinking of getting renewable energy installed, use an MCS accredited installer, preferably a local company, and certainly one you meet, feel comfortable with and trust. And ask for testimonials from customers. And steer clear of sharks and lying toads.
Have you got a story like this? Anything you can warn others about? Post your story.
And if anyone from Everest wants to take issue with what I say, you know where to find me. My friends at Kirwans Solicitors and I will be delighted to talk to you.
Rant over!
Here's what a happy customer looks like! Well, one of them anyway.
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