Richard and Gail’s Solar Installation

We talked to our solar installation customers, Gail and Richard to tell you a bit more about what going solar involves

We’ll let you know:

  • What system they had installed

  • Why they decided to go solar

  • How they found the process with CRG

Gail and Richard are a retired couple living on the south coast of England who decided to install solar panels on their large flat roof as a way to save money on energy costs. We will explore their motivations, decision-making process, and how they found the process with CRG direct.

The couple, Richard and Gail, had been considering installing solar panels for several years as they watched the price of energy steadily rise. Both retired and living on a fixed income, they were always looking for ways to save money. They also had the advantage of living in an area with a lot of sunshine and a large flat roof that was ideal for solar panel installation.

Richard and Gail researched solar system installation to ensure they were a wise investment. They read articles, and weighed upfront costs against long-term savings. They decided to move forward due to the potential for significant energy cost savings over time.

What system did they get?

Richard and Gail chose CRG to install a 14 panel flat roof solar panel system, as well as a battery.

Before solar, their monthly bill was around £30-£40. However, they were on a fixed rate tariff of 15p a kilowatt. They wanted to get a solar system before their contract ended and their energy bill rose massively.

During their research process, Richard and Gail turned to the internet to find a solar panel supplier. They “visited an agent on their computer and contacted three different suppliers, including CRG. All of the suppliers were strong and extremely knowledgeable, but what set CRG apart was that they were local and had competitive pricing.” 

During the decision-making process, Richard and Gail were offered a big discount by one of CRG's competitors, who knew that CRG was offering a cheaper price. Despite this, Richard and Gail ultimately chose to go with CRG because they wanted to “support a local business and knew that CRG was nearby if they had any questions or concerns.”

How did they find the installation with CRG Direct?

Gail and Richard were pleased with the entire process of their solar panel installation, from sale to installation. “There were no problems and everything went smoothly. It only took four weeks from the sale to the installation,” which they were very happy with. “The electrician who handled the installation was brilliant, very communicative, and explained things in a way that was easy for us to understand,” they said. They also said they “appreciated the friendly service and the fact that everything was professionally done, from the installation to the after-sales service. CRG also made sure to clear up any mess or debris that was left after the installation was complete.”

Overall, Richard and Gail were very pleased with their decision to go with CRG.

What would they let those considering going solar know?

As part of our solar panel installation, they had to get a smart meter to access the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. Initially, “we didn’t really want one as we didn't see the need for it, however, now we’ve got it, however, we came to really like it because we could track our usage.” The meter allowed them to see exactly how much energy they were generating and how much they were using in real-time. This made it easy for them to adjust their usage and cut down on their energy consumption when necessary. They also found it fascinating to see how much energy they were generating on sunny days and were pleased to know that they were contributing to a cleaner environment. Overall, Richard and Gail were happy to have the smart meter installed and found it to be a useful tool in managing their energy usage.

Conclusion

After the installation was complete, Richard and Gail were thrilled with their decision. Not only were they able to save money on their energy bills, but they also felt good about making a positive impact on the environment.

Richard and Gail's decision to install solar panels was a joint one, motivated by rising energy costs and a desire to save money. Their research and careful consideration of their financial situation led them to conclude that the benefits of solar panels would outweigh the initial investment. The outcome of their decision was overwhelmingly positive, with savings on energy costs, environmental benefits, and even extra income from excess energy generated.