When you install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system on your farm, you expect zero problems and decades of uninterrupted generation.
That’s how it should be but, unfortunately, that is not always the case.
Pat Smith’s Local Power has been installing solar PV systems on farms since 2016 and is credited with introducing a glass-glass solar PV panel solution to the Irish market.
At the time, glass-glass panels were seen as more expensive and unnecessary when compared to the market standard glass-foil options.
But Pat says he is delighted that the advisory service now recognises the merits of the glass-glass panel design option, especially on Irish farms.
However all panels, even glass-glass ones, are not created equal. The key issue to watch out for with solar PV panels is the actual warranties on offer and, critically, whether the warranties are provided by a European or a non-European manufacturing company.
“There can be huge differences between European and non-European manufacturer warranties and now we are seeing a lot of warranted glass-glass panels being offered with what amounts to limited cover when the warranty detail is dissected and compared with the warranties provided by European companies such as Solarwatt,” Smith explained.
It’s only when a problem arises that the unsuspecting purchaser realises this reality and from harsh experience, Local Power Ltd. strongly favours European warranted components.
‘E.g., a few years ago, a small number of Local Power Ltd. clients had issues with battery systems they had installed.
“Those that had European warranties have had their issues fully addressed under the European warranties with replacements or buyback options offered,” he explained.
On-farm solar
Michael Kennedy, of Knockroe Farm in Co. Tipperary, operates a robotic milking platform and installed a solar PV and battery storage system with Local Power Ltd. a number of years ago.
Michael had an issue with a battery system installed and is happy to tell any farmer of his satisfaction with how the European manufacturer dealt so efficiently and fairly with the problem.
Pat Smith said that Local Power Ltd. wants to ensure that its clients have the best backup and service possible.
That means that if a client has a problem with their solar PV system, Local Power has the support and backup from the manufacturers to ensure it is dealt with fairly and efficiently.
“That’s why we promote components from European companies with European warranties,” he added.
“If you go on to citzensinformation.ie and read about warranties and guarantees, it gives you the names of consumer protection bodies you can go to if you have an issue with an Irish or EU business.
“It doesn’t give you the name of any bodies you can go to if you have an issue with a company from outside of the EU. The question is why?”
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) of Ireland seems to bear his point out.
On the topic of buying outside of the EU it states: “You have strong consumer rights when you buy from businesses based in the EU. However, when buying from a business outside the EU, you do not have the same rights.”
Local Power has partnered with German and Austrian companies Solarwatt and Fronius as its solar PV and inverter/battery suppliers.
German company Solarwatt pioneered glass-glass technology and because of the robust design and unique construction of its panels, not only does the company offer 30-year product and 30-year performance guarantees, but five years AON full coverage insurance as standard with all installations.
A quick Youtube search of Solarwatt panels will show numerous videos demonstrating their durability and robustness.
For instance, the load-test of their class modules shows them withstanding the weight of a car as can be seen in the video below.
They also uniquely enjoy fire safety A rating.
Fronius inverters come with 7-10-year warranties with the option of extending the warranties up to 20 years and its strong relationship with the world’s largest quality battery manufacturer BYD, provides reassurances should any issues arise.
You can avail of a no-obligation quote for a 30-year European warranted system from Local Power Ltd.
Crucially, in addition to being European warranted, the companies Local Power Ltd. works with have been around a long time.
Fronius has been in business since 1945, beginning manufacturing inverters in 1992, and Solarwatt, which is owned by the BMW family, has been around since 1993.
In comparison, some of the companies supplying the Irish market have only been around for a short few years and offer non-European manufacturer warranties.
European warranted German Solarwatt warranties cover parts, labour and transport if there is a problem. Meanwhile, nearly all Non-European warranties at best will cover parts if you can prove there is an issue.
In addition, Solarwatt offers a five-year all-risk independent insurance cover with its premium glass-glass panels and has a real value that should not be underestimated.
E.g., Timmy Dwyer, a dairy farmer from Holycross in Co. Tipperary installed a Solarwatt panel system in 2018. A year later a major lightning storm blew the electrical systems on a number of farms in the area.
The AON insurance cover provided by Solarwatt covered the cost of replacing all damaged components in the solar system without issue and Timmy was more than delighted that he had chosen Solarwatt for the peace of mind provided.
Local Power Ltd. advises customers to ensure they are not being misled on warranties.
Many offer short product warranties but extended performance warranties. E.g., a product life of 12 years and a performance life of 25 years. How does this work in reality?
Unfortunately, some companies claim that their product enjoys a European manufacturer warranty when, in reality, that is not the case. And that applies to both glass-glass and glass foil panel solutions.
The key is to ask ‘do they have a solid European warranty or not?’ Get the detail in writing and don’t be misled.
The next Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) tranche closing date is January 19, 2024.
“With 60% grants available and the choice of using quality technology in the market, there is absolutely no reason not to install European quality and warranted components,” Smith continued.
“Most installations won’t have an issue, but a European warranty means peace of mind because as we all know, there’s never a problem until there’s a problem.”
Local Power Ltd. has installed solar PV systems on farms in nearly every part of Ireland.
In addition to fully-insured, European warranted systems, the company provides full backup to all clients as standard and all TAMS paperwork necessary to complete an application.
If you would like to speak to a farmer who has had an installation completed by Local Power, or you would like to discuss your TAMS solar PV options with a member of the team – contact us today.
You can find further details by clicking here.
