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Thank you for replying - it was starting to look strange, if you are thinking of static caravans I think there is a separate section for posts to do with them and it may be worth you posting there.

Quote: Originally posted by geukdirect on 21/10/2011

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1.7 m x 1m

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Surfer 01 you are right, we are looking in to it and if we had everything on at the same time it would be drawing more that the panels produce, so the answer is to run one machine (in daylight hours) at a time.  Though what we have found out electricity companies at present assume you are exporting 50% of electricity from PV. Despite a 3kw emersion heater or electric kettle using most of the out put at peak times - but then you would not have them on all the time. Plus at when it’s dark there is no free electricity so it also depends on lifestyle.

This could also have negative side effect with some people with PV on roofs trying to use as much of their free electricity as possible, which could increase electricity demand.

Re hot water its estimated 50% of your household needs could come from solar thermal as opposed to PV in this country.

PV is only worth considering as the Government is currently offering such a large subsidy. This has increased the market, but there has been a negative effect of people jumping in to the market to reap the rewards in the sort term, who haven’t got the necessary skills or experience for this technology. It’s very worrying how many double glazing companies are offering it. Then when you delve many of the companies with the necessary registration are actually using other people to install it.

The other concern is that when the market settles, a number of these companies may go out of business potentially leaving people without warranties for their systems or someone to go back to if the systems develops a problem.

Quote: Originally posted by DaveCoaches on 24/10/2011

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All very interesting stuff but the OP is already in the business looking to expand into caravans. You don't see many statics that are not connected to the national grid so I don't see that as a big move from the domestic market. Tourers are a different kettle of fish. They require less power but are not subject to the subsidies. This is a niche market but if someone were sourcing the parts at the right price they could do very well, especially if they could get contracts with the manufacturers or dealers to fit them to new caravans

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