Is it worth having electricity installed - Page 2

Hi Cheryl, that's really helpful thank you. Will try and find out whether they have that certificate. Thanks also for the solar system ballpark cost. Many thanks

May I just offer a word of caution here?  When we first bought this place it was not till after we moved in that we discovered that the neighbour down the road was tapped into our water and electricity by arrangement with the previous owner.

Eventually we cut them off as as they had never paid for anything the whole time they had the arrangement.

I agree your present arrangement leaves a lot to be desired but my word of warning is do NOT let Iberdrola know you are paying anybody for your electricity as it's illegal to resell electricity (even with a by-meter) or you will both be cut off/blocked.

As you neighbour obviously has an electrical supply it should not cost an arm and a leg to have it brought into your place.

Wise words, many thanks for the heads up. Planning to get solicitor involved and look at costs for connection, which should be reasonable. Many thanks

After reading the thread I would be most interested in seeing how this pans out with electricity supplier and costs to get a new supply in wherever that may be from. If I was looking at property of this nature I would be inclined to perhaps have a permanent supply with some solar/thermal setup.

The temporary set up of extension leads etc. is as everyone says........ a recipe for disaster.

So have been to view the property and it is in a small village of maybe 10 properties on the side of a hill. We are going to install a solar system it is only a one bedroom rural property, so won't need a great deal.

Also looking at a water heater either solar or gas to start with. Can anyone recommend either?

Thanks

There are three ways you can approach this but I'm sure you will reject two of them on cost.

First, if you are having a solar system put in for electricity then you can use surplus power after the batteries have charged to heat up a cylinder of water.  Our UK system used to do this and then it fed back any surplus power to the grid. Not very effective in poor weather though.

Second, you can install separate panels to just heat a tank of water I.e. you pump water through the panels. Again, not effective in poor weather.

Third, and this is by far the cheapest option, is to use an instant gas water heater with no storage and buy fresh bottles as you need them.

You pays yer money and takes yer choice!!

Oh that's useful. Going to install the solar system myself, so could look to expand the system to incorporate a water heater once the batteries are full.

Or may just go with the cheaper option..! Many thanks...

If you go via the PV to water route you might like to explore a little gadget called a Solar PV Immersion Controller. They are not complicated to wire in.

I would not recommend anything of Chinese origin as many of their products are not known for conforming to any sort of Standards or for their reliability and safety.

I have just had a look on Ebay and there are one or two on there of UK manufacture.

You will also need to ensure your PV panels/inverter can support an immersion type water heater. There is a good choice of these in Spain of all sizes and ratings.