Excellent solar energy installation performing well
Glenn of Techfor Energy is very knowledgeable on all aspects of home energy. He was happy to discuss a range of options for our solar installation, and clearly explained the pros and cons of different options - in roof v on roof, different panels, microinverters v Solar Edge, etc. We finally settled on a 5.7KW 16 panel LG system with microinverters, an Eddi to capture excess solar energy in hot water heating and a Tesla battery. The battery is still to install due to Tesla's long lead times. We already had a Zappi electric vehicle charger. The installation team worked cleanly and efficiently. The system is doing everything we had hoped. With the myenergi app and the Eddi and Zappi, we have complete control over where the solar energy is used. A separate app enables us to see the individual solar panel performance, instantly and over time. The peak power output is set by the microinverters at 4.8kw, which is achieved on sunny summer days, but even on cloudy days generation meets household needs and more. We have run our electric car for most of the time since installation on sunshine. In addition we have not used any gas water heating over the summer, and there has been significant excess power exported to the grid under the SEG scheme. We are delighted with the system and look forward to the Tesla battery installation, which will avoid early morning and evening grid usage, and enable use of low cost overnight electricity in the winter.
Peter in Surrey
Posted on 09/09/2021
, work completed 16/07/2021
Recommended
Techfor's expert report helped me get my money back
Techfor Energy's technical director was brought in after I'd been swindled out of more than £3,500 by a fly-by-night company claiming to be solar power experts. Luckily I'd paid by credit card, and Which? had advised me that I had the right to compensation under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. The card supplier's Complaints Dept was defensive and dismissive, but the tone changed when I was eventually transferred, months later, to their Section 75 Dept. These people demanded an opinion from an independent expert, but they gave me a full refund immediately when they saw Techfor's authoritative report, which was detailed and realistic and said the whole thing had probably been a scam.
Customer in Surrey
Posted on 03/06/2024
, work completed 19/03/2024
Recommended
Excellent solar panel, battery and EV charger installation
Glenn and his team provide an excellent service. Glenn is very knowledgeable and pays attention to the details. He supports you all the way. I would highly recommend this company. 10/10
Customer in Surrey
Posted on 28/01/2024
, work completed 22/12/2023
Recommended
Solar panels and battery installation
Glenn and his team did a great job designing, procuring and installing our solar PV system, complete with battery storage and hot water. We are now using only around 10% peak time electricity with the rest either direct from the solar panels or the cheaper overnight rate. We are very happy!
Customer in Surrey
Posted on 13/02/2024
, work completed 22/06/2023
Recommended
Adding an Enphase Battery to a Solar system
Glenn and the team were really informative, helpful and completed the 5kw battery addition to our solar system really efficiently and with little fuss (this was an addition to a solar system they also put in a few years ago and has been running perfectly ever since). Thanks so much to all the team!
Customer in Surrey
Posted on 09/11/2024
, work completed 20/08/2024
Recommended
Solar PV & Battery installation
Our house has a challenging aspect & roof design for effective solar PV installation. A number of local solar companies had declined the ability to install PV solar panels. Glenn from Techfor Energy saw this as a surmountable challenge & came up with a viable solution which made economic sense. We chose a Tesla wall battery to maximise storage of off peak electricity to add to solar generation. The installation team were excellent, courteous, tidy & did a neat job whilst respecting our property. The system has been up and running for over 3 months now and we are absolutely delighted with its performance which has exceeded our expectations.
Customer in Surrey
Posted on 01/12/2024
, work completed 16/08/2024
Recommended
Which? Local Review
Having suffered a hard-sell introduction to the possibility of installing PV Panels, we had a much better second quote, and finally we contacted Techfor Energy Ltd. What a contrast. When Glenn Ashby arrived to do the first survey, it was evident that we were dealing with a highly competent and honest professional, with a meticulous analysis of the situation to find the best solution. On GlennÍs advice, an Energy Performance survey was carried out, and the EPC received. He carried out a second detailed visit, and the Techfor Design team then worked very hard to overcome the shading problems caused by a loft conversion/extension, and arrive at a proposal that was both technically sound and financially viable. The installation proceeded smoothly to plan, with Barry, Paul and Wojciech doing a fantastic job, working non-stop all day under bitterly cold conditions, and regular snow flurries. Odette in the office was extremely efficient and gave us all the support we needed with the paperwork and arrangements. The whole Techfor team were a pleasure to work with.
Linwood
Posted on 22/04/2013
, work completed 22/04/2013
Recommended
Which? Local Review
From the initial contact with Company, through to survey, quotation and installation, the service and professionalism was exemplary. There was no hard sell, a number of options were explained and discussed with a 7.2 KWp system being selected. The work was carried out neatly, on time with minimum disruption. The installation crew were friendly and polite. Overall, highly recommended.
JohnEmm
Posted on 21/12/2013
, work completed 21/12/2013
Recommended
Which? Local Review
From first contact to completed installation all work was carried out in a thorough and professional way. Everything went like clockwork. Terrific bunch of guys worked their socks off to complete a large installation in just two days. I am very pleased with design, the quality of the components, and the power generation from the finished PV installation. Will certainly recommend.
B88
Posted on 20/02/2014
, work completed 20/02/2014
Recommended
Fantastic service, highly recommended
Excellent service all round, Extremely thorough preliminary visit, everything explained in infinite detail, no question left unanswered. Very detailed quote, outlining all aspects of the installation and service, tailored specifically to our property, taking into consideration trees & shade, aspect of the property etc. Installation was smooth and efficient and after sales and installation support has been fantastic. A thoroughly professional firm of the highest order. We can't recommend Techfor highly enough, excellent value for money,
Fluffcat7
Posted on 05/10/2016
, work completed 05/10/2016
Recommended
Which? Local Review
Straight up there is no hard sell with TechFor, just good quality support as you start the ???due I need/want Solar Panels journey??ù. I knew some of the questions and technical ropes with PV panels and what you could get for you money or not. Techfor Energy (Glenn the owner) carried out a survey including measurements of trees that were likely to impact.All the pre and post work scaffolding etc was on time, the roofers and electrician were very friendly, efficient and tidy . PS: One of friends saw my new PV setup installed by Techfor, and commented how tidy the installation was as his is like a birds nest!
iangray100
Posted on 31/10/2016
, work completed 31/10/2016
Recommended
20 Solar Panels Installed
They lived up to expectations. Excellent communication skills and workmanship, highly recommend.
Morrissa, Essex
Posted on 01/03/2015
, work completed 01/03/2015
Recommended
Solar PV Panels
We were worried about installing PV panels on our house and selected Techfor as one of the companies to give us a quote because of the excellent feed-back. We were certainly not disappointed, despite the exceptional pressures on the industry currently because of the anticipated changes in the tariff. Glenn was very thorough when he called to undertake the survey answered all our questions with detailed and factual explanations and made a number of useful suggestions. The subsequent quote was clear and accurate, and the team at Techfor were helpful in answering our questions, and making sure that the necessary paper-work was completed promptly. Despite miserable weather the workmen were prompt efficient and tidy and we are very pleased with our new panels which are generating power in line with expectations. We consider that Glenn is exceptional and happily recommend this firm.
2011-07-16 22:03:35.7
Posted on 16/12/2015
, work completed 16/12/2015
Recommended
5.985 kWp PV Solar Panels with 6.912 kWh Batteries
I had organised a few quotes for solar panels for our house and discovered Techfor who were the only company to design a system for my house rather than offering a standard package and, when comparing like for like, their price was competitive. I ended up with a system that maximises our use of the generated solar power, using a battery system that also gives security of supply in the case of power cuts. By definition, the installation is non-standard and during final design, an incompatibility was found between the battery pack and the Victron control box. This lead to a change of battery manufacturer and an increase in price, though this increase was shared equally between myself, Techfor and their suppliers, which was a very elegant and equitable solution. Once the permissions were obtained by Techfor, the installation work was timely and efficient with a very high standard of workmanship. The only glitch was setting up the monitoring systems via the internet but this was due more to the geometry of our house and was quickly resolved by using a different means to connect to the internet. The system has now been running for just over a month and we are still trying to learn how to optimise the use of the battery system. However on a very good day, we only use the grid for 4% of our electricity. I would not hesitate to recommend Techfor Energy and their Technical Director Glenn Ashby to anyone who would like to have an engineered and designed solar system for their needs
JOHN FOULKES
Posted on 10/05/2016
, work completed 10/05/2016
Recommended
6.555kWp solar PV with Enphase micro inverters
I am in the sales industry myself and am regularly left disappointed by companies I employ but I have to say that Glenn Ashby and his team have been absolutely superb from the very first meeting up to completion of my new solar system. His team also upgraded my loft insulation and installed LED lighting all done efficiently and without any hassle whatsoever. I am a very happy customer how has no hesitation recommending Techfor Energy 100%.
Graham Tickner
Posted on 24/06/2016
, work completed 24/06/2016
Recommended
Which? Local Review
TechforEnergy installed a 2.4KWp system for us 9 months ago: 8 x 300W LG panels with micro inverters ??" 7 panels on the main roof of a mid-terrace house and one on a ground floor bathroom roof to maximise generation. I chose TechforEnergy because their communication skills were second to none. We had 2 other quotes (all WhichLocal recommendations) but Glenn Ashby was always on the end of the phone and happy to return calls. The company are professional and experts in their field ??" not just Glenn who carried out the survey, but John Appleby providing support from the office. Surprisingly too, TechforEnergy???s quote was the cheapest of the three. At no point did I feel rushed or pressurised. Glenn took as long as was necessary to answer all my questions and talk through alternatives. I felt confident at all times that he would recommend what was best for our situation because he wanted to provide a first class installation (which he has) and obviously appreciates the importance of safeguarding his well-earned reputation. I was particularly impressed by a previous review on Which that he had told one prospective customer that it would not be financially worth their while to install panels. So obviously honest. On the day, the system took just 2 hours to install on the roof (we had a very simple cable run). That included the time it took to go to a nearby builders??? merchant to replace a broken roof tile for us at no cost. You couldn???t ask for more. The guys who did the installation were professional, efficient, respectful, clean, tidy and friendly. It???s worth knowing too that TechforEnergy will reward their customers for any recommendations you make that result in an installation ??" I have a friend who has used them and they are also suitably impressed. If you are still wondering whether to install solar or not, I wouldn???t hesitate to recommend that you get TechForEnergy to carry out a survey for you. Quite apart from reducing carbon emissions, financial returns surpass anything you could get from a savings account at the moment. And installing a solar array guarantees an income, so it???s not got the associated risks of other investments. It???s worth bearing in mind that you need to use as much of the energy you generate as possible before you export to the grid to maximise savings. The predicted financial returns in your quote will be based on assumptions e.g. ours was based on being able to use 5?6kWh per day from our PV system (about one washing machine load). So behavioural change is key ??" you need to use energy when the sun is shining to maximise savings or set devices to run during peak production hours using timers if you are happy to do so. But any assumptions are stated in the quote you receive. The online ???Enphase??? monitoring system we have also tracks how each of our panels is performing ??" be warned for the first few months it???s addictive! You can sit in the office, find out the sun was shining, and wish you???d set the washing machine before you???d left the house. You will have access to daily, weekly, monthly and lifetime reports. It???s also telling me that last month we offset 3 trees worth of carbon. (Be warned, you may need to guard against being too self-righteous down the pub). Finally, with the cuts to FIT that the government is planning, now is the time to do it ??" don???t delay. The Government is proposing reducing the FIT to 1.6p from January 2016. Please sign the petition at: http://tinyurl.com/nqpelsg. TechforEnergy???s home page also has a link to it. Regrets? Only that we don???t have a bigger roof... [As an aside to this review, the solar trade industry estimates that 27,000 jobs are at immediate risk due to the proposed 87% cut to the domestic feed-in tariff and the government admits that ???carbon emissions will increase??ù as a result of the planned changes. People providing the kind of service TechforEnergy provide deserve to stay in the job].
sarahlp
Posted on 08/11/2015
, work completed 08/11/2015
Recommended
Cannot fault / better system than expected
Techfor installed a 2.88kwp solar system along with a Tesla Powerwall. Survey was thorough and quotation was very detailed explaining all elements and calculations. Work was carried very efficiently and to a high standard. Solar panels went up on the first day with the Tesla Powerwall going in on the 2nd day, there was an issue with the inverter which was not the fault of Techfor but they organised a replacement swiftly and changed over on the same day as the Powerwall Install and got all working. After sales care is impeccable, they are not an install and walk away company. I would highly recommend Techfor and in fact have been recommending them to a number of people.
garyrhunt
Posted on 22/12/2016
, work completed 22/12/2016
Recommended
Excellent advice and workmanship. Good system
Glenn Ashby spent a long time considering all our options and was careful to find out what we hoped to achieve from the system, both long and short term. As a result the final system was designed to suit us, not the installation team. Communications with the office before installation were excellent. The installation team was careful and kept disruption to a minimum. When contacted regarding minor issues after installation, the company was just as attentive and helpful and quickly sorted them out.
Anniett
Posted on 23/11/2017
, work completed 23/11/2017
Recommended
December solar PV installation
Glenn is extremely knowledgable and experienced which made the decision about choosing the company easy. The work was completed to an excellent standard during severe weather conditions of hard frost with sub-zero temperatures followed by persistent rain. Glenn's team of Michael and Wojciech worked extremely hard to keep the job on time without complaint. Harsh the electrician worked well beyond his hours to ensure a tidy installation and that the whole system was working correctly. I have no hesitation recommending Glenn and his excellent company.
Hilary O'Neill
Posted on 17/12/2017
, work completed 17/12/2017
Recommended
Vanishing electricity cost
I am the delighted owner of a 6kw PV array and a Tesla battery. Our roof is SW facing and we have lots of tall trees nearby. We had lived in a grade 2* listed house for 46 years where PV panels are forbidden. On moving we chose Techfor Energy as Glenn told sensible facts, treated me as a colleague and did not try to force us into a deal. The panels were installed in December 2018 and the battery in May 2019. The battery has stopped us needing to use the mains and allows us to do the washing and tumble drying at times to suit. In winter the panels and battery will considerably reduce our reliance on the mains electricity – we will use Agile Octopus to charge the battery when rates are low. Software is supplied to enable me to monitor the panels and battery. Before the Powerwall we were exporting often more electricity than we were using from the mains. I have been extremely impressed with the standard of workmanship and communications from the company.
Customer in Oxfordshire
Posted on 04/06/2019
, work completed 24/05/2019
Recommended