ConfusedAboutEnergy.co.uk

This might be the case previously but not any more. Presently, the cost of leading German brands at 0.8-1 Euro where as Chinese manufacturer gives at 0.8 USD per watt. If further add-up for shipping, imports duties, VAT, cabling&inverter and labour cost and all other can not be in extreme case more than 80% additional. Further adding margins at 20% it can not be more than double. i.e. German panels can not be more than 2 Euro and Chinese panel 1.6 USD per watt. So for 1KW (i.e. 1000 watt) system can not cost more than 2000 Euro (1600 GBP) for German & 1600 USD (1000 GBP) for Chinese. Further efficiency of inverter are in range of 95% to 99% depending on manufacture. In extreme case balance of systems (i.e. excluding panels) efficiency can not be less than 80% (and not 75% as highlighted) The cost of storage (i.e. batteries) is very high, but not that high also, such that the cost of system can be 3 to 5 times above calculated cost (i.e. it make the cost of 1 KW system in the range of 5500 GBP). Further the use of storage is optional, depends on the applications and size/calculation varies significantly. I also agree, FITS and subsidies are not sustainable solutions and need to be taken into considerations since it is nearly impossible for any government to sustain such freebies in present economic climate or in long run. So ROI and payback period is definitely not in the range that has been highlighted over here. Further well balanced systems (irrespective of orientation) can be easily in the range of 5-7 years. Which is not bad, compare to YoY bank interests rate are in range for 7-9% for loan or 3-5% for fixed term deposits.