On Sat, Apr 11, 2009 at 11:48:23AM +0100, Clarke Brunt wrote: > Solar thermal salesmen - caveat emptor ('let the buyer beware' if you're not > into Latin)... Hello again I guess some of you will have read the tale of a visit by a solar-thermal salesman, which I wroted (originally to enviro-chat) a few weeks ago. Paul posted a link to it on milton-chat as well, so it probably reached a wider audience. Just thought I'd keep up the reminders to watch out for people bringing this area of the renewable-energy market into disrepute. Today, I found yet another leaflet advertising solar thermal systems (for domestic hot water) had dropped through the letter box. Not the same company as last time, but sounds similar (both offered some kind of device for 'optimising' the central heating at the same time - not sure what these gadgets do - don't suppose they cost mcuh, or achieve much). Two of the pictures on today's leaflet (the ones at left and right) are solar photovoltaic systems (for electricity) - they don't claim to be selling these. They offer (as an incentive) to pay your entire gas bill for a full 12 months. By all means give them a try, but do be careful - I wouldn't be at all surprised if they overcharge by about 10 thousand pounds, but 'give you' a thousand or so back. Remember what I said before. A decent solar thermal system should cost (very approx.) 4 thousand pounds. And there are plenty decent trades-folk installing them who don't need dodgy schemes, or 'promotion limited to the first 100 applicants'.