The Joule in the Crown
I am looking at using solar energy for power and heating, although after three days of heavy rain and dark grey sky this seems a bit remote. But I have a large, south facing, roof which needs replacing so, with grants available this is something to consider.
What interests me is how the specialists I am talking to can quote me over 1,000 euro a square meter for panels which I see for sale in the supermarket for 100 euro a square meter. There is an exhibition of Renewable Energy in Paris on June 19-21 which I plan to visit and learn more, but with all the information that I find on the Internet it surprises me that the local specialists demand, and probably get, such a huge margin for what is a very simple job. I can have a complete roof supplied and fitted for under 300 euro a square meter, with a ten year guarantee.
I welcome comments from anyone with recent experience of any alternative energy installation in the South of France or a similar region with a sun factor of 3 to 3.5 (I understand the UK is around 1.0 so is not so relevant)
A borehole may also be interesting, but I am not thinking of putting up a wind generator, anyone with a percussion rig near Montpellier should write to me.
