Techfor Energy

We have a lasting distrust of Techfor after two and a half years have past since they replaced our storm damaged Solar PV solution. Whilst the damage was covered by our house insurance, we took the opportunity to expand our solution with additional generation capacity and a Tesla Battery for storage. We could not help but be impressed with Techfors' helpful response and the solution proposed, so we proceeded with this system, total cost of approx £24k, about half of which was covered by our insurance from the storm. There were some teething problems initially, i. E. Having to change system design and spec due to unavailability of components. For instance, a complete change in the invertors to be used. Other small changes were advised and accepted, but once agreed and deposit paid, it started to become difficult to get Techfor to update the documentation to reflect the different products used. We started to feel that our requests on this front were deemed to be a bit of a pain. This feeling was exacerbated during the final part of the panel installation, when we noticed that some panels on a part of the flat roof were not positioned according to the agreed drawings, meaning that they were partially shaded by our chimney stack. Our insistence that they be moved to the correct positions did not go down well, and we were held to ransom to pay in full before the panels were re-located. Eventually Techfor agreed to correct the positions before we settled, which we agreed to do immediately upon completion. Unfortunately this insistence on our part seemed to be the start of an increasingly hostile and unhelpful attitude to the last phase of our project, the Tesla battery installation. We had been led to believe that this would commence immediately after the panel work, but once we settled the final payment for that element we were told that the panel was not in stock and that we'd have to wait, perhaps for several months (we'd already paid the initial deposit). Several months turned out to be a year and a half, and only then after dozens of calls and emails, and finally the involvement of "Trusted Trader" to intervene. We subsequently found out from our Feed-in Tariff provider that as we had changed our solution that we were no longer entitled to the (generous) original FIT payents that we had enjoyed before our storm damage enforced repairs. Our original system was deemed to be "decommissioned". Techfor did not know the scheme rules, and did not advise us of this possibility. Moreover, they did not certify our new system, and so we could not apply for a new (susbstantialy reduced) FIT. Obtaining this certification took another 6 months and we had to pay another fee for them to raise it!The delays meant that we missed the deadline for new FIT applications, so we are now left without any FIT payment - for ever!It goes on……. We have recently had a Smart meter fitted, and the electrical engineer did not reconnect the electrical monitoring clamps to our system, so I now have no monitoring of generation/storage/home battery usage etc, resulting in no control of what/when battery use and/or charging kicks in. There are 3 clamps to be fitted, and where to put them is a little beyond me, although for the right person I'm sure it's a one minute job as they just clip around the appropriate cables. I have asked Techfor to advise (a simple call / email would enable me to do this - they are easy to fit), but they once again appear to be ignoring me. As they did not provide schematic drawings I have no-where to go. We give them 2 stars out of 5 as the initial installation team and their work was good, but please beware that if you encounter any changes, problems or difficulties, then you may be pushed into places that you don't really want to go. And if you resist or dispute at any stage, then you're on your own! We give them 2 stars out of 5 as the initial installation team and their work was good, but please beware that if you encounter any changes, problems or difficulties, then you may be pushed into places that you don't really want to go. And if you resist or dispute at any stage, then you're on your own!.Moreexpand_more

I have deliberately left it something over two years to write this review so that I can consider systems performance over time. We had a number of quotes and techforenergy undertook the most thorough survey of all companies asked to quote. From an installation point of view everything went well. One criticism that is made of many solar energy installers is that the actual performance of the system is well below estimated performance of the system. Whilst it must be to some extent dependent on the weather etc, I can say that over the last two years the system has delivered on average within three per cent of the estimated performance.

Having considered solar pv for some time, I turned to the Which Solar forum. There was information in response to member’s queries of such clarity and professional expertise, with no sales pressure at all, given by Techfor that I googled them and called! I was delighted to find they would accept me as a customer – I live in Bedfordshire. However, circumstances overtook me, and it was a whole year later that I picked up the solar baton again – with under 4 weeks to another reduction to the FIT rate. Techfor were ready to help, and in the time scale! The first essential item, Glen pointed out, was the possible need for a scaffold licence – which arrived in time with Techfor help. Everything unrolled, for me seamlessly - even tackling my loft! On his site inspection, Glen saw the possibility to reduce the cost of the panels with a more efficient arrangement than first thought which was confirmed and executed by the low-profile but superb Design Team, and passed it on in a revised quote overnight! At their busiest time of the year, there was courteous, and humorous support and I can’t quite believe how amazingly it all went! First the scaffolders, then Colin and Wojciech did a great job – repairing roofing felt as they went, and cleaning the gutter! Hamish, the electrical engineer, explained everything clearly, which with his permission, I recorded on phone video so that I can refresh my (ailing) memory for future reference!Over and above the extraordinary quality of the arranging and delivery of my solar pv generation system, is the confidence I have in the on-going relationship with Techfor. Working with them to accomplish the FIT – again overnight, thank you Rashida! - with my energy supplier, now sent off and logged for this year, hurrah! – Techfor have made a somewhat traumatic, potentially tricky, and expensive, operation comfortable and problem-free - for me at least!I can’t thank Techfor enough – the office team Matt, John, David and Rashida, the designers, the installers and Glenn for his enthusiasm, knowledge, perseverance and support – but I can, and do, recommend them. If you need everything to go smoothly, want to work with great, responsive people, have a reliable product well researched and understood, don’t look anywhere else!Moreexpand_more

We had our panels fitted late 2013, extemely good service, very efficient fitting and help explaining things with further backup later with filling in 'Fit' forms. Looks like we will exceed our predicted output this year! Many thanks.

Very professional service from design to installation of a 2kw solar PV array. Highly recommended.

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.

Techfor Energy were quite simply brilliant. From the comprehensive survey to the fitting and FIT paperwork, every member of their team was helpful and well informed. We had compete confidence in their work and knowledge.

We had chimney's removed and solar panels fitted. Tech for Energy organized the whole thing, I was impressed from start to finish, the quotation was timely and the installation happened exactly as planned. The installation team were efficient and quick. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this company.

Efficient and professional from start to finish. Technical surveyor knew his stuff and was able to answer all of my questions so I fully understood, he was also truthful and recommended the best system and not the one that would have been the most profitable for the company. Installation team were first class, neat, tidy and left no mess whatsoever. Great service, great people would recommend Techfor Energy to anyone. Now looking forward to reaping the benefits.

We had three presentations, and were most impressed by Glenn from Techfor Energy. He spent time looking at our individual situation and explained the pros and cons of various possibilities. He showed where the meters and cables would go and even suggested the removal of a soil pipe and capping off with a Durgo valve to clear the roof. The installation was carried out in one day very efficiently and without any mess. Filling the F I T form was daunting ( 10 pages ) but Techfor Energy helped and the form was sent off three days after completion of the installation. I would certainly recommend Techfor Energy.

From start to finish Techfor has turned what could have been a stressful situation into one of pleasure. Glen explained everything to me in language I could almost understand and the price quoted was so far below others I had been given, I was almost suspicious. I agreed the price on the Tuesday, the scaffold was up on Thursday and it was all fitted on Friday. I am quite certain I am clocking up more KWhrs. Than I am using and have already had the OK from my Energy Suppliers. I can't believe how quickly and efficiently this operation has been undertaken but I am most grateful and look forward to lots of free electricity and hot water. I would recommend Techfor in every department, be it in the office or the field. They are NO. 1 in my book. Everyone has been more than helpful.

A solar photo voltaic 4 kilo volt system array comprising 16 panels with micro inverters was installed 0n the 28th August 2013 by Techfor Energy of Guildford. Prior to choosing their service six other firms also provided suggestions and quotations for a similar specification. The service provided by Glenn Ashby and his team was always professional and the work done appears to be of a very high standard. From initial contact with the company the process from the thorough survey, the provision of a comprehensive quotation, signing of a clear contract and fitting of the system progressed in a timely and smooth manner. Any queries made received a quick response and the office administration was efficient and helpful. A complete judgement of value for money obviously depends on longer term assessment but the installers were very professional, punctual and tidy and worked as scheduled.

Too much credit cannot be given to the Surveyor, Ross Keeley, who went the extra mile to help us focus on the ideal package for us. Glenn was marvellous insofar as he answered a lot of difficult questions over a Bank Holiday weekend and Odette proved to be the most calm and efficient first point of contact whenever we telephoned the Company. All in all, we would not hesitate to recommend Techfor Energy.

I considered 3 solar pv companies and researched as far as I could in detail before going for Techfor Energy. Glenn is very knowledgable and strightforward to deal with, Odette in the office is very efficient and helpful. Installation went smoothly except for the Immersun device that needed re-wiring to get it on it's own circuit so I have a black cable going down the side of the house visible from the road that I had not anticipated. The panels I chose were Hyundai black 250W and we went for a Samil SR 3680 inverter for the 4KW system. Generation of power has been wonderful, absolutely no hitches and the system seems to be very efficient - more than 300KW in 2. 5 weeks.

We recently had Techfor Energy install 16 solar panels on our home. I was very impressed with the service from start to finish. The detail from Glenn at the initial survey / quote was spot on - taking the time to talk me through all of our options to cope with the trees around our house. It was a totally different experience to another quote we had - with the salesman more desperate for a committal from us than actually telling us anything about the technology and options. The installation was carried out very promptly and to a high standard, with a group of very friendly and helpful guys. The scaffolding was left up for a couple of weeks afterwards to ensure that any teething issues could be quickly and easily resolved - though I'm pleased to say there weren't any. Odette in the office was great as well, promptly responding to all calls and mails, and supporting us through the registration process. Almost a couple of months on, the system is working well powering all our hot water needs (through the Immersun option) as well as a bonus, so no oil at all being burned at the moment. Would definitely recommend to others for a quality install and quality service.Moreexpand_more

I approached five solar PV companies before contacting Techfor energy, most of the other companies said that they could not or would not install solar panels on my roof. The staff at Techfor energy were helpful, kept me well informed of what was going on and explained the choices and procedures clearly at each stage of the process. The entire installation was completed on schedule for a reasonable price with minimal problems. The solar panels are working well and seem to be generating slightly more electricity than predicted and look set to be very cost effective. I would highly recommend techfor energy.

The quotation was carried out by a very professional, knowledgeable and thorough person. The price was competitive and I believe provided the best value for money. The work was carried out quickly and with a minimum of mess and disruption. It has so far exceeded expectations in terms of generation. All in all a very smooth and rewarding process. Many thanks.

Solar Thermal Vs. Solar PV Array. Originally my quest was for a solar thermal solution. After a couple of evenings I then stumbled upon Techfor Energy Ltd and three other local suppliers through the Quotatis business search engine. Within the following week I had experienced three appointments from potential suppliers, Techfor Energy Ltd being the first. They remained far superior in their well paced presentation of education, explanation and consideration of my original requirement regarding solar PV systems. Glenn was exceptional in his knowledge and subsequent discussions which eventually led to us installing a 27 panel PV array of the outstanding Sunpower 305W panels. These panels have already generated 1341 KwH in their 46 days of operation. I am amazed at their incredible ability to harvest in very cloudy, rainy or even snowy conditions! (We have had a terrible April and May if you stop and think about it). I was impressed by the professionalism demonstrated by Glenn and his team throughout the whole project and even benefitted from them removing a redundant chimney and the refitting two soil pipe vents to allow more room for panels on the roof. Overall, I cant recommend Techfor Energy Ltd enough (you might have guessed by now). In closing I would also like to draw your attention to the Immersun system I linked in with this project (the whole reason I embarked on research was for free hot water generated by the sun) which has recently ticked over to 80KwH of energy used to power the electric immersion. Most importantly this is free!I urge you to regenerate with Techfor Energy Ltd. I believe the whole process was circa 6 weeks start to finish. GMM, Pyrford, Surrey.Moreexpand_more

Design and fit solar PV system and installation of immersun. Glen provided an excellent service from the beginning. The quotation survey was thorough, this gave me the confidence that the price quoted would remain the same. Techfor had a variety of panel and inverter options which covered the whole price spectrum, these options also included the very latest technology. The panels look tidy on the roof and the inverter and immersun were fitted with care in the garage. I would recommend Techfor Energy to everyone.

This Company's by-word should be total efficiency. From Glenn who does the survey, Odette who runs the office so well and keeps you informed every step of the way - to Barry, Paul and the rest of the installation team. From day one of the survey we knew we had chosen the right people for the job. I have no hesitation to giving this company the highest possible praise. Chris Hibbard.