[doganjo]

I did it too, and loved every second.  Would love to do ti again.  It can be done if you already own a property, but preferably with a low mortgage (or none). 

[cameldairy]

yes, that was what we did. No mortgage and no debt afterwords. Soon, my hubby will be putting solar panels up so we can REALLY get off the grid;)

[cameldairy]

swing in my backyard that my brother made for me.

[ellisr]

Your chickens have it good probably better than my husband. I work in renewable energy and it is definately the way to go

[cameldairy]

Wow, please tell more about your work in renewable energy.

[doganjo]

As a matter of interest, how do prices compare to here?  I built mine in 2005 - 4 double bedrooms, 2 with ensuite; large lounge, diningroom, family room/kitchen, and large family bathroom, landscaping a mixture of gravel, lawn, fruit beds, shrubs.  My land was already owned by us (at the bottom of the garden and we owned the tracks all round it so no-one else could build on it so we got it cheap)  The total cost including the land was around £150,000. It was worth double that the minute I got turnkey.

I'm interested in renewables too, been thinking of investing in solar production, just waiting for  another two companies to quote.

[ellisr]

I work for a large company that has smaller companies within it. Most of my work and time is spent in sales with a product called Solar Slate which is a PV system hidden in the form of roofing slates it is a bit more expensive than our standard PV Systems but you cannot tell the house has solar power so it is great if like me you don't really like the look of standard panels or if you have a listed building or you are in a conservation area. I have only been here a few months since microsoft made me redundant.

[doganjo]

Any reps in Scotland?

[cameldairy]

I'll have to get with my hubby to find out prices....

[ellisr]

Any reps in Scotland?

just me and Craig hun and we do prices and quotes via email (but would have loved to come and see you) if you have roof plans or even a pin on google maps for domestic solar slate installations.
Our other part of the business which is traditional 'PV systems' part have just moved to doing only commercial

[doganjo]

Bit far for you then, Rachel!  But if you fancy a working holiday feel free 

[ellisr]

If you want some details PM me and I'll give you the website address etc

[loosey]

I've just started working in renewable energy too, having been made redundant from my finance job! It's all going way over my head at the moment! 

[doganjo]

It's all going way over my head at the moment! 

it will do if it's solar panels 

[loosey]

It's all going way over my head at the moment! 

it will do if it's solar panels 

Haha! They're ground mounted solar panels!