SOLAR heating systems designed to save a group of homeowners money will cost them at least £3,000 every ten years.
Owners of 28 top-floor flats in Highbury Drive, Leatherhead, were sold properties with solar thermal heating systems by developer Linden Homes in 2006 and 2007 – with a promise the cost would be recouped in 15 years.
But the systems, which heat water, were incorrectly installed and had to be shut down last year after an expert identified multiple safety issues.
Linden Homes agreed to reinstall the systems, but estimated servicing costs of £200 a year will outweigh the annual energy savings of about £80, and the panels must be replaced roughly every ten years at a cost of £2,000 to £3,000.
Resident Eric Scott said: "Linden Homes sold us the flats with solar heating systems that were meant to be environmentally-friendly, economical and virtually maintenance-free.
"Who couldn't be attracted by that proposition as it was stated? What happened very shortly after that was people realised there were lots of problems."
The systems were installed because planning permission was granted for the development by Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) with a requirement that ten per cent of energy should come from renewable sources.
When the systems failed Linden Homes asked to replace them with conventional ones, but the council said the target must still be met.
Mr Scott said: "If they stick to that, the likelihood is that very soon after Linden Homes spend all this money on it, people will just switch the systems off, and then none of the renewable energy targets will be met.
"It's a totally crazy position for MVDC to be in."
George Gawne, who also owns a top-floor flat, said: "What they are offering now is an old system that hasn't worked properly, in a bad state of health."
Linden Homes held a meeting with residents on Monday evening, and in a statement on Tuesday its South East managing director Steve Bangs said the firm would issue details of the work to be carried out by November 30.
Councillor John Northcott, member for planning, said it was unfortunate the process had taken so long. He added that the council had put pressure on Linden Homes to repair and install new solar panels.
"The specific details of the proposed work, including the costs involved, is a matter for Linden Homes and the residents, not MVDC," he said.
The 28 flats in Highbury Drive, Leatherhead, were built with solar thermal heating systems. The residents were anticipating an £80 yearly saving. The annual service costs £200 and the cost of replacing the panels every ten years is £2,000 to £3,000.