Solar Power for the Home..

System

Any one been down or in process of doing this ?

I am not fool enough to think it will make me greener; as the actual manufacture of the crystals and other bits is all dirty.  But while it is in their back yard and not mine (Australia is in a special bubble where we are insulated from the rest of the world... Even though some one forgot to tell that Volcano in Chile), I am considering making the leap  :o

Lots of spin doctors and anal stats (from Google and forums and sales and Marketing) as to how great it is and how you can not only reduce costs but also produce an income ?

Opps... BOT.

1: Any hard observations as to which panel type is better - OR is it that the differences are minor today as things have developed over the last few years ?

2: Any  comment as to getting the next size up Inverter so that it does not have to work so hard (more efficient due to less losses and also less stress so a better life expectancy)  

and

that extra panels can be added later.  

3: Any brands / manufacturers that stand out OR should be avoided at all costs ?

4: Other ?

AND call me a Cynic, but don't pity me  ;D  But what is the chance that at some stage if I am producing excess and earn credits that can be collected at the end of the year etc. as a cash payment .   That the ATO does not at some point go... Hang on; your earning $$$, that needs to be added to your taxable income  :o :o :o :o

I mean, I pay tax and collect my $ and place in a bank and then have to identify and interest / income derived and pay tax again  ;D   So why not apply the same process to when I generate power and get paid for it ?

Anger on I love life when it is so simple that a two year old can grasp the concepts.

Koffee_Kosmo

Yes I went solar hot water 10 years ago and grid solar power generating approx 2 years ago I am now planning to add 2 more solar panels to max capacity on my inverter Does it work YES Will it generate all my needs NO (6 or 8 panels wont) It does however keep the bills low The company I used was Free Solar in Brisbane and I got it back when the rebates for early adopters were generous I recommend that you get the 1) Largest inverter you can afford so you can add solar panel's as required 2) Make sure that you have full sun (very important) as any shade will hinder your power generation If one panel has shade on it and produces .5 kw the rest will lower there output to match it KK

Gra

We had solar panels fitted about 3 months ago I am not sure that the cost out ways the return  as to what goes back in to the grid but having said that early days yet. The system we installed is Q.pro MULTICRYSTALLINE SOLAR MODULE made in Germany 25 year performance warranty the inverter was a SR2000TL that died after 2 months then they replaced it with a new model SR3000 over all cost after Gov Rebate 6K. I all so have had the pool pump wired to off-peak so it will be interesting to see what the next bill shows by doing this I to sneaked in a 15amp in the kitchen for the Alex one in the garage for the roaster  ::) ;D ;D Gra..

UNM

I haven't gone solar power yet, due to issues persuading SWMBO, but did write a bit of research. Inverter is most efficient at some percentage close to max capacity, but I think they  are prettt god over a wide range. You may want to have more cell capacity than the inverters max, depending on you azimuth - if they will never generate max, work out realistic output and size inverter accordingly. Monocrystalline are generally considered 'better', but usually cost more. I would consider the likelihood of your supplier and  panel manufacturer being around to honour warranty issues more important than panel Technology is developing rapidly and in a few years you may be able to get your whole  roof covered in panels for next to nothing (compare to computer memory and hard drive development). Then again, it could take a decade, by which time the panels have paid for themselves.

Koffee_Kosmo

Further to my post above Because I was an early adopter and took up the  coalition government subsidy before it was changed by the new government my cost was almost zero I am glad I did it KK

Gra

on 1311644815:

I haven't gone solar power yet, due to issues persuading SWMBO, but did write a bit of research. Inverter is most efficient at some percentage close to max capacity, but I think they  are prettt god over a wide range. You may want to have more cell capacity than the inverters max, depending on you azimuth - if they will never generate max, work out realistic output and size inverter accordingly. Monocrystalline are generally considered 'better', but usually cost more. I would consider the likelihood of your supplier and  panel manufacturer being around to honour warranty issues more important than panel Technology is developing rapidly and in a few years you may be able to get your whole  roof covered in panels for next to nothing (compare to computer memory and hard drive development). Then again, it could take a decade, by which time the panels have paid for themselves.

Yes I agree the only reason for stating warranty was for the of 25 year performance here's hoping there is some truth in what claim.. :-\ Gra.

Gra

on 1311645349:

Further to my post above Because I was an early adopter and took up the  coalition government subsidy before it was changed by the new government my cost was almost zero I am glad I did it KK

Right on Mate that's what one gets for taking to long to make there mind.. Gra.

beanflying

Rockby electronics is worth a look at. Other than being a satisfied customer of theirs I have no other connection. Pricing from them on solar and or inverters is about as good as it gets http://www.rockby.com.au/myindex.cfm

UNM

Never thought to consider rockby for solar. Will have a look. Also solarchoice are worth contacting to get pricing - they basically forward a selection of quotes and list some reputable suppliers.

Lacehim

I got solar just before the government ended their initial solar rebate early.  I got a 1Kw system, with a 1.2Kw inverter.  I get about 40rec back, but it does reduce my powerbill.  Helps to off balence the 21Kw aircon  :o 8)  (don't stress it's a variable power & speed unit by Actron Air.  The ESP Ultima system) My father in law just got a 3.08Kw system installed by AGL, they where the cheapest because he got a pensioner discount.  About $8k I think it cost them.  Their meter is currently running backwards because they are waiting on energex upgrading the software on their meter for a net meter.  I would say  they will be getting a credit quiet a lot once they put the pool on off peak tarrif. There are new panels on the market, which means you can have a bigger Kw with less panels on the roof too.  They weigh more though.  I think he might have got them... Just remember you can only get the rebate once.  I've asked around the I've been told that new panels can get a further rebate, but the inverter does not which can be nearly as expensive as the panels.    Personally I'm kicking myself for not going to a 3 or 4Kw system, but I just didn't have the money at the time for a $10,000 out of pocket install.  It would be nice to not have to worry about the pice of power rising.

beanflying

Not a complete home solution but anyone chasing Panels for camping or similar these are cheap as chips at a touch over $2/watt http://www.rockby.com.au/Rockby/Mailer/MADDAY01_1.htm ** Note it is a one day only sale TODAY

Lacehim

Depends what your budget it.  Do some caculations, cost of overal system and see if the extra 0.3Kw is comparable in price. At around the 4Kw I doubt you will get a power bill ever!

Koffee_Kosmo

AM this should be a breeze for you You can thank me later http://www.mysolarplans.com/diy-solar-aus.php KK

Koffee_Kosmo

Due to electricity prices going up I decided to add another 2 panels to my system Now I have 8 panels working hard and should produce approx 8kwh per day This is the maximum my inverter can take They were flitted today in fact the men just left  ;D KK

Lacehim

If you don't mind me asking KK, how many $$$.

Koffee_Kosmo

on 1314846217:

If you don't mind me asking KK, how many $$$.

Fitted price for 2 panels $1700 KK

Brett H

Our power bill is $700 a quarter, sometimes more.  I'd be interested to see our outlay to offset sums going forward.  We are holding off at present because I want o repoint/respray the roof and repair some trusses that have warped with water damage and age.  Not a terribly expensive exercise but a time intensive one.after that I'm looking to invest in solar so keep the math coming trused coffee enthusiasts.

Koffee_Kosmo

on 1314940541:

Our power bill is $700 a quarter, sometimes more.  I'd be interested to see our outlay to offset sums going forward.  We are holding off at present because I want o repoint/respray the roof and repair some trusses that have warped with water damage and age.  Not a terribly expensive exercise but a time intensive one.after that I'm looking to invest in solar so keep the math coming trused coffee enthusiasts.

Its important to do both 1 Solar Hot Water 2 Grid connected Solar Both will reduce you electricity bill by half e.g. 4 adults in out home average bill including AC in the summer is $340 per qtr However I must point out that we have a gas stove/hot plates as well and that is approx $300 per year KK

Lacehim

I was a convert for solar hot water, but I have to admit I've changed my mind on that one.  Good if your old system breaks down,  but I wouldn't be ripping out a perfectly good hot water system for nothing. My off-peak electric hot water cost me $20 for a 1/4.  That's pretty cheap, and it's working fine.  Why rip it out and send it to landfill?  I had solar HW in my last house and found it great during summer but I kept having to boost the temp during winter. PS.  Nice system AM.  That's going to produce some juice.  Makes my 1Kw system look tiny!

Koffee_Kosmo

How cool is that My system makes approx 7 to 8 KWh of power I dont actually know what there system of measurement is But I am sure KW and KWh is different but I could be wrong ?? KK 

Lacehim

I heard a rumour that they might do away with the net meter scheme.  I think they have already done that in NSW.  How that will effect solar who knows.

Brett H

on 1318336665:

I am averaging 24 plus KVA a day... My bills suggest I use 16KVA a day I pay aprox 22cents KVA I can earn 50 cents a KVA A:  Try to use a little during the day and build credit B:  Dishwasher and other things at night... Thus I should be paying nothing for electricity and earning about what I use to pay. Now depending on how you look at that, at say approx $400 a quarter or  $1600 a year usage and earn about $4000. I will have a credit of about $2400 per year (into super fund). When I retire (fully or part time) at least no power bills and some extra cash coming in...

That is some exciting math.  When does your first cheque roll in?  I am looking at a 3kw 16 panel system only.

Springbok

An update please AM ? - how is it panning out after a couple of months?

Jonty

Just trolling on a Sunday arvo through the threads.. We are coming close to 12 months from our 1st installation.  Started with 3kw inverter and 1.6kw panels...  6 months went by and we fitted another 1.5kw (all up 17 panels on the roof).  We are on the 60 cent feed in tariff in Victoria and over summer we sat between 18 - 22 kwhr/day production.  Even on a crap day like the last few still pushing 10 - 12 kwhr/day out.  We have changed our ways with dishwasher and washing machine cycling in the off peak period (3am in the morning) and maximising all power to the grid to recoup the coins.  Currently we export 60% of all our power, so instead of paying 27cents per kwhr, we gain 60 cents per kwhr.  At this rate our 8.5K outlay on a 3.1kw system will pay back in 5  - 6 yrs, a lot sooner as power is expected to rise up to 30% over the next 2 yrs. My last quarter I fed 970 kwhr to the grid and with usage of 5kwhr/day I gained a credit of close to $360. Bloke at work it currently looking at a 5kw system for 11.5K - he has 6 kids and daily usage is 26kwhr/day... OUCH.  Even at 25 cent feed in to the grid now, it is a no brainer. One of the best investments I have made, just be careful as the coin is made the ATO will be taxing us on it as it is income  :mad: 

Lacehim

I just had a bloke around to look at upgrading our system (see page 1 for details for the old one).  He says rip the old one out, and install a 5.6Kw inverter and 28 panels!  ??? ??? ???  Cost... $14,000 installed. Wouldn't have a clue what to do with the old system.  Any ideas what that would be worth?

Jonty

on 1338375772:

I just had a bloke around to look at upgrading our system (see page 1 for details for the old one).  He says rip the old one out, and install a 5.6Kw inverter and 28 panels!  ??? ??? ???  Cost... $14,000 installed. Wouldn't have a clue what to do with the old system.  Any ideas what that would be worth?

Be careful as I wouldn't be surprised if your feed in tarrif drops off due to the new install.....

derrilex

Price sounds high to me Lacehim. The solar is dropping every week it seems

derrilex

So the whole concept is boned if you work from home or spend a lot of time at home making coffee on a high current device, and roasting of course :rofl: :rofl:

UNM

on 1338411942:

So the whole concept is boned if you work from home or spend a lot of time at home making coffee on a high current device, and roasting of course :rofl: :rofl:

nope, just different calculation. at the moment the best deal here is $2400 for 1.5 kw with a 5kw inverter to allow upgrade ability. panel prices are dropping almost daily. and of course no premium feed in tariff any more so time of day usage is far less of an issue. I figure pay back on that system would be around 7 years.

derrilex

And thats why I reckon that $14000 for Lacehim's set up sound way over the top price wise. My neighbour paid just over 8 k for his 3 KW system about 1.5 years ago. Get the same thing now for less than 4k

Lwowiak

The company I work for is expanding into the importation of solar panels and inverters. The factories manufacturing them are part of our group, so it is basically another product for us. As I get some details on landed prices etc, I can let you know on the current "market" price. We mainly deal with large electrical contractors and solar companies, and are just importers and distributors. It is early days still, but we should have things organised in 3-4 months time. We will have stock on hand though...........