All things Solar (merged threads)

[poppa smurf]

Originally Posted by usernametaken

Got up and washed the panels on the roof today.

Used a soft brush broom and a bucket of suds followed by a good rinse.

Yesterday, I insulated the garage roller door - what a difference!

how did you insulate the roller door??

[usernametaken]

A roll of underfloor insulation foil from bunnings, some insulation tape, scissors, a few curse words and about 2 hours.

Well worth it.

[rancidpunx]

Install finally booked for the end of November. Just got our first power bill as well for our new place. A little surprised as it was only $300 so the 5kw might be a bit over kill.

[poppa smurf]

Originally Posted by rancidpunx

Install finally booked for the end of November. Just got our first power bill as well for our new place. A little surprised as it was only $300 so the 5kw might be a bit over kill.

all depends on the feed in tariff.....you may need the extra generation to compensate for a lower price yield factor

and if you generate a profit then I see no harm in that

10.02 kilowatt generated today (cloudy/sultry) $0.20c in front though

[rancidpunx]

44c + another 8c i think from the energy co

[poppa smurf]

thats not too bad given you should expect around the 6 hours average daylight hours x $0.52c FIT should give you around the $15.60 per day minus usage of course

you'll lose and gain depending on the year and the weather but you should be fine

all the best with it....keep us up to date

[devilcv8]

Originally Posted by prydey

its been mentioned on here a few times that the old type meters don't like spinning backwards for long periods of time. they will eventually start playing up apparently, possibly spinning forward faster than they should etc.

That's ok, when the spa kicks in the disc goes the correct way, well correct for the electricity authority.

[deesun]

Originally Posted by rancidpunx

Install finally booked for the end of November. Just got our first power bill as well for our new place. A little surprised as it was only $300 so the 5kw might be a bit over kill.

Was that 300 for the quarter. if so I would have killed for that size bill. Probably 1982 the last time I had one that size.
I think my FIT is similar to yours but I have a 6kw system with 5kw inverter so this may be worth a read to you, my story this page http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...356379&page=30 . Post 1190. I am on Goldy.

[supershifty]

Originally Posted by rancidpunx

Install finally booked for the end of November. Just got our first power bill as well for our new place. A little surprised as it was only $300 so the 5kw might be a bit over kill.

No James, 5kW is not overkill - buy the biggest you can reasonably afford and run with it. You'll be saving coin in the long run. Electricity will never come down in price. The only way is up!

Originally Posted by rancidpunx

44c + another 8c i think from the energy co

THIS ONLY APPLIES TO QLD: I'm not sure about the rebate you're quoting here - depends whether you got your approval for installation before the 10th of July '12. I got my system fitted in April, and get a 44c feed in tariff + 8c from AGL, and some other QLD government subsidy which I can't fathom where it comes from.

I refer to the following link for reference: http://www.cleanenergy.qld.gov.au/de...gn=redirection

Sorry if I'm raining on you James - just trying to point you to what I've learned.

Cheers!

[Noddy]

PS I have a desrepancy between what the inverter says its producing on a daily basis and what the meter says ive produced. (Aurora3.6) (edmi atlas mk10)

The last couple days the inverter says I've produced 16kws but when I check the meter it's suggests I've produced 18kws.

Anyone else experiencing similar results?

[rancidpunx]

Originally Posted by supershifty

No James, 5kW is not overkill - buy the biggest you can reasonably afford and run with it. You'll be saving coin in the long run. Electricity will never come down in price. The only way is up!



THIS ONLY APPLIES TO QLD: I'm not sure about the rebate you're quoting here - depends whether you got your approval for installation before the 10th of July '12. I got my system fitted in April, and get a 44c feed in tariff + 8c from AGL, and some other QLD government subsidy which I can't fathom where it comes from.

I refer to the following link for reference: http://www.cleanenergy.qld.gov.au/de...gn=redirection

Sorry if I'm raining on you James - just trying to point you to what I've learned.

Cheers!

No worries man, thanks for the input. I got in before the deadline which was the reason behind jumping in the deep end. I just asked for something to run aircon and be future proof. Wasn't until I had handed over my deposit that I realised its a biggish system. I didnt really understand the FIT and how it applied but we knew we would be doing solar at some point so made sense to jump in whilst it was higher.

Originally Posted by deesun

Was that 300 for the quarter. if so I would have killed for that size bill. Probably 1982 the last time I had one that size.
I think my FIT is similar to yours but I have a 6kw system with 5kw inverter so this may be worth a read to you, my story this page http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...356379&page=30 . Post 1190. I am on Goldy.

lol yeah $300 for the quarter, actually a little under. We have not paid a power bill in 5yrs due to it being included in our rent. Now in our own place we have been really watching the power usage. Maybe a bit **** but we didn't want to get a shock on our first bill.
Thanks for the heads up on your story, hopefully I will be able to share similar successes shortly.

[sgt_doofey]

Originally Posted by Noddy

PS I have a desrepancy between what the inverter says its producing on a daily basis and what the meter says ive produced. (Aurora3.6) (edmi atlas mk10)

The last couple days the inverter says I've produced 16kws but when I check the meter it's suggests I've produced 18kws.

Anyone else experiencing similar results?

The inverter shows how much power your panels have generated.
Your meter shows how much power you've imported from and exported to the grid.

[poppa smurf]

Originally Posted by Noddy

PS I have a desrepancy between what the inverter says its producing on a daily basis and what the meter says ive produced. (Aurora3.6) (edmi atlas mk10)

The last couple days the inverter says I've produced 16kws but when I check the meter it's suggests I've produced 18kws.

Anyone else experiencing similar results?

that is to be expected I guess......either one or the other is incorrect.....my money is on your house meter

I wouldn't worry too much about it as long as it's in your favour

[gtxb67]

Originally Posted by sgt_doofey

The inverter shows how much power your panels have generated.
Your meter shows how much power you've imported from and exported to the grid.

that is what i was wondering

our inverter says we have made 220 kw
our meter says we have made 167 kw
our meter says we have used 105 kw


i assume this means we have made 220 kw and used 53 kw of our own power
and that we have imported 105 kw that we will pay for
and exported 167 kw that we will receive the infeed tariff for

it making sense to me, because by adding the 53 and 105 together that pretty much equals our previous daily usage

[supershifty]

Yes gtxb67 - you nailed it!

Cheers!

[gtxb67]

Originally Posted by supershifty

Yes gtxb67 - you nailed it!

Cheers!

thanx

from my calculations after 17 days we are owed $27.62

we should be charged $24.15 for the power we have imported
we should be getting $51.77 for the power we have exported

we would have been paying $28.86 for the usage before solar
so we have saved $56.48 in 17 days

if the weather stays as it is (and of course it won't), then we should be saving $1,100+ each year

[supershifty]

Originally Posted by gtxb67

from my calculations after 17 days we are owed $27.62

we should be charged $24.15 for the power we have imported
we should be getting $51.77 for the power we have exported

we would have been paying $28.86 for the usage before solar
so we have saved $56.48 in 17 days

if the weather stays as it is (and of course it won't), then we should be saving $1,100+ each year

I see you got in before govco slashed the tariffs then.
You'll be even happier when you get your "non" bill for the 1st full quarter running solar.

I got mine last week: $465.10 credit, that pays off 1/8th of my initial outlay. (QLD: 52c feed in tariff)

What is the saying "Gotta make hay while the sun's shining".

Cheers!

[Dragoneletra]

Originally Posted by z80

Here's your solution.....

Find an electrician to put a two way switch on just the lighting circuits of your house.

Position A is lights powered from the grid
Position B is lights powered from your standalone inverter
Position C all off from both sources.

Not hard at all mate.


.

I wouldn't do that. I'm pretty sure that isn't going to be legal. though happy to be proven wrong.

I would like to install stand alone at our place with a bypass switch for mains power where required. depending on the size of the system though.

[Dragoneletra]

Originally Posted by prydey

labor costs are part of warranty.

i bought a car from mt gambier. it needed a repair under warranty. obviously i don't need to take the car back to the dealer, i just took it 5 mins down the road to the ford dealer, they fixed it, and invoiced the car dealer.

same with most warranties. you make a claim, they organise someone for you to contact, or someone to come around and you don't pay.

It should come down to the manufacturers. Not the installer. With a lot of warranties, sure the part will be replaced but you will pay the labour to do it. for examplethis scenario. Skip through the compare stuff of the two fans.

A lot of customers will expect the installer to repair items under warranty. But the installer doesn't give a manufacturers warranty, the manufacturer does. We give a 5 year warranty on workmanship for example (if it's going to last 5 years it will last until the materials break down) but the materials warranty is covered by the manufacturer. which is why it PAYS to buy quality materials.

It's a bit of a mine field though.

[gtxb67]

Originally Posted by supershifty

I see you got in before govco slashed the tariffs then.

yeah, we just got in
we had been in contact with true value for the end of august, but were a little scared off with their reputation (although the only person i actually know who has used them, was happy)
i rang origin for an alternate quote and they mentioned the tariff being cut. they couldn't guarantee having everything done before the end of september, and offered to refund the deposit if they couldn't do it. true value just sent an email saying it was still great value on the .08 cent tariff. i indirectly know of someone who signed up with them in june and has only just had it installed and therefore missed the .31 cent tariff. it is harsh for them because they are pensioners
we ended up going with a local electrician who had done our next door neighbour's on 2 occasions. we stressed the infeed tariff was important and they were fitted within a week or 2 of the order. we only ordered on the 5th or 6th of september, so he did a great job for us

[Noddy]

Originally Posted by sgt_doofey

The inverter shows how much power your panels have generated.
Your meter shows how much power you've imported from and exported to the grid.

I understand what your saying but I would have expected the inverter to show more power produced than the meter says ive exported not the other way around.

Anyway I will follow with interest. I've only had the system connected a week but I've found I'm already addicted to following the performance.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by gtxb67

we had been in contact with true value for the end of august, but were a little scared off with their reputation (although the only person i actually know who has used them, was happy)

well i went with true value solar, and so far i'm happy so now you can double that statistic

i was a bit daunted by the negativity online but decided to take the chance anyway.

and nice edit on your earlier post. i was about to question your maths

[poppa smurf]

Originally Posted by gtxb67

yeah, we just got in
we had been in contact with true value for the end of august, but were a little scared off with their reputation (although the only person i actually know who has used them, was happy)
i rang origin for an alternate quote and they mentioned the tariff being cut. they couldn't guarantee having everything done before the end of september, and offered to refund the deposit if they couldn't do it. true value just sent an email saying it was still great value on the .08 cent tariff. i indirectly know of someone who signed up with them in june and has only just had it installed and therefore missed the .31 cent tariff. it is harsh for them because they are pensioners
we ended up going with a local electrician who had done our next door neighbour's on 2 occasions. we stressed the infeed tariff was important and they were fitted within a week or 2 of the order. we only ordered on the 5th or 6th of september, so he did a great job for us

yep you did the right thing all the way.......losing the subsidy, or part thereof, is small chips when or if you lose the FIT.....way better to go "long term" and get the better FIT

[poppa smurf]

Originally Posted by Noddy

I understand what your saying but I would have expected the inverter to show more power produced than the meter says ive exported not the other way around.

Anyway I will follow with interest. I've only had the system connected a week but I've found I'm already addicted to following the performance.

you are correct, the inverter will always show higher production than export as the household "uses" direct from array on low draw

a bit will also "disappear" as it is soaked up by the inverter itself, it needs a certain amount to operate before it will actually export

close scrutiny of the system over time will reveal a few other "oddities" as well

I have 12 months of data now that is often scrutinised by a lot of folks

[gtxb67]

Originally Posted by poppa smurf

yep you did the right thing all the way.......losing the subsidy, or part thereof, is small chips when or if you lose the FIT.....way better to go "long term" and get the better FIT

i am sure we got the subsidy

the guy who fitted it was the same price as true value, but without pretending to throw in a couple of panels for free
he and true value were $1000 cheaper than origin

but we certainly signed something for the subsidy

[poppa smurf]

Originally Posted by gtxb67

i am sure we got the subsidy

the guy who fitted it was the same price as true value, but without pretending to throw in a couple of panels for free
he and true value were $1000 cheaper than origin

but we certainly signed something for the subsidy

glad to hear you got both, well done!.....hopefully free or cheaper power from now on!

[xisled]

Originally Posted by gtxb67

yeah, we just got in
we had been in contact with true value for the end of august, but were a little scared off with their reputation (although the only person i actually know who has used them, was happy)
i rang origin for an alternate quote and they mentioned the tariff being cut. they couldn't guarantee having everything done before the end of september, and offered to refund the deposit if they couldn't do it. true value just sent an email saying it was still great value on the .08 cent tariff. i indirectly know of someone who signed up with them in june and has only just had it installed and therefore missed the .31 cent tariff. it is harsh for them because they are pensioners
we ended up going with a local electrician who had done our next door neighbour's on 2 occasions. we stressed the infeed tariff was important and they were fitted within a week or 2 of the order. we only ordered on the 5th or 6th of september, so he did a great job for us

Originally Posted by KOZ1K4N

thanks seen u this morning u where turning onto leach i was going down tonkin drop ute off around 715ish

Retailers can still put through for the TFIT tariff. The meter needs to be configured by 31st of December to get the 25 cents in Vic. The reason for the September cut off is to give the betworks time to arrange Meyer installs. At work I am still putting requests through for the 25 cent buy back. But in next week or so the network will sto accepting these requests.

[supershifty]

I alike gtxb67 initially got a quote from my electricity supplier - I thought I'd get looked after. They failed dismally. They quoted me $3000 for a 1.5kW system.

I instead got a 2.3kW system for $3600 - and that was by no means the cheapest. I just really liked that the fellow who owned the business came out to do the quote with a no BS approach.

I've had 2 faults since, have been able to contact the owner directly, and the fault sorted in under 3 working days. To be fair I don't know whether my energy supplier could've provided that sort of response - but I doubt it.

After sales service is another consideration when shelling out coin - you generally don't think of it at the time, but it sure hurts when it's not there!

Cheers!

[poppa smurf]

absolutely mate.....price can become a secondary affair if the sales staff has that "feel" about them

keep the ******** detector on high alert when looking into these high figure purchases

[usernametaken]

Does anyone else find their inverter doesn't switch over to a new day until 10am ish?

I'm not too concerned as it still increases kw/h - it's just that it adds to yesterday's total.

I just find it a bit strange. Especially when the inverter shuts down overnight