Megawolf Posted September 20, 2019 Posted September 20, 2019 Thanks, I must admit the environment wasn`t my first concern. I hope I`m wrong but with the grid going the way it is, sh*t fast. and if they bring the Sydney desalination plant fully online it`s going to get even worse. The main thing is to keep the power on this summer. But hey, it`s nice to have free power. 1
LogicprObe Posted September 21, 2019 Posted September 21, 2019 27 minutes ago, Megawolf said: Thanks, I must admit the environment wasn`t my first concern. I hope I`m wrong but with the grid going the way it is, sh*t fast. and if they bring the Sydney desalination plant fully online it`s going to get even worse. The main thing is to keep the power on this summer. But hey, it`s nice to have free power. Desal is fully online already................but they are probably going to double the capacity of it...................that means double the power use. Batteries aren't going to power that thing overnight!
sloper Posted October 2, 2019 Posted October 2, 2019 Goodaye all Got my second quater bill today with the new solar system. First was a credit for 3 cents, second a winter bill of $10.83. So at this stage l figure we are about $900 ahead, l figured the payoff after 3 years but at this rate it will be 2. Its 6.6kw of panel's with a max of 5kw into the grid. Still have the old panels and invertor, thinking of using them for a project. 1kw into a few deep cycle or marine battrys a invertor. But what to do with the power? and its not very cost effective. regards Bruce 1
Megawolf Posted October 7, 2019 Posted October 7, 2019 Hi Guy`s. I have being doing some sum`s. My last bill was a credit for $185.00, not a full quarter. The next one according to the company`s calculations will be $376.00 credit. Their system say`s we are doing $3.99 per day. I think an average of $1200 per year from them is pretty good. If I factor in the average bill for a 2 person household in NSW, around $1800yr. ( Gov`t numbers ) The ROI should be 13-15yrs. I`m more than happy with that and as I found out the other day, when they were working on the grid. The backup works a treat, we were the only ones in the street who had power for the 6hrs it was off. I think that batteries are a viable option if you can afford them. It will be interesting to see how it goes over the full year. Cheers. Ian.
Guest rmpfyf Posted October 7, 2019 Posted October 7, 2019 46 minutes ago, Megawolf said: Hi Guy`s. I have being doing some sum`s. My last bill was a credit for $185.00, not a full quarter. The next one according to the company`s calculations will be $376.00 credit. Their system say`s we are doing $3.99 per day. I think an average of $1200 per year from them is pretty good. If I factor in the average bill for a 2 person household in NSW, around $1800yr. ( Gov`t numbers ) The ROI should be 13-15yrs. I`m more than happy with that and as I found out the other day, when they were working on the grid. The backup works a treat, we were the only ones in the street who had power for the 6hrs it was off. I think that batteries are a viable option if you can afford them. It will be interesting to see how it goes over the full year. Cheers. Ian. Your batteries are warrantied for 10 years, 15 in a pinch, so the payback arguments don't work. This said I think payback is a crap metric. Never in the history of residential PV have the kids come home to mum, dad and a cake where the parents said 'well dear family, today we're celebrating the solar system paying itself off'. People have very little awareness of the actual economics of their system. They're very aware of their energy bills though, and extremely aware of their energy security. When there's enough govt stimulus to kick the argument into touch then it's a no-brainer. PV is a no-brainer if you have the roof and own your home. Batteries - sometimes people can afford them, sometimes people want them, sometimes govts support them and sometimes all three or combinations thereof. Would suggest people look to thermal storage first - just did a home with a Goodwe inverter, ~8kW PV, Solahart Powerstore tank, a BYD battery and key circuits backed up. Very very impressive. That battery has better cycle performance than anything on market at the moment (admittedly it's physically huge though). If you want and can afford a battery though, get it. The earlier advice from @Megawolf and others is sage though - as a first step get the best PV you can afford, and as much of it as you can get. United Energy will allow me 30kW to grid here.... ... plus any limited export capacity... I'll run out of roof first!
Addicted to music Posted November 2, 2019 Author Posted November 2, 2019 @rmpfyf. @Spider27 still have not got the installation done yet. check on the Solar Victoria web site, they have now extended the postcode for Battery rebate. @Spider27 Point Cook 3030 is now on that list, be interested if you have considered it?
Guest rmpfyf Posted November 2, 2019 Posted November 2, 2019 2 hours ago, Addicted to music said: @rmpfyf. @Spider27 still have not got the installation done yet. check on the Solar Victoria web site, they have now extended the postcode for Battery rebate. @Spider27 Point Cook 3030 is now on that list, be interested if you have considered it? Send me your smart meter interval data, I'll run numbers on your battery economics if you like.
Addicted to music Posted November 3, 2019 Author Posted November 3, 2019 21 hours ago, rmpfyf said: Send me your smart meter interval data, I'll run numbers on your battery economics if you like. has to be in PDF via PM. would this suffice? or does it have to be CSV? if CSV it will need to be a private email address via PM.
Guest rmpfyf Posted November 3, 2019 Posted November 3, 2019 3 hours ago, Addicted to music said: has to be in PDF via PM. would this suffice? or does it have to be CSV? if CSV it will need to be a private email address via PM. Pm me
Addicted to music Posted November 13, 2019 Author Posted November 13, 2019 Just an update, Space Solar, the company I’m dealing with where my quote has been approved by Solar Victoria are a friggin nightmare to deal with. I have not heard from anyone after the 4th week as promised so I touch base.... couldn’t get an answer accept keep waiting... So I called 2 wks ago and the receptionist followed the paper trail to tell me that they’re waiting on panels to arrive, hopefully next week.... next week comes and another phone call only to be told the same thing......wait for next week!, Bull dust, made contact with the rep who gave the excuse that they can’t do anything until the inventory is on hand...... At the same time I decided to make the enquiry with Trina Panels Australia......got a reply almost instantly and finally contacted by phone, was asked how many panels I’m after and then told me there’s more than a few pallet loads of the stuff in there distribution centre in Melb.... Exchanging only through emails now with the rep and told him what I found out....then hinting I’m not comfortable leaving them a 10% deposit and goods and services has not been supplied.... so I said to him that I’ll wait but you have to return the deposit and then you can take as long as you want! Then he replies and said they won’t do that! Now if you told me the truth and given me a approx date of when installation was to occur, one would be so anxious, even if there was a delay,,,, At this stage I was totally pissed.....so I threw the consumer rights and how there management team do not play the game, becuase to be an accredited and participate in the Victoria Solar Rebate scheme as an installer, a deposit is not required, Not only that, had to remind them that they are on the news for all the wrong reasons by using non license and non compliant installers placing everyone at risk! The next day I got a call to scheduled 11/12/2019 as the installation date! About time! If if you are read this and are participating in the Victoria Solar Scheme, you need to settle an installation date, don’t give them a deposit as Solar Victoria instruct you not to, before you give them the go ahead to registered that quote with Solar Victoria. And above all don’t use Space Solar.
Megawolf Posted November 13, 2019 Posted November 13, 2019 Jesus that blows. The cowboys that used to do the insulation have moved in on the solar game. What ever happened to customer service? Just keep pushing and check what there are doing if anything looks dodgy get onto them straight away. It should be worth it in the end. Mine`s doing great, we had a full clear day yesterday and the system did 61.1 kw. Cheers. Ian. 1
Addicted to music Posted December 5, 2019 Author Posted December 5, 2019 Was hanging out and looking forward to the installation next week on Wednesday 11/12/19..... However a phone call from the rep has informed me that the installation has been cancelled and that they do not have any installers.... They have now refunded the full $645 plus an additional $100... Contacted Solar Victoria yesterday to see if the QR code is transferable, if not, I’ll have to go through the process of applying again, but this time it won’t be $2225 it’ll be a lot less as the rebate reduces.. so this means I can actually move on, which is good in away so I don’t have to deal with a company that’s in strife because Solar Victoria has cease approval and they will not be allowed to have installations approved by them for 2yrs... The other thing I found out is that the QR code is only valid for 4 mths.... Again if you are going through this process make sure that the company you are dealing with give you a installation date and also do not pay a deposit up front to get the ball rolling.
Guest rmpfyf Posted December 5, 2019 Posted December 5, 2019 2 hours ago, Addicted to music said: Was hanging out and looking forward to the installation next week on Wednesday 11/12/19..... However a phone call from the rep has informed me that the installation has been cancelled and that they do not have any installers.... They have now refunded the full $645 plus an additional $100... Contacted Solar Victoria yesterday to see if the QR code is transferable, if not, I’ll have to go through the process of applying again, but this time it won’t be $2225 it’ll be a lot less as the rebate reduces.. so this means I can actually move on, which is good in away so I don’t have to deal with a company that’s in strife because Solar Victoria has cease approval and they will not be allowed to have installations approved by them for 2yrs... The other thing I found out is that the QR code is only valid for 4 mths.... Again if you are going through this process make sure that the company you are dealing with give you a installation date and also do not pay a deposit up front to get the ball rolling. Don't feel too badly mate (though it's a s**t experience). Prices are falling all the time so you're not that badly off. And what you'll pay for a marginal install far outweighs any savings in rushing it. You're in a better place.
Megawolf Posted December 5, 2019 Posted December 5, 2019 That Sux. I just got through my first full billing period. $493.00 they have to pay me. I`ll have to get it in my account now. Best of luck with yours, keep at it, it will pay off in the long run. Cheers. Ian. 1
Addicted to music Posted December 6, 2019 Author Posted December 6, 2019 (edited) On 05/12/2019 at 8:00 PM, rmpfyf said: Don't feel too badly mate (though it's a s**t experience). Prices are falling all the time so you're not that badly off. And what you'll pay for a marginal install far outweighs any savings in rushing it. You're in a better place. Got a few quotes, your right, similar systems with a Fronius inverter with Sarephim 330W Panels 6.6kw Is now $6500 fully installed..... now that’s almost $2k difference since Sept. Talk about arrogant; telling me where I should have them installed even though I specifically asked for to be installed on the west facing, and won’t remove the the 3 water panel that’s not in service.... Heavily accented directing what I should be doing, but glad to get a quote and idea what prices are like..... Huge change since Sept. Gonna get a few more quotes..... Edited December 6, 2019 by Addicted to music
david j Posted December 11, 2019 Posted December 11, 2019 Good result 61 kw hours for the day I installed a system about 8 years ago cost me 10k out of pocket back then have rec about 13k sold power and paid one $20 bill once in winter Good to be getting the pfit which is about 71 cents kw hour What is the going rate now?
Addicted to music Posted December 12, 2019 Author Posted December 12, 2019 17 hours ago, david j said: Good result 61 kw hours for the day I installed a system about 8 years ago cost me 10k out of pocket back then have rec about 13k sold power and paid one $20 bill once in winter Good to be getting the pfit which is about 71 cents kw hour What is the going rate now? FIT is around the $0,12
david j Posted December 13, 2019 Posted December 13, 2019 (edited) Mine is 2.7 kw had I had known what would happen would have put some panels west facing as well every extra panel back then was expensive Just finished installing the solar mate heating and cooling panel in this picture The North facing roof is full ! Good luck with it all Edited December 13, 2019 by david j 1
Guest rmpfyf Posted December 13, 2019 Posted December 13, 2019 RACV just bought Gippsland Solar... that's huge.
Addicted to music Posted December 14, 2019 Author Posted December 14, 2019 21 hours ago, rmpfyf said: RACV just bought Gippsland Solar... that's huge. Yep, https://www.racv.com.au/about-racv/our-business/media-releases/racv-acquires-gippsland-solar.html Up goes the costs like all of there other products. 1
vivianbl Posted December 20, 2019 Posted December 20, 2019 On 05/12/2019 at 5:42 PM, Addicted to music said: Was hanging out and looking forward to the installation next week on Wednesday 11/12/19..... However a phone call from the rep has informed me that the installation has been cancelled and that they do not have any installers.... They have now refunded the full $645 plus an additional $100... Contacted Solar Victoria yesterday to see if the QR code is transferable, if not, I’ll have to go through the process of applying again, but this time it won’t be $2225 it’ll be a lot less as the rebate reduces.. so this means I can actually move on, which is good in away so I don’t have to deal with a company that’s in strife because Solar Victoria has cease approval and they will not be allowed to have installations approved by them for 2yrs... The other thing I found out is that the QR code is only valid for 4 mths.... Again if you are going through this process make sure that the company you are dealing with give you a installation date and also do not pay a deposit up front to get the ball rolling. Wow, you have had a very bad experience. Think I must have been lucky to have a very smooth and easy process. I had my installation done October/ November last year. I made sure that I read as much as I could on line and then spoke with a rep from Solar Victoria and put a post on StereoNET- more about impact on Sound Quality.- had a lot of responses and much appreciated assistance/ advice about the solar system itself. The eventual Installator helped with the whole process from getting the eligibility approval, Ausnet service provider application (that took it’s full 65 days for approval) , the installation of the solar components that I had chosen, relevant paperwork to Ausnet and retailer and feed in tariff to grid. They provided all the paperwork required for Victorian rebate. The system was installed within a week of getting the Service Provider approval. I made the rebate claim in November and had the Vic rebate EFT payment in January! The only work I had to do was the original Eligibility Approval application and then the Vic Rebate claim. The System installed was north facing 6.6Kw Winaico panels (23) Fronius Inverter 5.01 + Smart meter, grid feed in 3.5Kwh. $4200 after Vic rebate. 1
Addicted to music Posted January 2, 2020 Author Posted January 2, 2020 (edited) https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/solar-installer-banned-from-government-rebate-program-after-safety-defects-revealed-20191009-p52yvr.html https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-victoria-takes-action-unsafe-solar-installer This is is the article making aware that this particular company (Space Solar). had been caught out by auditors for unsafe work.... unfortunately a family friend had used them and had recommended me to used them also.... Today I found out that the auditors were on there roof before Xmas.... There was unsafe work done on this site and certain components had to replaced.... Solar Victoria sent an independent contractor (not from the the company that’s mentioned in this article) and replaced all the items that was listed.... The family friend didn’t know what parts were replaced but he was shown the items that were of substandard and Signed off on the work.... This company also operates in other states so if you know someone that’s used them, ensure you have the system independently looked at. If you’re in Victoria and it was installed using the rebate from Solar Victoria, they should have been in contact if not you need to make contact ASAP to ensure your system is operating safely under the guidelines. I was just lucky to have had my deposit returned and moved on and isolated myself from any dealings with there staff. Edited January 2, 2020 by Addicted to music
Addicted to music Posted April 10, 2020 Author Posted April 10, 2020 (edited) We got there at last..... i had 20x 330W Qcells Maxx 1/2 panels and a 5KW SMA inverter installed on Tuesday.... finally.... Had to call Glen up and push some buttons to wake him up. The Victorian Solar rebate of $2225 that I was approved was going to expire on the 25/4/2020. If an installation was not to go ahead we would have had to reapplied and this time it’ll be less; $1888... I believe, you guys can check the site..... As part of the agreement I had that rubbish 3 solar hot water service panels that weren’t in service due to constant reliability issues removed so I need to disposed of them sometime next week. Glen is coming back and no doubt the inspector for Solar Victoria will be making an appointment to inspect the installation... At least through the SMA portal we know it all works.... Edited April 10, 2020 by Addicted to music 2
Guest rmpfyf Posted April 12, 2020 Posted April 12, 2020 Nice, SMA, there's no effing around with their kit - very good stuff. How often is that evap unit shading that string?
koputai Posted April 13, 2020 Posted April 13, 2020 Very nice. We had a system put on our place in December, and I'm obsessed watching its performance. I've made up a spreadsheet so I can analyse everything I can. So far, it has paid back over 10% of its total cost. It's a Fronius 8.2kW inverter, 26x QCells Q-Peak Duo-G5 330W panels (8.56kW of panels), and a Fronius Smart Meter. On Fronius systems, the Fronius Smart Meter is in addition to the power company's installed smart meter, and gives you quite a lot of extra data. We've been out of the country since early January, but I still update my spreadsheet every day. I've also bought three extra smart meters so I can put them on certain power circuits for even more usage analysis! The first quarterly bill after installation, which included a period before the install, changed our bill from $1,050 to $250 for that quarter. I expect the next one to be even better even though the production will be down as we move towards winter. Cheers, Jason. 2
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