Spider27 Posted October 8, 2019 Posted October 8, 2019 (edited) Does anyone have experience in getting solar system? I am trying to get solar system to save energy bills and also try to contribute green energy. I got 3 quotes but they are all different brands and price vary too. I try to figure out what the best option and having some hard time what the differences are and which one might be ideal. Hence seeking some feedback if possible before making decision. Here are 3 quotes that I got (Price is before Govt rebate applied) Quote #1) 5.13kW Solar System - $7,670 (Option #1), $7970 (Option #2) Option #1: 18 x smaller Solar Panels (Trina Solar 285W Multi-Crystalline) + ZeverSolar Zeverlution 4000 Inverter Option #2: 16 x bigger Solar Panels (Trina Solar 320W) + ZeverSolar Zeverlution 4000 Inverter Quote #2) 5.12kW Solar System - $8,980 16 x Canadian Solar 320W KuPower Panels (CS3K-320MS) + Fronius Inverter 5kW model Primo 5.0-1 Quote #3) 4.34KW Solar System - $9,080 14 x Premium 310w modules JA Solar/Q Cells + Fronius 4KW Primo (10) Inverter Questions) + Firstly, is it better to have lessor number of larger solar panels than more of smaller solar panels? (Quote #1 Option #1 vs #2) + And, if I go with larger panels for both Quote #1 and #2, the price difference is $1k and not sure if Quote #2 is worth the extra. I guess that it comes down to solar panel & Inverter quality. Both seems reputable ones (not Chinese inferior ones if I understood correctly). + Lastly, my average daily electricity use is 12 kWh. Is 5.13kW enough or do I need bigger? I have not added air conditioner into house yet and also may get electric car in the future... Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Edited October 8, 2019 by Spider27
evil c Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 Fronius are decent inverters, just got my MIL signed up with Total Solar Solutions and fantastic company. Bit dearer than some but only use good quality inverters and panels. They like LG panels mostly, I'd aim for a 6kw system if you can. 1
Addicted to music Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 Get more quotes... @rmpfyf can be more of an assistance. LG panels are a premium panels with the best warranty.... if you live close to coastal areas these would be highly recommend. you may wanna consider a Hybrid inverter for battery storage, Fronius do not have a Single phase hybrid and its due out Q1 of 2020 and it will be expensive.... im getting a 6.6kw system with Fronius Primo 5-0-1 5kw 20x 330W Trina 1/2 panels... $9612 Without the solar rebate of $2225.... They are also removing 3 existing solar hot water panels built into the price.... The solar rebate is really trying to win Tatts, You are given the quote number and solar Victoria provides you with the link, good luck in trying to get it when the portal opens up, the last one only lasted 18mins . Make sure you have all details required to satisfy the requirements.... 1
Guest rmpfyf Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 1 hour ago, Spider27 said: Does anyone have experience in getting solar system? I am trying to get solar system to save energy bills and also try to contribute green energy. I got 3 quotes but they are all different brands and price vary too. I try to figure out what the best option and having some hard time what the differences are and which one might be ideal. Hence seeking some feedback if possible before making decision. Here are 3 quotes that I got (Price is before Govt rebate applied) Quote #1) 5.13kW Solar System - $7,670 (Option #1), $7970 (Option #2) Option #1: 18 x smaller Solar Panels (Trina Solar 285W Multi-Crystalline) + ZeverSolar Zeverlution 4000 Inverter Option #2: 16 x bigger Solar Panels (Trina Solar 320W) + ZeverSolar Zeverlution 4000 Inverter Quote #2) 5.12kW Solar System - $8,980 16 x Canadian Solar 320W KuPower Panels (CS3K-320MS) + Fronius Inverter 5kW model Primo 5.0-1 Quote #3) 4.34KW Solar System - $9,080 14 x Premium 310w modules JA Solar/Q Cells + Fronius 4KW Primo (10) Inverter Questions) + Firstly, is it better to have lessor number of larger solar panels than more of smaller solar panels? (Quote #1 Option #1 vs #2) + And, if I go with larger panels for both Quote #1 and #2, the price difference is $1k and not sure if Quote #2 is worth the extra. I guess that it comes down to solar panel & Inverter quality. Both seems reputable ones (not Chinese inferior ones if I understood correctly). + Lastly, my average daily electricity use is 12 kWh. Is 5.13kW enough or do I need bigger? I have not added air conditioner into house yet and also may get electric car in the future... Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Get the most and best you can afford. Generally you want good-quality, high-density panels without going overboard - currently anything 300-340W is competitive for a residential-grade 60-cell panel. In Victoria a good solar system will net something like 3.3kWh/kW/day, but this can go as low as 1 in winter and 5.5 in summer. A 5kW system can generate 25kWh in summer-ish weather (they actually prefer sun and less temperature) and 5kWh or less in winter. Your aircon functions in summer, in both if you're using it reverse cycle, and your car generally doesn't care what time of year it is. So assume the grid's there at least some of the time. You'll be likely charging your car offpeak from the grid. Avoid the Zeversolar inverter. Get a Fronius if you're not shaded, a SolarEdge if you are. If you can spend a little more and are thinking battery in future, and do not have shading issues, and you're single-phase, consider a Goodwe hybrid - solid unit with options to integrate into some sophisticated management solutions in future. The inverter size - bigger is better assuming it has some ability to limit grid output to whatever your local electricity distributor will allow. Your installers should be able to tell you what this might be, though it's ultimately negotiated with your DNSP when your installer formally applies. 12kWh is small consumption - Victorian average is around 16kWh/day. All things considered a 5kW system is fine though more is better. Current average system going is low 6kW, though don't use that as a guide - it's really a function of what your roof will properly fit. Ask installers for a Nearmap assessment showing all shading. This should be more than one image. Check your postcode to see if you qualify for the battery rebate - it's more than the solar rebate. That last quote is seriously taking the pi** unless it excludes STC's. My solar system cost $2k more over two years ago... it's Fronius/LG and nearly double the size. Also, your hot water - gas or electric? Up for renewal by chance?
Guest Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 I think it is a mistake to go larger for the sake of it because of the relatively poor feedin tariffs. There is a point when your return on investment gets worse. Have you downloaded your electricity usage patterns? Use that to guide you on what makes sense because the returns depend on usage. Eg. If your predominant use is at night, solar will not give much savings. By the way, battery will send you even backwards. Last but not least, look for info about the company and installers. Far too many questionable ones out there and if they go down, the warranty is useless.
Addicted to music Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 (edited) 40 minutes ago, Snoopy8 said: Last but not least, look for info about the company and installers. Far too many questionable ones out there and if they go down, the warranty is useless. I was at a Liberal MP office doing maintenance and we just happen to stumble onto this topic.... He had a 5kw system installed over a decade ago, the company he used and the others he was looking at are no longer available, all packed up or folded... that’s why you need to rely on the manufacturers warranty on products and not from the installer.... Even one rep from a reputable company in Port Melb who I was thinking of using and has been there for 20yrs said the same thing, don’t worry about the installers warranty, make sure you use products that have offices and warehouses here in Oz; very important, you don’t want to be dealing with a company that have a phone number and no one returns your calls or emails...... I’ve dealt with Fronius, Trina and LG, these manufacturer will respond to all of my query through emails based here in Oz. Actually With Trina PV I got a reply within 15mins and spoke to a rep to convinced me that the accreditation wasn’t on the website and he sent me an attachment, thank me pointing it out to him and he was going to have his marketing look at the web site, and this is on a Saturday! edited: the reason I went with a Fronius inverter regardless of costs is not because of there reputation, there main office is in Tullamarine and they support there products from there...... Edited October 9, 2019 by Addicted to music 1 1
betty boop Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 2 minutes ago, Addicted to music said: He had a 5kw system installed over a decade ago, the company he used and the others he was looking at are no longer available, all packed up or folded... this is such a reality... why I went through AGL with mine....any problems they'll still be there over the 25 year warranty ! they even sent a guy to come check over the system a couple of years ago.... without even my asking,. just a courtesy check ! there are far too many fly by nighters..... especially given the roof insulation style funding thats going on with solar in victoria lately (note recent contractor found to be using unlicensed electricians ! ) lowest price isnt always the best ways to go.... remember consumer law is with who you buy the gear off.... so buy off someone you can rely on. even if in business i know of shonks who will not come out wiht after sales if have problems... because they are out too busy putting systems in while yours is sitting there useless !
Addicted to music Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 2 minutes ago, betty boop said: this is such a reality... why I went through AGL with mine....any problems they'll still be there over the 25 year warranty ! they even sent a guy to come check over the system a couple of years ago.... without even my asking,. just a courtesy check ! there are far too many fly by nighters..... especially given the roof insulation style funding thats going on with solar in victoria lately (note recent contractor found to be using unlicensed electricians ! ) lowest price isnt always the best ways to go.... remember consumer law is with who you buy the gear off.... so buy off someone you can rely on. even if in business i know of shonks who will not come out wiht after sales if have problems... because they are out too busy putting systems in while yours is sitting there useless ! Unfortunately, that’s still gonna happen within this industry, once the Victorian Solar Inititive finishes not many are going to hang around..... Evn as we speak it’s who can fill in those details the quickest... and some are feeling the pinch as there client misses out.... I’ve had one lady who was prepare to give me over a $k to not even consider the Victorian Solar rebate... this is how desperate they are! 1
Guest Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 1 hour ago, rmpfyf said: Check your postcode to see if you qualify for the battery rebate - it's more than the solar rebate. I have yet to come across a battery which makes economic sense, especially when already on a low tariff. I was offered a 1 year trial where they would collect the data and I would purchase the battery at cost. I factored in a nominal $2K benefit for a reduction in blackouts. Even then, and with overly optimistic projected savings, I was looking at a minimum of 15 years payback. I even checked the numbers with the provider of the trial and he conceded that most people were on higher tariffs. I favour the environment but not if makes no economic sense...
betty boop Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 Just now, Snoopy8 said: I have yet to come across a battery which makes economic sense, especially when already on a low tariff. I was offered a 1 year trial where they would collect the data and I would purchase the battery at cost. I factored in a nominal $2K benefit for a reduction in blackouts. Even then, and with overly optimistic projected savings, I was looking at a minimum of 15 years payback. I even checked the numbers with the provider of the trial and he conceded that most people were on higher tariffs. I favour the environment but not if makes no economic sense... yep same in my case...wont be investing in one for mine. IF we ever get an EV...even as run about around town.... thats probably where battery should be. I dont think they make economic sense otherwise just as yet. batteries are still too precious a commodity with the world wide demand and hence i think will be a long while before making any sense as a stand alone. in any case ....
Spider27 Posted October 9, 2019 Author Posted October 9, 2019 1 hour ago, rmpfyf said: Get the most and best you can afford. Generally you want good-quality, high-density panels without going overboard - currently anything 300-340W is competitive for a residential-grade 60-cell panel. In Victoria a good solar system will net something like 3.3kWh/kW/day, but this can go as low as 1 in winter and 5.5 in summer. A 5kW system can generate 25kWh in summer-ish weather (they actually prefer sun and less temperature) and 5kWh or less in winter. Your aircon functions in summer, in both if you're using it reverse cycle, and your car generally doesn't care what time of year it is. So assume the grid's there at least some of the time. You'll be likely charging your car offpeak from the grid. Avoid the Zeversolar inverter. Get a Fronius if you're not shaded, a SolarEdge if you are. If you can spend a little more and are thinking battery in future, and do not have shading issues, and you're single-phase, consider a Goodwe hybrid - solid unit with options to integrate into some sophisticated management solutions in future. The inverter size - bigger is better assuming it has some ability to limit grid output to whatever your local electricity distributor will allow. Your installers should be able to tell you what this might be, though it's ultimately negotiated with your DNSP when your installer formally applies. 12kWh is small consumption - Victorian average is around 16kWh/day. All things considered a 5kW system is fine though more is better. Current average system going is low 6kW, though don't use that as a guide - it's really a function of what your roof will properly fit. Ask installers for a Nearmap assessment showing all shading. This should be more than one image. Check your postcode to see if you qualify for the battery rebate - it's more than the solar rebate. That last quote is seriously taking the pi** unless it excludes STC's. My solar system cost $2k more over two years ago... it's Fronius/LG and nearly double the size. Also, your hot water - gas or electric? Up for renewal by chance? Thank you very much. I will go for Fronius inverter. I attached assessment showing all shading that I got from one of provider who provided the quote. I think that the max panel that can be installed is 18 panels if I understood correctly hence max size would be just under 6kw system. Postcode is VIC 3030. Hot water is electric.
Guest rmpfyf Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 50 minutes ago, Addicted to music said: edited: the reason I went with a Fronius inverter regardless of costs is not because of there reputation, there main office is in Tullamarine and they support there products from there...... Fronius is cheap. Seriously. Not bargain basement cheap but you pay very little for what you get. Common misconception that it's expensive. 45 minutes ago, betty boop said: this is such a reality... why I went through AGL with mine....any problems they'll still be there over the 25 year warranty ! they even sent a guy to come check over the system a couple of years ago.... without even my asking,. just a courtesy check ! AGL doesn't put together phenomenal systems, no offence - they're about to lift their game on VPP stuff but previously it's not been awesome equipment - I'd want a courtesy check with AGL, though given some of their investments they shouldn't need to send anyone to check a thing. Big companies don't make for necessarily awesome systems. Witness Origin Energy's recall fiascos. 37 minutes ago, Addicted to music said: Unfortunately, that’s still gonna happen within this industry, once the Victorian Solar Inititive finishes not many are going to hang around..... Evn as we speak it’s who can fill in those details the quickest... and some are feeling the pinch as there client misses out.... I’ve had one lady who was prepare to give me over a $k to not even consider the Victorian Solar rebate... this is how desperate they are! Want an awesome company to go with? Honestly? Call Solahart. Their parent company (Rheem) has 90+ years in Australia, and they test everything prior to flight. They're not cheap but they do everything, and they do it well. Anyone shopping on price is liable to get stung. Hard. The poor man pays twice. It doesn't help that even in government discussions you'll be given ludicrous low figures for what solar/batteries should cost... do your own research. Just now, Snoopy8 said: I have yet to come across a battery which makes economic sense, especially when already on a low tariff. I was offered a 1 year trial where they would collect the data and I would purchase the battery at cost. I factored in a nominal $2K benefit for a reduction in blackouts. Even then, and with overly optimistic projected savings, I was looking at a minimum of 15 years payback. I even checked the numbers with the provider of the trial and he conceded that most people were on higher tariffs. I favour the environment but not if makes no economic sense... Sure. This is part of my day job, I'm quite literally running these numbers as we speak. Excluding any value towards blackout protection there are a minority of customers for whom it makes economic sense. I'd suggest under 3% of customers, most of which are very large residential energy consumers anyway. Thermal storage, in particular smart hot water, makes a lot of financial sense. Payback is excellent and we all take showers. The fraction of market that's accessible is getting larger given some very good 15-year-life batteries out of China (BYD's latest is honestly excellent) and decent inverters from same (GoodWe's is particularly impressive). With VPP revenues that payback can be around half what you suggest. Even though that sounds competitive, spending the same money on additional PV, insulation, better HVAC, thermal storage etc still wins. This is tempered by the $USD getting stronger (almost all batteries are bought in $USD) and the majority gains in battery scale through EV production favouring lower-power-density batteries (in English the cost per kWh might get smaller, but battery designs are inclined to have more kWh, so price isn't really going down). That BYD LV battery is an anomaly but it's still beaten by thermal where thermal works. Bottom line with stationary batteries is that for the majority of the market, customers have to want it and be prepared to pay for their wants. I'm in the industry and I have nearly 8.5kW of LG PV on a Fronius inverter, an EV in my driveway which is where my battery sits, a smart hot water tank, and managed HVAC+vehicle charging. I might add more PV on my other phases in future and depending on incentives I might add a battery for blackout protection in future - but it's not a a necessity.
ArthurDent Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 The only real way to make a PV system pay is if you use most of the power you generate as feed in tariffs are a joke. Get your hourly usage data from your electricity supplier to work it out. If you can afford it get the best panels and inverters like LG Neon and Enphase micro inverters. Our actual 3.8kw system makes 35kw in summer and has already clocked up 10kw today with mostly cloud cover. Quality systems deliver. Don't even look at batteries, might give you a warm and fuzzy but they make no economic sense at all. Try and get a good installer. Not as easy as it sounds. 1
Spider27 Posted October 9, 2019 Author Posted October 9, 2019 Which installers are good ones in Victoria? If you know any one, please do share for reference. Above 3 quotes that I got is Energy Aware, Smart Energy Answers and Eko Energy. Before getting these quote, i never heard of them so not sure if they are legit. (according to their proposal, they all look reputable though)...
Guest rmpfyf Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 3 minutes ago, Spider27 said: Thank you very much. I will go for Fronius inverter. I attached assessment showing all shading that I got from one of provider who provided the quote. I think that the max panel that can be installed is 18 panels if I understood correctly hence max size would be just under 6kw system. Postcode is VIC 3030. Hot water is electric. Alright. First of all yes, this is Nearmap, but you need this showing shading for the whole year. Adjacent trees, the lot. Needs zooming out and more views. In this image nothing is shaded but that doesn't show much. This shows 18 panels of which 14 are on your (I assume this is north oriented) NNE facade. you could probably sneak in two more on your lower level towards the upper left of the image though I wouldn't, it's a **** to wire and there's shading potential from your (second?) storey. 14 is a decent number to run on the one string - depending on the inverter you may be over optimal conditions. These will 'light up' in the middle of the day when there's most sun, which on a Nearmap assessment gives the most favourable numbers... but doesn't assume that your inverter will be happiest with this (or that it fits your usage). The four panels on your ESE facade aren't all that will fit there - another 4-6 will fit there. These will generate most energy in the morning, though we generally don't like panels pointing south if we can avoid it (this is small though). Four panels may be too few to make the most of your inverter's recommended minimum voltage. In practice the installer could move some from one string to the other (these are generally grouped by orientation) however the total system output will decrease. So you need a better assessment to be fully informed, and you could accommodate a maximum 24 panels or so - a ~7-8kW system if you wanted. This you can do with a range of good inverters - SolarEdge (if shaded, hope not), Fronius Primo 8.2 if unshaded, Goodwe 5kW hybrid if you want to consider a battery in future (Fronius costs least and all are good). Despite the naysayers here there is about as much shame in buying a battery as there is in getting countertops you like or a roof in whatever colour you feel... if you want it, get it or plan for it. A good installer will cost you more but will sit down with you and run through all this and more. If you have electric hot water I'd look very seriously at the Solahart Powerstore. Yes, there are other kits that will divert your solar energy to your tank appropriately (I've tested them all) though nothing does it as well, as safely or as to standards as the Powerstore... which is why I put my money there. Saying 'feed in tariffs are a joke' etc is useless. Run the numbers. Some tariffs will work for you, others not. If you're expecting to be paid retail rates for your energy (or more as in the old Premium FIT days) you're kidding yourself with zero idea of how the energy market actually works. Anything in the 15c/kWh range with negligible change to your base rate is doing very well.
ArthurDent Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 I really wouldn't want to suggest an installer in case they turn out not to be any good. FWIW we went through G-Store in Malvern but that was some time ago and everyone we dealt with there has moved on.
Guest rmpfyf Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 1 minute ago, Spider27 said: Which installers are good ones in Victoria? If you know any one, please do share for reference. Above 3 quotes that I got is Energy Aware, Smart Energy Answers and Eko Energy. Before getting these quote, i never heard of them so not sure if they are legit. (according to their proposal, they all look reputable though)... PM me if you like - I don't sell solar but can recommend you a few based on your needs/wants. I don't have a Nearmap license anymore though follow the guidelines above and you'll be OK. I can send you some references to the maths you need to be OK. I would consider some storage because your energy needs are low and likely you'll have generation when you don't need it. Thermal storage
ArthurDent Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 3 minutes ago, rmpfyf said: Saying 'feed in tariffs are a joke' etc is useless. Well I said it and it's true. Do the numbers.
Guest rmpfyf Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 8 minutes ago, ArthurDent said: Get your hourly usage data from your electricity supplier to work it out. If you can afford it get the best panels and inverters like LG Neon and Enphase micro inverters. Wouldn't quite go Enphase though LG are excellent and give a lot of choice. @Spider27 it's half hourly data from your energy distributor - for 3030 it'd be Powercor, so get a copy of your retail bill and head over here https://www.powercor.com.au/customers/myenergy/ - should be downloadable as @ArthurDent suggests.
Guest rmpfyf Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 1 minute ago, ArthurDent said: Well I said it and it's true. Do the numbers. I do it for a living. Read above. Most FITs in VIC are 9-15/kWh. Average wholesale price in Victoria is around 12c/kWh. Given that as a retail customer you don't have to hedge for when the wholesale market goes (very) high, that's a pretty good deal - it's consistent with market rates. If you don't get this I'd respectfully suggest doing more numbers - your excess energy is about worth this much. When it was a 6c standard FIT then yes, we were getting a rough deal, and people on 66c PFIT's are essentially having people that didn't get PV at the time (which is >98% of the market) subsidise their energy revenue. So what exactly are you suggesting it should be? There are retailers that will give you as much as 30c/kWh FIT though this comes with higher base rates for the energy you use. Buyer beware.
Addicted to music Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 6 minutes ago, Spider27 said: Which installers are good ones in Victoria? If you know any one, please do share for reference. Above 3 quotes that I got is Energy Aware, Smart Energy Answers and Eko Energy. Before getting these quote, i never heard of them so not sure if they are legit. (according to their proposal, they all look reputable though)... Maybe get @rmpfyf to get you a quote too..... i would have done so but I’m committed..... 22 minutes ago, rmpfyf said: Fronius is cheap. Seriously. Not bargain basement cheap but you pay very little for what you get. Common misconception that it's expensive. For a 5KW Basic Fronius to be approx $2k is almost a $k dearer than the rest...... if that’s cheap, the consumer like myself is none the wiser! So they are making a huge markup and be able to have there nice hot showers in the industry 1
evil c Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 As I've mentioned before, Total Solar Solutions are one of the best. Read their reviews, they set a very high standard. I had a minor issue soon after install, (that met the short deadline I gave them), and the guy who runs the company showed up a few hours later with a worker to sort out. Only ones who bothered to properly scope my property and identify shading issues. I get very good generation levels with the LG panels even in Winter. Average was over 8kw a day with a 6kww system in June. Now around 25kw . 2
ArthurDent Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 3 minutes ago, rmpfyf said: I do it for a living. Read above. Most FITs in VIC are 9-15/kWh. Average wholesale price in Victoria is around 12c/kWh. Given that as a retail customer you don't have to hedge for when the wholesale market goes (very) high, that's a pretty good deal - it's consistent with market rates. If you don't get this I'd respectfully suggest doing more numbers - your excess energy is about worth this much. When it was a 6c standard FIT then yes, we were getting a rough deal, and people on 66c PFIT's are essentially having people that didn't get PV at the time (which is >98% of the market) subsidise their energy revenue. So what exactly are you suggesting it should be? There are retailers that will give you as much as 30c/kWh FIT though this comes with higher base rates for the energy you use. Buyer beware. Well good for you. I crunch numbers for a living. 9-15c is a joke when you consider how small a dent in your power bill it will actually make when you consider daily supply charges and current supply tariffs. Really want make money from solar then use the power you generate. Hard for a home owner to do, easy for a business. Where can you get 30c/kWh FIT in Victoria?
Spider27 Posted October 9, 2019 Author Posted October 9, 2019 Here is my usage report that I got from powercor. I expect to go a bit up once aircon is installed but much..
Guest rmpfyf Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 5 minutes ago, ArthurDent said: Well good for you. I crunch numbers for a living. 9-15c is a joke when you consider how small a dent in your power bill it will actually make when you consider daily supply charges and current supply tariffs. Really want make money from solar then use the power you generate. Hard for a home owner to do, easy for a business. Where can you get 30c/kWh FIT in Victoria? Good, go crunch some numbers. You can get distribution and transmission rates from your DNSP. AEMO's website has wholesale rates and most of the rest of the cost stack. Go work out what your energy is actually worth. There are some moves afoot to slew this based on time of export and I hope this happens as there may be some consumer advantage in some cases, though it can't come at the expense of people without solar essentially paying to subsidise those that do. Your argument is a little incredulous. It's a bit like suggesting that I'd love my employer to pay me double what I get because it'd make a serious dent in my mortgage though it's hardly a convincing argument. That self-consumption is favourable when export rates are below the retail date... is obvious. Businesses get the same deal up to 100kW systems, and a considerably worse one for larger systems - no one is doing more than 7c/kWh export for large systems and often less. Origin is giving 25c/kWh FIT currently, and were previously giving 30c/kWh for new customers. If you were on the 30c deal you'd still have it, though your base rate would be higher as retail rates have generally fallen. Horses for courses. Now if you crunch numbers for a living you'll either work out that the FIT is awesome for you despite the higher base rate, or that there's a better deal for you elsewhere. Mine came up better elsewhere, your mileage may vary, though the suggestion to run numbers is a good one.
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