4 minutes ago, Spider27 said:

Here is my usage report that I got from powercor. I expect to go a bit up once aircon is installed but much..

 

 

 

 

Got a per-half-hour version of that?

Should be exportable - will show seasonality in your hourly load profile.

Saw this thread title and briefly thought you were discussing possible names for the new moons discovered for Saturn then realised... not that solar system.

7 minutes ago, rmpfyf said:

Got a per-half-hour version of that?

Should be exportable - will show seasonality in your hourly load profile.

Attached graph is half hourly for last couple of days and here is the link to access CSV file for whole year  

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6xdnio8csnwyrzk/Detailed Report- Energy Usage Report-Seasonal.csv?dl=0

3 minutes ago, Spider27 said:

Attached graph is half hourly for last couple of days and here is the link to access CSV file for whole year  

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6xdnio8csnwyrzk/Detailed Report- Energy Usage Report-Seasonal.csv?dl=0

Got it - delete the last column pls - that's identifiable data (your meter serial number).

7 minutes ago, rmpfyf said:

Got it - delete the last column pls - that's identifiable data (your meter serial number).

here is the revised one. https://www.dropbox.com/s/018ipwl56h6s39g/Detailed Report- Energy Usage Report-Seasonal.csv?dl=0

Just now, Spider27 said:

here is the revised one. https://www.dropbox.com/s/018ipwl56h6s39g/Detailed Report- Energy Usage Report-Seasonal.csv?dl=0

Already formatted it. Later tonight I'll put something together.

53 minutes ago, rmpfyf said:

Good, go crunch some numbers. 

 

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.

 

Actually Origin are giving 12 - 15c/kWh

 

https://www.originenergy.com.au/solar/feed-in-tariff-rates.html#vic

 

And I'm not arguing anything about FIT just stating that they're not high enough to make most small home solar systems viable.

 

TOD FIT started July 2018, but there are a lot of conditions to even get it and then there's the crappy tariffs during some parts of the day.

 

Last time I crunched the numbers it didn't work.

 

The secret to making all this work for both use the consumers and the suppliers is cheap storage to extend the supply into the evening peak.

 

Or is that also stating the obvious.

Edited October 9, 20196 yr by ArthurDent

1 minute ago, ArthurDent said:

Actually Origin are giving 12 - 15c/kWh

More if you buy a system from them. They were previously giving more, though as mentioned retail rates have fallen. 

 

2 minutes ago, ArthurDent said:

And I'm not arguing anything about FIT just stating that they're not high enough to make most small home solar systems viable.

 

TOD FIT was meant to start last July, probably never going to happen.

I get where you're going though this is kinda relative... it's a lot better than it was. 

 

TOD FIT needs DNSPs to get in line, and their typical rules cycle is 5 years. 

 

3 minutes ago, ArthurDent said:

The secret to making all this work for both use the consumers and the suppliers is cheap storage to extend the supply into the evening peak.

 

Or is that also stating the obvious.

Thermal storage  don't know anyone with smart hot water that's regretting it. 

 

This said current plumbing lobby type rules, particularly for new homes, favour boosted systems pumping water up to your roof.... doing it with PV much more effective. All it'd take is everyone getting together to say 'if you get a new house you can get credit for a 'lectric hot water tank coupled with PV'. Right now most new homes are taking up valuable roof space with evac tubes or thermosiphon or whatever. 

 

It was only as recent as 2010 that the govt was busy telling anyone that electric hot water tanks were the devil's work. Couple it to PV though... brilliant.

I'll look into thermal storage.

 

All I really want though is some cheap Enphase AC batteries ?

 

Currently $2k for 1.1kWHr

 

Buy 4, save 9% ?

Edited October 9, 20196 yr by ArthurDent

6 minutes ago, ArthurDent said:

I'll look into thermal storage.

 

All I really want though is some cheap Enphase AC batteries ?

 

Currently $2k for 1.1kWHr

 

Buy 4, save 9% ?

Check the new BYD LV - 2 cycles/day easy, not expensive, expandable, big C rates, testing bloody awesome at ANU battery lab, built like a brick toilet shed. Did our first system with one - very impressive. 

 

The Solahart Powerstore comes with a very nice home energy management system, there's a few others on the market - you'll want something that gives clean AC into the tank thermostat and that handles all legionella requirements. Some are quite nice - Glen Dimplex had a unit (Free-E) that was quite reasonable - though buyer beware on the legionella stuff... which can get serious. The Rheem kit on the other hand does it all natively, very smart.

@Spider27

 

just  remember that dual level like I am will naturally inherit maintenance costs.   To get someone on top of dual level building you are looking at extra charges....   so if you don’t have any shading that’s going to effect you now and in the future,  I would put minimum electronics on the roof,   So microinverters and optimisers are a just an added cost if something goes wrong and your installer no longer in business.  Very different if it was single level and easy to get to...     when you look at shading be very aware of trees or plants growing at a rapid rate...

19 minutes ago, Addicted to music said:

@Spider27

 

just  remember that dual level like I am will naturally inherit maintenance costs.   To get someone on top of dual level building you are looking at extra charges....   so if you don’t have any shading that’s going to effect you now and in the future,  I would put minimum electronics on the roof,   So microinverters and optimisers are a just an added cost if something goes wrong and your installer no longer in business.  Very different if it was single level and easy to get to...     when you look at shading be very aware of trees or plants growing at a rapid rate...

 

Furphy. 

 

Most installers aren't going to care too much between two levels, and failure rates are small. You'll have extra labour and balance of system at installation, that's really about it. Replacing an optimiser or micro - whether Tigo, SolarEdge, Enphase or any other - is not hard work. It's actually stupidly easy - unlike a fault in a string system, micro and hybrid systems will (for a start) tell you where the fault is in a fairly unambiguous way. 

 

Yes, we're all aware of one Queensland installer's vendetta vs one brand of optimiser.... a complete argument it doesn't make. 

 

Worry more about what they do in your roof than what might fail on it as the former is accessible. Or of using crap panels and getting them off a roof of any height. Crap Solar is an excellent resource here!

 

You don't use micro and hybrid systems where they're not required owing to cost... that's about it. You use them where they're needed owing to cost opportunity. Simples. 

1 hour ago, rmpfyf said:

 

Furphy. 

 

Most installers aren't going to care too much between two levels, and failure rates are small. . Simples. 

Not what I’ve found, 

 

quotes vary from supplier to supplier and most are adding up to $400 because it’s dual level. 

 

1 hour ago, rmpfyf said:

. Replacing an optimiser or micro - whether Tigo, SolarEdge, Enphase or any other - is not hard work. It's actually stupidly easy - .  

No arguements here even I can do it safely but that’s not what it’s all about.    If an installer faults or fold I’m gonna need someone licence to do it and again most supplier  company are going to require one of there authorised electricians or personnel’s and not the client, that’s evident in any industry even the one I’m involved in. 

   Some are going to look st the job and charge you a fee just for dual level.   This has happen to me on a number of occasions  whether it be an electrician, evaporative technician or plumber 

 

 

1 hour ago, rmpfyf said:

- unlike a fault in a string system, micro and hybrid systems will (for a start) tell you where the fault is in a fairly unambiguous way. 

It’s not hard to work out where and which part of the system has  gone down on a string.  If you are aware of the arrangement of the string and the total wattage it produce a fault can be narrowed down by working out what’s producing....   you can isolate to almost to that panel, just a bit of maths....

 

Edited October 9, 20196 yr by Addicted to music

Talk about installers and suppliers faults and folding,  Space Solar has been caught out using unlicensed electricians and work has been found dodgy by auditors.....

If you have used them, you will be receiving notification now or very soon on the near future to have your system audited.  Please be aware not to use this one.

looks like I’ll be on the phone tomorrow to Solar Victoria on this as I got approved by Solar Victoria with there quote and work out how I get my deposit back! 

 

 

https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.9news.com.au/article/e7881501-717f-4f15-b427-d6ac4a3cd568

Edited October 9, 20196 yr by Addicted to music

15 minutes ago, Addicted to music said:

Not what I’ve found, 

 

quotes vary from supplier to supplier and most are adding up to $400 because it’s dual level. 

 

That'd be on the high side, and it's <10% variance on most systems. Small change. 

 

There's honestly more dodginess to be had in how things are wired, clamped or installed. I know that certain installers with an internet presence love to wax lyrical on equipment, though if the first thing people are worried about is what inverter, what panels or whatever, the zeroth thing is the quality of install - labour, balance of system components, etc.

 

No one here has ever skimped and won. Ever.

 

15 minutes ago, Addicted to music said:

No arguements here even I can do it safely but that’s not what it’s all about.    If an installer faults or fold I’m gonna need someone licence to do it and again most supplier  company are going to require one of there authorised electricians or personnel’s and not the client, that’s evident in any industry even the one I’m involved in. 

   Some are going to look st the job and charge you a fee just for dual level.   This has happen to me on a number of occasions  whether it be an electrician, evaporative technician or plumber 

 

If an installer folds the parts are generic within their approved network of installers... which number in the thousands. 

 

Authorised electricians needs to be CEC approved electricians. Even given solar credentials that's a large flock. Manufacturers can't stick certifications limiting access over that - it's the law. 

 

You're more likely to be caught out using a make of panel that withdraws from the Australian market entirely... as has happened recently. 

 

18 minutes ago, Addicted to music said:

It’s not hard to work out where and which part of the system has  gone down on a string.  If you are aware of the arrangement of the string and the total wattage it produce a fault can be narrowed down by working out what’s producing....   you can isolate to almost to that panel, just a bit of maths....

 

Didn't say it was hard, just that it takes time - more than for an optimised system. Time is around $85/hour. Adds up. 

 

17 minutes ago, Addicted to music said:

Talk about installers and suppliers faults and folding,  Space Solar has been caught out using unlicensed electricians and work has been found dodgy by auditors.....

If you have used them, you will be receiving notification now or very soon on the near future to have your system audited.  Please be aware not to use this one.

looks like I’ll be on the phone tomorrow to Solar Victoria on this as I got approved by Solar Victoria with there quote and work out how I get my deposit back! 

 

 

https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.9news.com.au/article/e7881501-717f-4f15-b427-d6ac4a3cd568

 

Sorry to read of this. Best of luck - let us know how you go.

1 minute ago, rmpfyf said:

 

Sorry to read of this. Best of luck - let us know how you go.

Thanks mate, I will definitely let you know here how I go.  

Im sure that the QR code I have will be cancelled.   Im just hope that I don’t go through that again and hope it’s transferable to another company of my choice....   if that’s the case I’ll be knocking on your door.   

12 minutes ago, Addicted to music said:

Thanks mate, I will definitely let you know here how I go.  

Im sure that the QR code I have will be cancelled.   Im just hope that I don’t go through that again and hope it’s transferable to another company of my choice....   if that’s the case I’ll be knocking on your door.   

Anytime. 

 

Not a bad time to reconsider - All Energy is around the corner and you'll be able to poke a stick at anything personally.

@rmpfyf

 

on the phone this morning to Solar Victoria....

 

QR code is not transferable to another retailer so I’m stuck with that authorisation with Space Solar.   They tell me that all systems installed by Space Solar would have received an email this morning, but because I’m not on that list as the system has not been installed there was a pause and the rep had to find out what to tell me.  The instructions are to continue on with the installation with Space Solar as they will be using accredited electricians now, contact them and proceed with the installation,  Solar Victoria will then use independent auditors to check the system at a later date.

im in the process of sending an email off the Solar Victoria to have this confirmed in writing.

 

 

Edited October 9, 20196 yr by Addicted to music

31 minutes ago, Addicted to music said:

@rmpfyf

 

on the phone this morning to Solar Victoria....

 

QR code is not transferable to another retailer so I’m stuck with that authorisation with Space Solar.   They tell me that all systems installed by Space Solar would have received an email this morning, but because I’m not on that list as the system has not been installed there was a pause and the rep had to find out what to tell me.  The instructions are to continue on with the installation with Space Solar as they will be using accredited electricians now, contact them and proceed with the installation,  Solar Victoria will then use independent auditors to check the system at a later date.

im in the process of sending an email off the Solar Victoria to have this confirmed in writing.

There is a bright side. Given that they know they will be checked, Space Solar cannot take short cuts, use dodgy labour. Your end result will better than many people, even though it created issues getting there.

2 hours ago, Addicted to music said:

@rmpfyf

 

on the phone this morning to Solar Victoria....

 

QR code is not transferable to another retailer so I’m stuck with that authorisation with Space Solar.   They tell me that all systems installed by Space Solar would have received an email this morning, but because I’m not on that list as the system has not been installed there was a pause and the rep had to find out what to tell me.  The instructions are to continue on with the installation with Space Solar as they will be using accredited electricians now, contact them and proceed with the installation,  Solar Victoria will then use independent auditors to check the system at a later date.

im in the process of sending an email off the Solar Victoria to have this confirmed in writing.

 

 

 

I'd push it.

 

Electrical work needs to be independently inspected but the inspector is scheduled by the sparkie, so it's not completely clear. Most don't get in your ceiling either.

 

Not using licensed trades is a very serious offence. I'd ring again and simply ask what happens if you're not comfortable proceeding with the vendor in question - that you have contact meeting quotes you'd prefer to progress in light of this serious breach of electrical code.

36 minutes ago, rmpfyf said:

 

I'd push it.

 

Electrical work needs to be independently inspected but the inspector is scheduled by the sparkie, so it's not completely clear. Most don't get in your ceiling either.

 

Not using licensed trades is a very serious offence. I'd ring again and simply ask what happens if you're not comfortable proceeding with the vendor in question - that you have contact meeting quotes you'd prefer to progress in light of this serious breach of electrical code.

What was explained to me is that it’s not the parts and materials used, it’s just the workmanship that’s questionable,  hence the reason that Solar Victoria will audit the system......  

The QR approval code isn’t transferable so if iwanted to go with another supplier I’m going to have to apply again.   

The reason I wanted to used them is because someone we k ow well has already had a system installed with them, little did they and I knew what was happening behind the scene,   The article also mentioned audit work being signed off illegally,   But like someone saids if they’re still operating, they are likely not to reoffend...  They are fairly well known....be interested in what explanation I get from the rep.

Saw some discussion about feed in tariff here and wondering if I should be happy with my existing FIT (12c).  My energy provider's usage rate is roughly 50% over FIT, which does not sound too bad to me. The difference isn't really big enough to motivate me to shift daily routines to day time to save more. Am I too easy or lazy?

 

2 hours ago, Addicted to music said:

What was explained to me is that it’s not the parts and materials used, it’s just the workmanship that’s questionable,  hence the reason that Solar Victoria will audit the system......  

The QR approval code isn’t transferable so if iwanted to go with another supplier I’m going to have to apply again.   

The reason I wanted to used them is because someone we k ow well has already had a system installed with them, little did they and I knew what was happening behind the scene,   The article also mentioned audit work being signed off illegally,   But like someone saids if they’re still operating, they are likely not to reoffend...  They are fairly well known....be interested in what explanation I get from the rep.

 

It's the work in the roof in particular (DC side and structural) that can burn a house down, and most inspectors don't audit that. 

 

Non licensed installers is a big, big no-no. Very surprised their CEC accreditation wasn't pulled completely.

 

I'd call the CEC to get an opinion - whether people can install PV and be federal government credit eligible is with them ultimately. 

 

But I'd be reluctant to let them near my home. And honestly if Solar Victoria sends an independent auditor to check their work... What's their remit? They can't pull the CEC accreditation, they might report things to Energy Safe Victoria if they're sufficiently qualified to make a judgement, but what their guarantee means isn't clear.

 

I wouldn't mind going through the process again if I had any safety concerns. Safety first.

1 hour ago, gt1482 said:

Saw some discussion about feed in tariff here and wondering if I should be happy with my existing FIT (12c).  My energy provider's usage rate is roughly 50% over FIT, which does not sound too bad to me. The difference isn't really big enough to motivate me to shift daily routines to day time to save more. Am I too easy or lazy?

 

Depends on your circumstances - best to setup a spreadsheet and run the numbers.

 

There's a govt supported comparator in Victoria that does/used to do this for you if fed smart meter data...