Has anybody installed a solar power system on their home

[Bob]

We have been getting Flyers about the benefits of Solar Power Systems and how you can get rebates and also get paid for feeding excess Power back into the Grid.

Has anybody installed one of these systems and can you advise of your experience either Good or Bad.

[NissanGQ4.2]

Sorry Bob, I haven't installed them and from what I have been told about them I more than likely won't.

Try and find out a much info on the inverters that you will be getting, from what I have been told all the cheaper deals use small inverters, so your not likely 2 be putting much back into the grid and that they are expensive 2 replace when they die, also have been told the inverters don't have a long life..

Sorry I can't be of more help

good write up here Bob, take note of inverter prices!!!!

http://www.energymatters.com.au/rene...umer-guide.php

[Finly Owner]

Ring around locally Bob, and check out half a dozen suppliers/fitters on what they are offering and how good :

The panels and their output is and their life expectancy,
Inverters size and expected back to grid supply and life expectancy,
What meters are being installed standard or off peak,
How much power can you expect to generate according to their suggested placement,


They should offer a no charge visit and quote. Don't believe that they are busy just because they can't come or delay installment, there are companies signing people up, before rebate date is gone, and holding back doing install.

Check, double check and triple check firms, equipment, and power generated claims, and the installers. There is shonks trying to make a quick buck out there.


Tim

[Clunk]

We have been getting Flyers about the benefits of Solar Power Systems and how you can get rebates and also get paid for feeding excess Power back into the Grid.

Has anybody installed one of these systems and can you advise of your experience either Good or Bad.

Hey Bob, I must admit I wasn't going to have one fitted but the opportunity came along so ended up having one fitted afew months back, it's only a 1.5kw system with a 2.2kw inverter....................... we're a family of 4 and having this system has basically cut our electric bill in half. It would be more but we have a pool pump running 8 hours a day.
You'll fiind now though that there will probably be no rebate available and also the Governments Net feed in tariff has now been cut drastically or even stopped altogether in most states. We were lucky we signed up when we did as we pay 23c for every unit we use and for every unit we put into the grid we get 47c, 7c from the energy company, 40c from the state. We have this in place for 10 years.
The best way for solar to work is for the power to feed your own house and any excess can be stored in battery banks but in most places this isn't allowed but I'd look into it it mate.

If you get a system, make sure it's not a cheap ass one from china............. lots about. Get a German made one, more expensive yes but far better reputation for reliability and quality.


Unfortunately this is yet another good idea that's been completely stuffed up (like the loft insulation fiasco).................. funny how it all coinsides with the whole carbon tax thing!!!!

[Finly Owner]

I know how a system should work........ BUT.....

I can't get my head around how you use a solar system to run a modern home with all modern appliances from a bank of batteries and fall back on mains as well.

I know of systems that run Lets say 7 panels on 14 batteries, and a good invertor, as a stand alone power system. And use gas fridge, twin tub washing machine and solar hot water. But how then do you regulate the mains into this system?



Tim

[Clunk]

I know how a system should work........ BUT.....

I can't get my head around how you use a solar system to run a modern home with all modern appliances from a bank of batteries and fall back on mains as well.

I know of systems that run Lets say 7 panels on 14 batteries, and a good invertor, as a stand alone power system. And use gas fridge, twin tub washing machine and solar hot water. But how then do you regulate the mains into this system?



Tim

I wouldn't know mate I'm not a Sparky

[Bob]

Sorry Bob, I haven't installed them and from what I have been told about them I more than likely won't.

Try and find out a much info on the inverters that you will be getting, from what I have been told all the cheaper deals use small inverters, so your not likely 2 be putting much back into the grid and that they are expensive 2 replace when they die, also have been told the inverters don't have a long life..

Sorry I can't be of more help

good write up here Bob, take note of inverter prices!!!!

http://www.energymatters.com.au/rene...umer-guide.php

Thanks for those pointers.

It is rather confusing and I will be taking my time making any decision.

Hopefully be able to talk to people who have had one installed in my Area

[Maxhead]

I was thinking about it but the government keeps taking away all the incentives. I think it would still be worth it but would take half a lifetime to pay it off though.
Good luck with it Bob

[adrian]

We're not on the grid, so don't know about grid connect systems but as long as the weather's good we get all the power we need from solar. Panels aren't that expensive so as long as you live in an area with plenty of sunshine i'd do it - panels should be garanteed for 25 years and you'll save a packet in that time

[Clunk]

We're not on the grid, so don't know about grid connect systems but as long as the weather's good we get all the power we need from solar. Panels aren't that expensive so as long as you live in an area with plenty of sunshine i'd do it - panels should be garanteed for 25 years and you'll save a packet in that time

so do you store the energy that isn't used in a battery bank????? and if so do you know how it works?