Thread: Solar power

Originally Posted by tonic

For my 2cents worth, I just installed a 1.5kw system but with a twist that is worth considering.

The system has been installed with a 5kw inverter so I can add more panels as finances allow.

If you install say a 1.5kw system with a 1.5kw inverter then to go bigger you have to get another inverter as well as more panels.

We still do not have a digital metre which I think goes in this week, so it has been a bit of fun watching the old style meter run backwards, when the pool pump is not running that is.

I have discussed this with solar installers and have been told this can have problems. Apparently the panels are set up in groups run in series to supply a much higher voltage than the 12 volts(or 21volts if you are talking about unregulated volts)

Now I do not know if this is correct but I was told that if you add more panels they must be exactly the same as the existing ones. If you can no longer buy them you cannot add any more.

Would be interested to hear from anyone that does know about this stuff, as to whether this is correct.

Originally Posted by Mr Whippy

I have discussed this with solar installers and have been told this can have problems. Apparently the panels are set up in groups run in series to supply a much higher voltage than the 12 volts(or 21volts if you are talking about unregulated volts)

Now I do not know if this is correct but I was told that if you add more panels they must be exactly the same as the existing ones. If you can no longer buy them you cannot add any more.

Would be interested to hear from anyone that does know about this stuff, as to whether this is correct.

You are correct, the way I understand it they have to be the same outputs to be able to work together. I have already done this planning for my system in the long term plan, forgot to mention, thaks for that.

Originally Posted by tonic

For my 2cents worth, I just installed a 1.5kw system but with a twist that is worth considering.

The system has been installed with a 5kw inverter so I can add more panels as finances allow.

If you install say a 1.5kw system with a 1.5kw inverter then to go bigger you have to get another inverter as well as more panels.

We still do not have a digital metre which I think goes in this week, so it has been a bit of fun watching the old style meter run backwards, when the pool pump is not running that is.

In qld well worth it as it secures your fit on 5kw

Victoria not so much

Originally Posted by Vern

Where can you get panels for 50c a watt, please let me know, i'll buy a heap of them. $2 a watt is ball park, depending on quality. You need to be CEC qualified to install the system and be able to claim rebates, so not just any electricain can install it. Well they probably can but not sure how they'll go getting it connected to the grid. Now i install solar, and theres a lot of competition out there, i can get a system installed on my house cheaper thean what i can buy it for plus installation costs.
Shop around

Tianwei .85c/w

we are investigatiing an opportunity to instal a system for a dollar ($1). the company puts in a system to their requirements, not yours, they then reap the benefits, we never pay electricity bill again.

Originally Posted by rovercare

In qld well worth it as it secures your fit on 5kw

Victoria not so much

I got in early and have approval for a 10kw. You did not need to put a system in to get approval, so I got the approval about 21/2 years ago and the beginnings of the system 3 weeks ago.

Originally Posted by ramblingboy42

we are investigatiing an opportunity to instal a system for a dollar ($1). the company puts in a system to their requirements, not yours, they then reap the benefits, we never pay electricity bill again.

Interesting, please keep us informed and let me know if the company is Australia wide or only is in Qld

its Qld based but has australia wide contacts, I will find contact number ....I believe it closes tomorrow or tuesday