Thread: Solar Panels - What to get??

Originally Posted by Disco-tastic

A fronius Primo 5kw inverter can be had off ebay for about $2k delivered. Enphase micro inverters can be had for about $180 each. Half decent solar panels are about $300 each. (Note that these are all internet prices, not trade and not retail. I have a quote for good panels and a fronius inverter installed for less than these prices.)

most 5kw systems have 16 - 20 panels so the micro inverters would be $3600. Depends on if there advantages are worth it for you.

I think I've nearly made a decision. Still, if anyone has had any experience with More Green Energy I will happily listen to it

Dan

I've had some quotes in today, one for 2 10x270W strings with an inverter made in Austria for $6300 and the other for 16x330W with micro-inverters for $9300, so nearly 50% / $3K extra for basically the same nominal capacity. I don't have a shading issue that would benefit from the micro-inverters. I haven't seen the specifics for the $6300 option but suspect that I won't be able to justify the extra for micro-inverters.

Yes, I understand micro-inverters are an advantage when some of the panels are shaded for part of the time, so they don't drag down the performance of the panels in the sun, but if there is no shading problem and all the panels face in the same direction then you might as well just have one inverter. Is that right?
I've also seen claims that Tesla battery banks are over-priced and there are comparable battery banks from LG and others which are better value for money, but I haven't investigated that properly yet.

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Yes, I understand micro-inverters are an advantage when some of the panels are shaded for part of the time, so they don't drag down the performance of the panels in the sun, but if there is no shading problem and all the panels face in the same direction then you might as well just have one inverter. Is that right?
I've also seen claims that Tesla battery banks are over-priced and there are comparable battery banks from LG and others which are better value for money, but I haven't investigated that properly yet.

I learnt that modern string inverters have dual MPPT inputs which basically means you can have two strings of panels, ie one facing north, one west, without performance loss. This further reduces the benefits of micro inverters.

Regarding batteries, Enphase make a 1.2kw modular type battery that seems pretty economical for residential, and is easily upgradable/replaceable in the future. I have a feeling most decent batteries available here are better value than the teslas

I've got 6.1 kva coming in mid April

using my shed to mount the panels etc

will be interesting to see how it works out.

So I didn't end up going with More Green Energy. Reading their reviews I wasn't confident in their ability. Plus they wanted a $100 deposit to write up a contract...

My $6300 quote was from Origin Energy but I haven't heard from the local office yet regarding a site inspection and no emailed quote either, but perhaps no formal quote until after an inspection. Not very encouraging though.

Our solar came from Origin and they were fine.

I recommend you join the Alternative Technology Association for expert advice.
http://www.ata.org.au/