My potential system....

[Scallops]

Hey folks,

After much research and consideration, I just put down a (refundable) deposit on a 3.18kW solar system (return to grid setup), upgradeable to 4.2kW's, and am hoping when the tech can finally get over and check my roof, that the expected output will come out OK.....my concern is that my home faces north and the roof is split east and west facing....

I'm hoping the use of brackets or a frame of some sort might allow some panels to be north facing but I guess I'll make the final decision once it's been investigated and I crunch some numbers following the discussion with an experienced installer. I've got my Energex form in anyway.

I've chosen 13 X REC 245w Multi-Crystalline panels coupled with a SMA Sunnyboy SB4000TL inverter.....8 grand all up....and through keen2bgreen on the coast.

Any thoughts on an east-west split setup - my idea (I'll have a a dual MPPT inverter) or some other configuration? I suspect I'll loose around 20% efficiency over a north orientated setup but I can't move the house!

[isuzurover]

If you have a dual MPPT inverter then I would split them 7/6 on each side of the roof.

We only have a 1.5kW system with a single MPPT inverter (8.4c feed-in tarriff in WA, so not worth it to fit more), and our options were NE and NW facing. Went the NE option, as less shading from trees.

So far we are happy, the system was generating 800W at 10 am this morning, and overall we are about covering our usage so far (in winter!).

[Scallops]

If you have a dual MPPT inverter then I would split them 7/6 on each side of the roof.

We only have a 1.5kW system with a single MPPT inverter (8.4c feed-in tarriff in WA, so not worth it to fit more), and our options were NE and NW facing. Went the NE option, as less shading from trees.

So far we are happy, the system was generating 800W at 10 am this morning, and overall we are about covering our usage so far (in winter!).

Thanks! Reckon that's what I'll do....along with fuelling up the Stihl!

PS - I have your GCLRO member card/name badge.....shall I mail it to you?

[isuzurover]

Thanks! Reckon that's what I'll do....along with fuelling up the Stihl!

PS - I have your GCLRO member card/name badge.....shall I mail it to you?

Cool - yes please! Wait till I pay the membership though

If a certain AULRO member refunds my money by monday as promised then I will transfer the funds then.

[WhiteD3]

That's a good price Dan. I'm thinking of signing up to a 2kW system with the same inverter for $6200. Might have to give your guy a call.

[Ferret]

I've chosen 13 X REC 245w Multi-Crystalline panels

In terms of square meters how much area does all that cover?

I have thought about solar electricity occasionally but I've already got a solar hot water and solar pool heater sitting up on the roof. Still have a bit of north facing real estate up on the roof I could use but I have no idea how much area is needed for something like 3 - 4 kw.

[superquag]

Good choice with the REC panels.. their specs are less rubbery than some. (Ask me what brand I've got !)

Mine is a Motech 4600 with 3 MPPT's, two used for 16 panels. Hope to get some more efficient panels later on for the 3rd imput and for 'afternoon sun'
Roof is 17 degrees, and faces exactly NE.
System starts producing just before sunrise, but pretty well dies after 3:30pm. Pity, as there's lots of useable sun around till 5:00 pm in summer.

I'd say utilise a split, try and go for NE / NW. Friend of mine has that, and with a 1.5kW setup is doing very well. Or set it up for winter sun-angles... you'll over-produce on a really bright summer's day.


Just check out what the standby power consumption is on your inverter.. Yes, they use power when the sun is hiding... Can vary a fair bit.

[Scallops]

In terms of square meters how much area does all that cover?

I have thought about solar electricity occasionally but I've already got a solar hot water and solar pool heater sitting up on the roof. Still have a bit of north facing real estate up on the roof I could use but I have no idea how much area is needed for something like 3 - 4 kw.

I dunno - yet! But it's roughly 20 -30 square metres.

[Scallops]

That's a good price Dan. I'm thinking of signing up to a 2kW system with the same inverter for $6200. Might have to give your guy a call.

My research led me to think so....glad I have a few believers in my choice ....went from novice to expert in 48 hours - that's my much ....now have to go to work this weekend and do some work!

[WhiteD3]

I won't be going with this mob.

Submitted an enquiry online and they rang me within a hour, which is good service. My enquiry stated I was after a 2 to 3 kW system on the north facing roof.

Within a minute of the call he's talking about a 10kW system on the west roof. When asked about the LG panels shown on their site, he admits they don't do them anymore and are pushing REC.

Then wanted a $200 (refundable) deposit to sign up then and there. Sounded dodgy to me and far too pushy.