Solar Electric for the home

[Chilly]

Hi,

Finally purchased my first Australian home. Slowly getting unpacked and have at last unloaded the Series 3 of all its cargo I can now continue working on it...yippeee!!

However back to my heading and questions.

Has anyone fitted Solar electric to their home?

what was the cost?

Did it/does it pay for itself..or close to paying for itself?

When you recommend it?

How about fitting it yourself?

The lovely government is offering some nice incentives and I am considering fitting it. Especially with the predictions of forthcoming price increases!!!


Cheers,

Chilly

[hiline]

if you like i could give you my mate's e-mail address,thats what he does for a job

he can give you all the info your after no doubt.........

[waz]

We're in the process of getting it put on.

The system we're looking at will cost about $10k. And on current power costs that will pay itself off in about 8yrs. (I reckon that the cost of power will continue to climb, so this timeframe will only decrease). We're still waiting for our report back from the govt.

I would strongly recommend getting yourself into the system by getting the free inspection done. That way you're on the books for the govt incentives. the govt are getting through the pool of money pretty quickly. There is no obligation to continue with the process after the inspection, but at least you'll be on the books if you decide to go down this path.

We're still deciding on a few things (amorphous or monocrystaline panels; extra panel or mounting brackets), but I think we're going to go ahead as soon as we can.

Waz

[Tombie]

We're installing at the moment too...

3kw system, should make us cost neutral minimum and recoup costs in 2 years and then making money

We're lining the northern face of my workshop with panels

Based on available sun, and our usage, we wont use what we produce so will get rebated immediately.

Cost of our system before rebates etc is $18k

[JDNSW]

I have been living on solar power (no mains) for fifteen years. Cost then was about the same as getting the power on, about $30,000. Major ongoing cost is battery replacement - just replaced one bank, the other will need replacing soon.

In the past, solar power has been a very expensive form of power - it still is, but the cost of mains power has been rising to meet it and can be expected to continue to rise.

Cost of solar power has only decreased very slowly in the time I have been involved with it.

To qualify for any government subsidies, the installation will have to be done by a licenced installer. All high voltage (I think the figure is over 40v) wiring, whether connected to the mains or not, must be done by a licenced electrician. Despite this I would encourage you to learn what is involved and specify the design yourself to meet your needs - saves getting an unsuitable or too costly system.

John

[p38arover]

We're in the process of getting it put on.

The system we're looking at will cost about $10k. And on current power costs that will pay itself off in about 8yrs. (I reckon that the cost of power will continue to climb, so this timeframe will only decrease). We're still waiting for our report back from the govt.

As Chilly is in NSW he can connect and expect 60c/kwh payment for every kwh produced irrespective of what he uses (Gross Feed In Tariff). This reduces the payback period considerably.


Feed In Tariff Information for Australian PV System owners.

[hoadie72]

Don't forget the option of a Green Loan if you're short of funds - up to $10k interest free, and subsidies still apply.

[Chilly]

Hi all,

Thank you for the replies.

I have had a couple of people round. The chap today came across well. Better and more knowledgeable than the first.

He has explained about the 'green loan'. You have to have an assessor come round and assess the whole house. Making out a report. I hope for this to take place on Thursday.

I would not look to connect the system myself. I would look at a person who is suitably qualified to do the electrics but more than happy to fit the panels and make a frame for them.

However, getting back to the chap who came today. He has left a price list. A 2.0Kw system is $9500. Plus frame for panels to get best North position for maximum efficiency.

My neighbour is interested too and we are waiting to see what quote he will give us both. The demand for the systems gives me the feeling that he will not discount too much..we will wait and see.

I would like to try and get to a 3.0Kw system but finances make that hard to reach that cost.

All the systems he has a price list for, ( up to 10Kw). give a repayment of just under five years. On current rates of course.

[p38arover]

I approached this mob for comparative quotes from multiple suppliers:

Solar Power, Solar Energy & Solar Home | Solar Energy Systems

1.5kw systems ranged from (after rebates) $5k to $15K.

3kw units ranged from $10k to $18k.

The lower priced ones are all Chinese.

[lotsmaw]

Hi Chilly,

Like JDNSW, I run a totally off the grid system - 2 in fact - one for my house and anther for my winery and cellar door area. This means that managing the solar system is a big part of keeping my property running smoothly.

I don't profess to be an expert on these systems but one thing I have learned is that the "experts" are not always reliable or professional. Finding the ideal installer is critical - make sure they have plenty of experience and can show you some reference sites.

If the only thing they are full bottle on is the government funding initiatives and the product catalogue then move on: there are plenty of newcomers to the industry cashing in on the new levels of interest in alternative energy.

Good luck,

Bill