Solar Energy - Your Opinions
#46
Re: Solar Energy - Your Opinions
How easy would that be to do? Very.
Why hasn't anyone done it before? Possibly because the outlay versus savings don't add up? . . .
I know a fair few people who spend more than $1000 a quarter on electricity. They are thinking about getting solar installed, when they may be better off just switching off two of their three fridge freezers.
Why hasn't anyone done it before? Possibly because the outlay versus savings don't add up? . . .
I know a fair few people who spend more than $1000 a quarter on electricity. They are thinking about getting solar installed, when they may be better off just switching off two of their three fridge freezers.
Where would we, er, I mean they, put the beer and wine?
#47
Account Open
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 4,298
Re: Solar Energy - Your Opinions
you have the choice either buy a solar system that costs you x amount of dollars and save x amounts of dollars on your energy bill or you don't buy it and put your money in the bank and earn interest.
In the case of spending $8k for a 4kW system, your max return in WA when your house is facing true north, perfect roof angle, no shade and solar panels that has a high efficiency rate (eg Sunpower) you could earn between $1400 + $3200 per year depending on your own usage.
Alternatively, how much would earn if you deposited the $8k in an saving account/term deposit? You make more money with solar panels that's why Germans have large solar systems on their roof. It is viable.
In the case of spending $8k for a 4kW system, your max return in WA when your house is facing true north, perfect roof angle, no shade and solar panels that has a high efficiency rate (eg Sunpower) you could earn between $1400 + $3200 per year depending on your own usage.
Alternatively, how much would earn if you deposited the $8k in an saving account/term deposit? You make more money with solar panels that's why Germans have large solar systems on their roof. It is viable.
re: the scenario you describe above.... returns via bank interest, vs returns from solar energy.....Did the company that supplied your solar power, use this kind of example when explaining things to you?
The reason I ask, is that I can probably get a return of 6.3% from my bank. But if someone came along and told me that I could invest $10k in solar technology and I'd get a return of 7% - I would pass.
cheers
#48
Re: Solar Energy - Your Opinions
ok I can kind of see your reasoning here (and KJCherokee too).
re: the scenario you describe above.... returns via bank interest, vs returns from solar energy.....Did the company that supplied your solar power, use this kind of example when explaining things to you?
The reason I ask, is that I can probably get a return of 6.3% from my bank. But if someone came along and told me that I could invest $10k in solar technology and I'd get a return of 7% - I would pass.
cheers
re: the scenario you describe above.... returns via bank interest, vs returns from solar energy.....Did the company that supplied your solar power, use this kind of example when explaining things to you?
The reason I ask, is that I can probably get a return of 6.3% from my bank. But if someone came along and told me that I could invest $10k in solar technology and I'd get a return of 7% - I would pass.
cheers
Jo
#49
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Perth since 1997
Posts: 590
Re: Solar Energy - Your Opinions
ok I can kind of see your reasoning here (and KJCherokee too).
re: the scenario you describe above.... returns via bank interest, vs returns from solar energy.....Did the company that supplied your solar power, use this kind of example when explaining things to you?
The reason I ask, is that I can probably get a return of 6.3% from my bank. But if someone came along and told me that I could invest $10k in solar technology and I'd get a return of 7% - I would pass.
cheers
re: the scenario you describe above.... returns via bank interest, vs returns from solar energy.....Did the company that supplied your solar power, use this kind of example when explaining things to you?
The reason I ask, is that I can probably get a return of 6.3% from my bank. But if someone came along and told me that I could invest $10k in solar technology and I'd get a return of 7% - I would pass.
cheers
It is rather simple. It all depends on all the factors explained above, how efficient your panels are etc. It depends on the quality of the panels, the inverter. I must admit, in Australia information for solar systems is limited I get my information from German internet sites.
#50
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Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Perth since 1997
Posts: 590
Re: Solar Energy - Your Opinions
We are seriously considering it and have had a quote from Harvey Norman who are offering 1.5kw (8 panels) for $2995 + $500 grid connection fee (after rebates). Energy Aust pay 66c per kw and they estimate an average income of $1300 on this size. propably no quite enough for what we need but a good enough chunk to make it more than attractive. 10 year guarantee on product. 1/3rd upfront and the rest on interest free makes in even more attractive. Other sizes available. We are also blessed cause the side of the roof we will use has sun on it alllllll day long.
Jo
Jo
#51
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Solar Energy - Your Opinions
I think if you could provide a potential customer with an example scenario, that might be useful... for example.
a) total current electricity usage in the house.
b) space available for solar panels, and max potential m2 solar panels that could be fitted on roof.
c) amount of energy that the solar panels would be generating on a sunny day, and on a cloudy day.
d) estimate of total energy being generated per year.... subtract this from (a) to work out potential savings.
Then I guess you could give the full costs of the product, and it would be up to the individual to determine whether or not it is a good investment.
Something like that anyway. good luck !
a) total current electricity usage in the house.
b) space available for solar panels, and max potential m2 solar panels that could be fitted on roof.
c) amount of energy that the solar panels would be generating on a sunny day, and on a cloudy day.
d) estimate of total energy being generated per year.... subtract this from (a) to work out potential savings.
Then I guess you could give the full costs of the product, and it would be up to the individual to determine whether or not it is a good investment.
Something like that anyway. good luck !
Your points are exactly what I am wanting to confirm.
I do know that after rebates my cost is $1,950, and I am pretty sure it will pay for itself within 5 years, but I want a written confirmation, so I can sue them later on if it doesn't.
#52
Re: Solar Energy - Your Opinions
We are seriously considering it and have had a quote from Harvey Norman who are offering 1.5kw (8 panels) for $2995 + $500 grid connection fee (after rebates). Energy Aust pay 66c per kw and they estimate an average income of $1300 on this size. propably no quite enough for what we need but a good enough chunk to make it more than attractive. 10 year guarantee on product. 1/3rd upfront and the rest on interest free makes in even more attractive. Other sizes available. We are also blessed cause the side of the roof we will use has sun on it alllllll day long.
Jo
Jo
Closest Postcode 2259
http://www.pvoutput.org/list.jsp?id=170&sid=159
$500 grid connection fee
Is this with a smart meter or just as is
#53
Re: Solar Energy - Your Opinions
I'll send you a PM.
It is rather simple. It all depends on all the factors explained above, how efficient your panels are etc. It depends on the quality of the panels, the inverter. I must admit, in Australia information for solar systems is limited I get my information from German internet sites.
It is rather simple. It all depends on all the factors explained above, how efficient your panels are etc. It depends on the quality of the panels, the inverter. I must admit, in Australia information for solar systems is limited I get my information from German internet sites.
http://www.energymatters.com.au/
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/138?g=223
http://www.dkasolarcentre.com.au/
#54
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Solar Energy - Your Opinions
2 years of cloudy, rainy days then the buy back scheme is cancelled when the sun returns.
or
2 years of solid 100% sunny days, but the buy back scheme is cancelled the day after you sign up !
Forget the cents per Kwh electricity buy back when calculating the cost efficiency !
These could be cancelled at any time. Treat it as a bonus if anything, but DO NOT rely on it.
#55
Re: Solar Energy - Your Opinions
Plenty of informed opinion :
http://www.energymatters.com.au/
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/138?g=223
http://www.dkasolarcentre.com.au/
http://www.energymatters.com.au/
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/138?g=223
http://www.dkasolarcentre.com.au/
>> Watts are related to the output of each panel; meaning a 100Watt panel under ideal conditions will generate 100 Watts of electricity each hour and a 200 Watt panel will generate 200 Watts each hour<<
I *think* I know what they mean, but it doesn't give a great deal of confidence that they don't seem to know the difference between energy and power!
I have doubts about the claims being made for the present generation (pun?) of PV/inverter systems. Nevertheless I am genuinely interested in the technology and would be intrigued to follow people's experiences with it.
#56
Re: Solar Energy - Your Opinions
in real life 60% to75% is what is achieved.
On a cold day with cloud I have seen my 190w panels spike at 206w when the sun pops out.
#57
Re: Solar Energy - Your Opinions
This forum tends to have lots of the benefits , problems, cowboys etc
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/138
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/138
#58
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Perth since 1997
Posts: 590
Re: Solar Energy - Your Opinions
#59
Re: Solar Energy - Your Opinions
Here's an interesting concept:
http://www.greenraysolar.com/
It seems to be a start-up company, offering modules of PV panels each with its own inverter system so that you can just scale the output easily to your own requirements.
It's in the US, of course.
http://www.greenraysolar.com/
It seems to be a start-up company, offering modules of PV panels each with its own inverter system so that you can just scale the output easily to your own requirements.
It's in the US, of course.
#60
Re: Solar Energy - Your Opinions
This forum tends to have lots of the benefits , problems, cowboys etc
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/138
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/138
If theres anyone in the gold coast/brisbane area thinking of having it done, I can put you in touch with this bloke if you like. He's a really nice chap, down to earth and won't rip you off and all the components, meters, etc, he uses are top notch