Who's got a Solar Power System installed?

[Felch]

After more research, payback for me is 7-10 years depending on the system size and final installation cost.

Looking at a 3kW system with a payback of nearly 10 years.

Now to find a reputable company to do a deal ...

Most of the places that advertise on TV, etc use sub-contractors - some of these guys will work for 2-3 different companies, so quality can differ depending on the bloke doing the work.

What area are you in mate ? Send me a PM, and i can recommend a couple of guys that i deal with through work.

[Psyber]

I'd also looked into issues like using insulating washers and coated screws when mounting an aluminium support frame to a colourbond steel roof to prevent electrolytic action damaging the roof.
Only two companies appeared to be aware of it being an issue and to have a ready answer - Advance Energy and Modern Solar - unfortunately, both their quotes were higher than most.
I've given up on the idea on the grounds that the technology is immature and a system of any real capacity is too expensive.

Advance told me the other day that they have since introduced a new 250 watt panel with a diode arrangement to prevent large sections of panel activity being shut done by patches of shadow,

[dedja]

Under no circumstances deal with Modern Solar ... and here's why http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-re ... ?t=1517473

[Psyber]

Under no circumstances deal with Modern Solar ... and here's why http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-re ... ?t=1517473

I'd worked that out.
My earlier quotes from others were for 4 and 5 Kw systems and I decided the break even time was too long.
I'd decided to get a quote for a token 1.5Kw system more recently, on the basis that if it didn't cost too much it might help dress up the house for when I sell eventually.

Modern quoted me $6800 - much better than the guy on the Forum paying $12K - and dropped it to $4800 if I signed on the day when I said "No."
I told them I already had a better quote - which was true - but it is still not better enough for me to go ahead.

The guy tried the saving the world from global warming pitch on me towards the end - and wondered why I laughed until I explained my view on its causation.
As he left he said, "Well, I enjoyed sparring with you."

There seem to be two types of supplier:
1. The cheap ones who are using old technology plates with short warranties and suspect installation arrangements.
2. Those claiming they use the latest technology, and being more upfront about installation details - if you ask - but at astronomical prices.

It all reminds me of the insulation fiasco really.
Maybe in 10 years the technology will be mature and reasonably priced, and the get rich quick merchants will be into whatever is new and fashionable - and subsidised - then.

[redwhiteandblueblooded]

We recently had a 3kw system installed for $9450 out of pocket. We used SolarSA and were really happy with them.
The system is generating 20-25KwH per day during these lovely sunny days and this quarter (Dec-Mar) have drawn around 670KwH from the grid and returned 1200KwH to the grid, so imagine the power bill will be negligible this quarter!

[dedja]

I'd be hoping to pay less than that ... depending on quotes something sub $8K

[Squawk]

I'd be hoping to pay less than that ... depending on quotes something sub $8K

From where, dedja?

[dedja]

There's a couple of possibilities ... will know more once I get further quotes back.

There's an element of the pink batts fiasco with a few dodgy installers so need to tread carefully.

[redwhiteandblueblooded]

I'd be hoping to pay less than that ... depending on quotes something sub $8K

From where, dedja?

Cunninghams$2$2$2

[dedja]

I'd be hoping to pay less than that ... depending on quotes something sub $8K

From where, dedja?

Cunninghams$2$2$2

... complete with a single page of instructions in Chinese.

[Psyber]

One company rang me back today and knocked $1800 off their earlier quote.

[dedja]

You should be no more than $3K out of pocket for a 1.5kW system ...

[Psyber]

You should be no more than $3K out of pocket for a 1.5kW system ...

Yes - I'm looking for just a bit under that. I won't go over $3K at that power level. .

[redwhiteandblueblooded]

I'd be hoping to pay less than that ... depending on quotes something sub $8K

From where, dedja?

Cunninghams$2$2$2

... complete with a single page of instructions in Chinese.

[dedja]

just received a $7,700 quote for a 3kW system ... just need to check the specs now.

[Squawk]

just received a $7,700 quote for a 3kW system ... just need to check the specs now.

Keep us posted!

[redwhiteandblueblooded]

first bill today for first full quarter with the panels....$134
last bill before panels....$574

I will take that thank you.

[Psyber]

This PDF on inverter reliability and testing is interesting: www.ecn.nl/docs/library/report/2000/rx00019.pdf

[dedja]

The report is missing a recommended to buy section ...

[Dog_ger]

first bill today for first full quarter with the panels....$134
last bill before panels....$574

I will take that thank you.

Well Done. I cannot afford your fab 3kw system. I wish...

I have my 1.9kw system installed on thursday next.

Finally. Say they misplaced my approval last November.....?