Who's got a Solar Power System installed?

[Dog_ger]

Been extended to monday 7th march/afternoon.

No 2kw inverters available.....

Nearly 3 months now....

From Fri Nov 05, 2010 12:30 pm when I actually paid the deposit til now.

[dedja]

I wouldnt touch UnleashSolar with a 1000km barge pole I'm afraid ... make sure they don't try to scam you by providing inferior parts to what you signed up for.

[R. White]

I am looking at getting some solar on my place. Just starting the research now. Seems I have missed the boat somewhat as prices have just gone up by about $1000 due the the government changing the rebate. Does anyone know why they are changing it?
Looking at a 3kW system around $10k- based on your savings $440 per 1/4 then it should only take 5.7 years to pay back.
Any one got any advice?

[dedja]

The current system is based on Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) which are market driven credits available to small scale photovoltaic (PV) systems.

A given PV system size attracts a set amount of RECs (each REC is valued at $40 max).

From July 1, 2010, the number of RECs reduces ... the estimated 'increase' in price of a PV system from then is estimated at approx $1000.

more information here ... http://www.orer.gov.au/sgu/solarcredits.html

Don't fall for the oldest sales trick in the book that the price of a PV system will rise soon ... you have nearly 4 months to sign a deal at current REC value.

[dedja]

Have settled on a 4.18kW system ... will be progressing the paperwork in the next few days with an installation date of next month.

My advice to anyone contemplating installing a PV system ... do you bloody homework and don't sign up to the cheapest deal, especially from those companies pushing the 'sale on now, hurry and don't miss out' routine.

In addition to the RECs going from 5x to 4x on July 1 this year, I've been advised that once the 60MW limit imposed by the State Government has been reached, any new connections from that date (whenever that is) will not quality for a feed in tariff, which currently pays 44c/kWh. I'll try to verify that, although it won't affect me.

[MatteeG]

Pretty confusing- the more you read the worse it gets! Is there a system which produces similar/more electricity than your house uses? Can you put one of those huge wind farm fans in your backyard?

[JAS]

Pretty confusing- the more you read the worse it gets! Is there a system which produces similar/more electricity than your house uses? Can you put one of those huge wind farm fans in your backyard?

From what I've heard up at our local self-sufficient hippy commune at Findhorn is that if you want to make enough electricity to be able to sell some back to the electric companies/national grid (whichever you guys have) then the photovoltaic (just chuck it into Google) roof panels or tiles are the way to go.

Regards
JAS

[dedja]

Pretty confusing- the more you read the worse it gets! Is there a system which produces similar/more electricity than your house uses? Can you put one of those huge wind farm fans in your backyard?

Based on my best estimates, I won't have a power bill once I install this system and it will pay for itself in about 6 years.

[Squawk]

Have settled on a 4.18kW system ... will be progressing the paperwork in the next few days with an installation date of next month.

My advice to anyone contemplating installing a PV system ... do you bloody homework and don't sign up to the cheapest deal, especially from those companies pushing the 'sale on now, hurry and don't miss out' routine.

In addition to the RECs going from 5x to 4x on July 1 this year, I've been advised that once the 60MW limit imposed by the State Government has been reached, any new connections from that date (whenever that is) will not quality for a feed in tariff, which currently pays 44c/kWh. I'll try to verify that, although it won't affect me.

What did ya end up forking out for that mate?

[dedja]

Took a bit longer to formalise ... install date in 5 weeks, ETSA meter change to an import/export at the end of next month.

Don't expect any more power bills now, payoff in about 6 years ... that's the forecast anyway!

[Alaska]

Took a bit longer to formalise ... install date in 5 weeks, ETSA meter change to an import/export at the end of next month.

Don't expect any more power bills now, payoff in about 6 years ... that's the forecast anyway!

Who did you go with there seems to be plenty of shonky’s around?
I think I would be paying too much if I went with AGL

[Dog_ger]

My 10 solar panels are on my roof for 2 weeks now.

My meter is spinning backwards so fast, smoke is almost coming out of the meter box.

Free electricity during daylight hours.

ETSA installs my import/export meter tomorrow am....

I am Excited

It has been a hell of a cost though, looking back.

Many people have been involved in this installation.

$3095 + $434.50 for the import/export meter from ETSA.

Only time will tell guys. I had to do something. My electricity bill was starting to hurt me...

I am so lucky to get time off work with no deductions.

Thankyou Rita..

I will keep you all informed and up to date.

PS. I have a whole backyard full of green plants and lawn that eat carbon dioxide julia that I can rent back to the planet to get rid of carbon.

You can contact me through our usual meeting place. My Tax Return.

[dedja]

Took a bit longer to formalise ... install date in 5 weeks, ETSA meter change to an import/export at the end of next month.

Don't expect any more power bills now, payoff in about 6 years ... that's the forecast anyway!

Who did you go with there seems to be plenty of shonky’s around?
I think I would be paying too much if I went with AGL

Design Ecology.

If you like dropping your pants and bending over then go right ahead and use AGL.

[Dog_ger]

Well, my system is up and running and I will let all know what my next bills will be.

+ possibly the cost of the import/export meter on the next bill.

Everything will be itemised.

My current bills are around $350 - $450

[mighty_tiger_79]

keenly awaiting to see if those bills of $300-$400 you pay are wiped out and perhaps even a return

when is the next bill due?

[Dog_ger]

I am not expecting my electricity bills to be wiped out m_t.

For that it would have cost 6.5K +

My system was 1/3 of that.

Only what I could really afford.

I am only expecting a reduction.

Anything will make me happy.

Colder months with cloud cover, I am not expecting anything returned to the grid.

Shame, Shame, Shame ALP.

It's the summer months that I can't wait for.

The governments incentive of double the price returned to the grid has not eventuated yet...?

It's really over a 12 month period.

[dedja]

The governments incentive of double the price returned to the grid has not eventuated yet...?

Have they stated that? ... I don't think so ...

[JAS]

If you want to save money try actually switching stuff off at the socket.

My place is all electric and after 2 record breaking harsh winters in a row with an almost non-existant summer inbetween plus tariff rises and a tax increase on it I'd been dreading my electric bill. I pay by monthly direct debit and reckoned on a hefty increase in my payments.

BUT I had made myself get into the habit of never leaving anything on stand-by and switching off at the socket if not in use...even things like the cooker, tv, computer the lot...what a difference ...my bill has a credit balance.

Regards
JAS

[Dog_ger]

Yes JAS you are correct.

I turn everything off that is on standby.

But sometimes I forget....

My home used to glow at night with all the standby lights on....

[dedja]

Sitting in the backyard with the laptop atm, working from home, watching my solar panels going up.