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  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    5 years ago
    Who has it, what size and any tips....
  • RossW
    RossW
    5 years ago
    Quoting paulybronco on 30 Jan 2020 09:45 AM

    Who has it, what size and any tips....

    Go microinverters. That way if one panel has reduced output due to the neighbour's frisbee sitting on it( for example), the rest won't be reduced as well.
    Also you can then put some panels on a west facing roof. You won't get the same peak output, but you'll get output later into the evening.

    Also get a system that is battery capable so you won't have to replace it later.
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    5 years ago
    Quoting paulybronco on 30 Jan 2020 09:45 AM

    Who has it, what size and any tips....

    Quoting RossW on 30 Jan 2020 10:14 AMedited: 30 Jan 2020 10:16 AM

    Go microinverters. That way if one panel has reduced output due to the neighbour's frisbee sitting on it( for example), the rest won't be reduced as well.

    Also you can then put some panels on a west facing roof. You won't get the same peak output, but you'll get output later into the evening.

    Also get a system that is battery capable so you won't have to replace it later.

    Cheers Ross. Are the micro inverters a shit load more $...
  • RossW
    RossW
    5 years ago
    Quoting paulybronco on 30 Jan 2020 09:45 AM

    Who has it, what size and any tips....

    Quoting RossW on 30 Jan 2020 10:14 AMedited: 30 Jan 2020 10:16 AM

    Go microinverters. That way if one panel has reduced output due to the neighbour's frisbee sitting on it( for example), the rest won't be reduced as well.

    Also you can then put some panels on a west facing roof. You won't get the same peak output, but you'll get output later into the evening.

    Also get a system that is battery capable so you won't have to replace it later.

    Quoting paulybronco on 30 Jan 2020 10:53 AM

    Cheers Ross. Are the micro inverters a shit load more $...

    They're a bit more. Worth it, especially if you have trees around, or your panels face in different directions
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    5 years ago
    Quote source removed.
    I ain't any expert but it really depends on your use, day vs night and your current bill. Just the lovely wife and i now in a huge 5 bed home but we run a large pool (10hrs per day) as well as a ducted air con unit. Quarterly bill $700-$750
  • Humbug
    Humbug
    5 years ago
    Quoting paulybronco on 30 Jan 2020 09:45 AM

    Who has it, what size and any tips....

    Quoting RossW on 30 Jan 2020 10:14 AMedited: 30 Jan 2020 10:16 AM

    Go microinverters. That way if one panel has reduced output due to the neighbour's frisbee sitting on it( for example), the rest won't be reduced as well.

    Also you can then put some panels on a west facing roof. You won't get the same peak output, but you'll get output later into the evening.

    Also get a system that is battery capable so you won't have to replace it later.

    +1 RossW
  • tussuck
    tussuck
    5 years ago
    Quoting RossW on 30 Jan 2020 10:14 AMedited: 30 Jan 2020 10:16 AM

    Go microinverters. That way if one panel has reduced output due to the neighbour's frisbee sitting on it( for example), the rest won't be reduced as well.

    Also you can then put some panels on a west facing roof. You won't get the same peak output, but you'll get output later into the evening.

    Also get a system that is battery capable so you won't have to replace it later.

    Quoting paulybronco on 30 Jan 2020 10:53 AM

    Cheers Ross. Are the micro inverters a shit load more $...

    Quoting RossW on 30 Jan 2020 10:56 AM

    They're a bit more. Worth it, especially if you have trees around, or your panels face in different directions

    Agree here... Son in Law is a registered installer and he says go with the Microinverter units if you can for the exact reasons mentioned above.  
      
  • tussuck
    tussuck
    5 years ago
    I want a battery system for my Shed so that its self contained.  Not sure if its cost effective though given the low duty cycle of power consumption in the shed; but would be nice to be able to support AirCon / Heater and perhaps welder.
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    5 years ago
    Quoting tussuck on 30 Jan 2020 10:44 PMedited: 30 Jan 2020 10:44 PM

    I want a battery system for my Shed so that its self contained.  Not sure if its cost effective though given the low duty cycle of power consumption in the shed; but would be nice to be able to support AirCon / Heater and perhaps welder.

    Was told the batteries are not the way to go at the moment. 10yrs replacement and then the cost, new tech is just around the corner . Stands to reason when you look at the cars that run them
  • tussuck
    tussuck
    5 years ago
    Quoting tussuck on 30 Jan 2020 10:44 PMedited: 30 Jan 2020 10:44 PM

    I want a battery system for my Shed so that its self contained.  Not sure if its cost effective though given the low duty cycle of power consumption in the shed; but would be nice to be able to support AirCon / Heater and perhaps welder.

    Quoting paulybronco on 30 Jan 2020 11:38 PM

    Was told the batteries are not the way to go at the moment. 10yrs replacement and then the cost, new tech is just around the corner . Stands to reason when you look at the cars that run them

    Agree, I researched them and its still such an emerging thing.  I remember dealing with 2 volt Lead Acid cells that weighed about 60kg each and hooking them up in series to get 48 volts for a battery backup system.  (bloody dangerous work in the old days)
  • Ken in Cairns
    Ken in Cairns
    5 years ago
    We have 6 kw on the roof, but the shit 7cent per kw has hardly made it worth it, we get like 30 bucks a quarter off our bill and no pool. We only had 2 kw on our last house with a pool and on tariff 44, that actually made more difference to our bill.
    We have micro converters at both houses.
    On tariff 44 you actually tried to use the power at night as it was cheaper to buy it, with the crap 7 cent sell price , we try and use power through the day, ie dishwasher, washing machine etc 

    Just my experience with the new crap feed in tariff.
  • boxa
    boxa
    5 years ago
    Quoting tussuck on 30 Jan 2020 10:44 PMedited: 30 Jan 2020 10:44 PM

    I want a battery system for my Shed so that its self contained.  Not sure if its cost effective though given the low duty cycle of power consumption in the shed; but would be nice to be able to support AirCon / Heater and perhaps welder.

    Quoting paulybronco on 30 Jan 2020 11:38 PM

    Was told the batteries are not the way to go at the moment. 10yrs replacement and then the cost, new tech is just around the corner . Stands to reason when you look at the cars that run them

    Quoting tussuck on 30 Jan 2020 11:51 PM

    Agree, I researched them and its still such an emerging thing.  I remember dealing with 2 volt Lead Acid cells that weighed about 60kg each and hooking them up in series to get 48 volts for a battery backup system.  (bloody dangerous work in the old days)

    Got  2 volt batteries on my houseboat 24 of them , gives me a 48 volt system,, charged up during the day by a couple of solar panels to trickle charge them ,,  but  theres a  9 kv generator to  use has back up , find when i'm using the boat just mormal , genny kicks in for a couple of hrs in the morning and then  a couple in the evening to keep it all charged and working , ,   the boats 14 years old , batteries seem ok ,, but needing 3-4 hrs of genny a day probably  on there way out , replacement cost are  , 15 GRAND ,,, the total set up for this system , for a house would probably be around 30 grand ... .. But you would be totally off grid ,,


    ,, elec is'nt gonna go down , but the price of batteries will ,,  if i was younger and building a house i would think about it very seriously , i just built a house 3 years ago , but at 60 , probably won't be around long enough to have made it worthwhile .. At them rates itw would take me 10 years to break even , been told different stories on how long the batteries last , some say 10-12 years , some say 15 -16 years , ,,, too be honest don't even know if mine are effient , i'm not paying 100's of dollars out for someone to go check them ,   figure , who cares if the genny runs a bit more ... But   complete off the grid , solar battery system is definetly worth looking at if your younger
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    5 years ago
    Quoting paulybronco on 30 Jan 2020 11:38 PM

    Was told the batteries are not the way to go at the moment. 10yrs replacement and then the cost, new tech is just around the corner . Stands to reason when you look at the cars that run them

    Quoting tussuck on 30 Jan 2020 11:51 PM

    Agree, I researched them and its still such an emerging thing.  I remember dealing with 2 volt Lead Acid cells that weighed about 60kg each and hooking them up in series to get 48 volts for a battery backup system.  (bloody dangerous work in the old days)

    Quoting boxa on 03 Feb 2020 09:28 PM

    Got  2 volt batteries on my houseboat 24 of them , gives me a 48 volt system,, charged up during the day by a couple of solar panels to trickle charge them ,,  but  theres a  9 kv generator to  use has back up , find when i'm using the boat just mormal , genny kicks in for a couple of hrs in the morning and then  a couple in the evening to keep it all charged and working , ,   the boats 14 years old , batteries seem ok ,, but needing 3-4 hrs of genny a day probably  on there way out , replacement cost are  , 15 GRAND ,,, the total set up for this system , for a house would probably be around 30 grand ... .. But you would be totally off grid ,,


    ,, elec is'nt gonna go down , but the price of batteries will ,,  if i was younger and building a house i would think about it very seriously , i just built a house 3 years ago , but at 60 , probably won't be around long enough to have made it worthwhile .. At them rates itw would take me 10 years to break even , been told different stories on how long the batteries last , some say 10-12 years , some say 15 -16 years , ,,, too be honest don't even know if mine are effient , i'm not paying 100's of dollars out for someone to go check them ,   figure , who cares if the genny runs a bit more ... But   complete off the grid , solar battery system is definetly worth looking at if your younger

    Cheers Boxa. I never had the intention of going of the grid when looking at a system as i live in the burbs so truly going off grid is not possible. The plan is to kill the bill and a bit of cream is getting something back from the buggers.......hopefully
  • tussuck
    tussuck
    5 years ago
    Step Son is an authorised Solar installer (including battery systems) and his advice to us last weekend was to hold off on a battery system for two reasons:
    1.  Cost of batteries is still too high (cheap setups have low life batteries while the longer life ones are astronomical in cost)
    2.  Life expetancy of batteries is also too low (depends upong the battery technology deployed)

    The Micro inverters are the way to go and you can buy inverters now that will fit to existing panels and convert them.  BUT you do need a different wiring setup and how its all connected to the grid etc.  Clever systems have an automatic switch that disconnects the mains feed if there is a power cut and directs the electricity to the house.
  • bloodog
    bloodog
    5 years ago
    Keeping a close eye on this topic ( cheers Paul ) 
    Just moved into a huge house ( looking after my Mum and mother in-law  ) Large pool, me and the misses on one level 2 granny flats on another and a separate guest house. 
    I'm thinking just hold off and maybe  there will be a breakthrough with standalone systems.
    My reasoning also with a off-grid standalone when we lose power in Cains I will be keeping my grannies cool and safe. 
    , 
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    5 years ago
    Quoting bloodog on 04 Feb 2020 03:45 AM

    Keeping a close eye on this topic ( cheers Paul ) 

    Just moved into a huge house ( looking after my Mum and mother in-law  ) Large pool, me and the misses on one level 2 granny flats on another and a separate guest house. 
    I'm thinking just hold off and maybe  there will be a breakthrough with standalone systems.
    My reasoning also with a off-grid standalone when we lose power in Cains I will be keeping my grannies cool and safe. 
    , 

    Well they are scheduled to do my install this Friday and murphy's law its blowing a gale and 90% chance of rain for the next 5 days! 
  • Ken in Cairns
    Ken in Cairns
    5 years ago
    Get a decent generator and change over switch bloodog.
    The panels turn off when you lose the power, so they don't back feed into the grid.
    Depending on where you are will determine how likely it is for long blackout periods.
    Redlynch Valley lost it for 4 1/2 days were as my daughter in Redlynch centrallost it for 3 hrs.

    I have a 2 kw genny not enough to run A/C but will run fridge, freezer, lights and fans etc.
  • bloodog
    bloodog
    5 years ago
    Quoting Ken in Cairns on 05 Feb 2020 12:35 AM

    Get a decent generator and change over switch bloodog.

    The panels turn off when you lose the power, so they don't back feed into the grid.
    Depending on where you are will determine how likely it is for long blackout periods.
    Redlynch Valley lost it for 4 1/2 days were as my daughter in Redlynch centrallost it for 3 hrs.

    I have a 2 kw genny not enough to run A/C but will run fridge, freezer, lights and fans etc.

    Cheers Ken 
    the house has a generator plug but was unsure as to what size I needed 
  • Ken in Cairns
    Ken in Cairns
    5 years ago
    It will depend on a couple of things.
    How is the C/O switch configured, usually it is fitted just after the Main switch from the grid supply, saves having to get the power company to isolate the feed from the street.
    So it just isolates the grid and selects the aux feed, from your generator. Not sure if this will kick the solar panels back in, I was told that it doesn't 

    The sizing of the genny is dictated by what you want to run.
    A 5 Kw unit would run one A/C (2.5 Kw) unit, your fridge, freezer, celling fans and some lighting probably, but not all at once due to inductive start up loads being quite high on electric motors.
    A 7 Kw unit may run 2 x 2.5 A/C units etc. But you may have to limit some things.
    A jug is about 1 or 2 kw depending on the element size to give you an idea.
    We have solar hot water, but I have to turn off the electric booster, and a BBQ to cook on.
     Be aware that 2 KVA is NOT 2 Kw, more like 1.6 depending on the power factor, usually 0.8.
     A 2 Kw or 2.5 KVA would keep you going, just not in A/C comfort.

    Shop around, deside on your lifestyle parameters, budget etc and go from there.
    Also petrol, diesel or LPG.
    Mines petrol as we had a petrol car when I bought it.
    Would go diesel now to match our new vehicle.
    Fill at least 2 x 20 litre Gerry Cans with fuel.
    I also fill 4 with water, and then the bath, if we loose power, as no water tank in this house 
    Have a look at the QLD gov cyclone prep list, give you an idea of what to do.

    Sorry for the long post.
    Cheers
    Ken


  • tussuck
    tussuck
    5 years ago
    Quoting Ken in Cairns on 05 Feb 2020 12:35 AM

    Get a decent generator and change over switch bloodog.

    The panels turn off when you lose the power, so they don't back feed into the grid.
    Depending on where you are will determine how likely it is for long blackout periods.
    Redlynch Valley lost it for 4 1/2 days were as my daughter in Redlynch centrallost it for 3 hrs.

    I have a 2 kw genny not enough to run A/C but will run fridge, freezer, lights and fans etc.

    Same here but 3KVA.  We had a switch instaled on the switchboard that I throw and its swaps between the mains supply and the Gen.
    Works a treat and has paid for itself after 2 uses.
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