Hi All.
I am thinking of installing solar in my house. Anyone has recent experience whether there's still government subsidy, the size, etc? Appreciate it in advance
Interested in Installing Solar in Victoria
Lphilliphs on 02/06/2016 - 16:39
Comments
All in all solar is useless, trust me on this :)(rebates, feed in tariff, etc… are too low and the products arnt that great)
However, if you would like me to go over your bill to see if there are any benefits, feel free to message me I worked in the industry for many years.
The trick with solar is to use it when you produce it.
I got myself a split system.
1.5KW north facing (morning and day time)
1.5Kw west facing (daytime and evening)That way I get decent coverage.
Also use high power electric devices when you generate solar.
Eg washing machine, vaccuum etc when the sun shines.
I use washing machine with timer, washes during day finished when I get home, or weekends.
Don't use 2 high powered devices at the same time.
Use energy saving devices eg LED lights and reduce power consumption at night where possible.
Overall I safe about $1000 per year compared to before.
with a $4500 investment I look for a break even after 7 years.How do you work that out. You save $1k in a year, cost $4.5k. Isn't that break even after 4.5years?
Anyhow, if the life span of solar panels is 25yrs and the break even is 7 years, you'll be ahead for the next 18years won't you?
I do agree that you need to be able to store what you generate or use it at the time to make it work for you right now. We've just installed a 4kw system, like above split 2 on north, 2 on west facing roof. Still working out how to make the best of it, but already considering getting an add on that will allow excess generated power to be pushed into the (currently) off peak hot water (10c tariff) not back to the grid (6c paid). Will need to consider to cost benefit though.
If you invest the $4.5k lets say you get 4%=5% if offset against home loan that is about 20% over 5 years.
The exact figures depend anyway on many factors.
So most quoted figure is around 7 years payback conservative.Variables:
+ increase in electricity price
+ change in usage pattern just through awareness
- aging of panels
- possible decrease in feedback charge over time
…Fair enough. It's a good thing I'm not in finance then!
Panels lasting 25 years lol, you definitely been sold a great lie by the sales rep.
Oh and btw once you supplier knows you have solar your cents poer kw they charge increases too.
Thanks. 7 years break even doesn't seem to justify the investment IMO. I may have to rethink this.
Batteries will be the game changer. Give it a year or two and then revisit your options.
Ask your electricity retailer for smart meter data, in csv excel format.
You can see what your power usage is during the daytime when the sun is shining.
Use this to help size up your solar needs. Unless you can shift your power usage to take advantage of solar generating period (timed appliances), no reason to go larger. You will get a measly FIT back from power company for exported power.
Considering the amount of calls I get for the rebate from gentlemen named John and Bob with suspiciously pakistani accents I would infer the rebate is still around. However unless you have people home during the day or an effective way to store the power for many people solar isn't worth it.