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[NSW] 7.26kw Solar System (6KW Growatt Inverter + 7.26kw Jinko Panels) $4391 @ Captain Green

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[NSW] 7.26kw Solar System (6KW Growatt Inverter + 7.26kw Jinko Panels) $4391 @ Captain Green
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Bellpop on 11/04/2020 - 20:55 captaingreen.com.au (750 clicks)
Last edited 11/04/2020 - 21:09

AGL just got back to me and let me know I can export up to 10KW back to the grid on my single phase power connection. Bit of a game changer. Especially when paired with the AGL 21c FIT. So I did a few hours’ research on some systems with > 5kw inverters and thought I should share this deal from Captain Green. They’re based in Sydney but seem to service a large area of NSW.

I know those in the solar business are very quick to judge any company who isn’t them, this Captain Green company has excellent reviews on Solar Quotes and are recommended by the website itself. On top of that, I’ve got friends who have had installs from them and been very happy with the installation quality.

The deal is $4391 (random number, right) for:

6KW Growatt single phase Inverter
7.26KW (22 x 330w) Jinko Mono Perc Half Cell Solar Panels
Fully installed.

I was going to pay $6,500 for a very similar system, but have requested this instead.

Hope it helps someone else out there :)

Home & Garden Solar Energy System

Related Stores

captaingreen.com.au
captaingreen.com.au

closed Comments

  • Mikinoz on 11/04/2020 - 20:59

    Why is it a game changer? Solar newb here, does this mean you pay almost nothing?

    • Bellpop on 11/04/2020 - 21:01
      +1

      Usually there’s an artificial 5kw limit to the amount of power you can export back to the grid (and be paid for). For some reason, some areas and with some electricity retailers, this limit is lifted. I can’t explain why sorry. Perhaps infrastructure, I’m not sure. I’m sure someone can give a better answer.

      • Olli on 12/04/2020 - 08:54
        +2

        Well the 10kva inverter size and 5kva export limit was introduced some time ago. This is pretty much a standard grid application where you would get approved instantly and no accessmemt is done by the grid operator. You can apply for what ever you want. If it is diffrent from the standard you will. Go through a technical assessment by utility where you might be approved for a full 10kva export system depending on your local infrastructure/ loading of transformer etc. . No real gamechanger, just basic facts

        Apart from that there are better companies out there just saying, for that price you can't expect much

        • mito on 12/04/2020 - 10:53
          +1

          Can you recommend some of these companies?

  • nico8amy on 11/04/2020 - 21:07
    +1

    Which state and what area do they server?

    • Bellpop on 11/04/2020 - 21:09

      NSW

  • crazym0nkey on 11/04/2020 - 21:10

    The banner says Sydney special…

    • Shoocat on 11/04/2020 - 21:24

      It also says "offer ends 31/3/2020"…

  • lgacb08 on 11/04/2020 - 21:33
    +2

    there's a poster on whirlpool asking opinion about similar deal from this company I think, but he got offered older 290w panel so you probably need to make sure you got in writing from them that they won't do bait and switch you to older lower specs panel (quality might not be an issue but roof space and aesthetic might be). I knew a couple of people short on roof space and signed up for mass installer and got less than ideal system specs due to that, one of the guy only managed to got less than 5kw system (panel, not inverter specs) whilst the next door neighbour who share mirrored roof space got full 6.6kw system installed.

    • Bellpop on 11/04/2020 - 21:48

      Can you please post the URL if possible? Keen to take a deep dive on all the deals/offers to get the right system so I can then just forget about it once it’s installed without feeling guilty about not researching to the max.

      This deal definitely says 330w Jinko panels. Jinko being a pretty well rated company.

      • lgacb08 on 11/04/2020 - 22:40

        Sorry it was a different company, all green to me lol, but the link is here if you need

  • chuneeperformance on 11/04/2020 - 21:55

    Captain green is renowned for bad customer service and warranty… I'm a customer and could not be any worse…

    If you deal with these cowboys be prepared to lose money getting the system audited and corrected under CEC regulation as they Sub contract to businesses that work cheap and rip you off

    Stick to a local installer that has better support and warranty with their installs and paper work.

    • Bellpop on 11/04/2020 - 21:59

      What was the issue with your install? They’ve had 381 4 and 5 star reviews on solar quotes and an average of 4.5 stars overall. Sure every business can make mistakes, but surely those stats give a better overall picture than an outlier?

      • donkcat on 11/04/2020 - 22:07
        +3

        The solar industry is rife with fake reviews, even shoddy companies seem to have great reviews on solarquotes. I’d recommend just going over the negative reviews and seeing if there is any consistency. Note I know nothing about this company.

        • Bellpop on 11/04/2020 - 22:09

          Haha true. But I thought solar quotes have ‘verified’ reviews and were the gold standard in recommendations. Anyway, yeah I agree there are lots of fake reviews everywhere but I traveled through a lot of them and that at least seem legit

          • [Deactivated] on 12/04/2020 - 08:37

            @Bellpop: Solarquotes earns commissions on sales they push you to, they don't even list all installers, just the ones that will pay them. You should take their reviews with a refinery of salt. Unless of course you're associated…

  • thedragon on 11/04/2020 - 23:55
    +2

    Didn’t you have solar installed last year by SPN? Are these guys better?

    • Bellpop on 12/04/2020 - 09:35

      Well picked up. I moved house. And yep, was really happy with SPN.

  • kulprit on 12/04/2020 - 05:44

    I also think you should check again with AGL. Yes you can have a 10kW system installed on a single phase, but I think they will export limit you to 5kW.

    • revivor on 12/04/2020 - 08:15

      On single phase, you will be limited to 5kW. You can install a 100kw panel but on single phase you'll still be limited to 5kw.
      Obviously these guys are trying to rip you off.

      "As a general rule (and as per the new AS/NSZ 4777 standard) most networks will allow system sizes as per the below:

      Single phase connection (most homes): Up to 5 kilowatts (5kW, or sometimes listed as 5kVA)
      Three-phase connection (some homes and many businesses): Up to 30kW (30kVA)"

      • Olli on 12/04/2020 - 08:58

        Not true, if you can wait you can apply for more than what is covered under a normal grid application and go through a technical assessment…

      • RockyRaccoon on 12/04/2020 - 09:33

        To add to what Olli says, keep in mind the higher output system can be maxed out at 5Kw, but its not for most of the day.

        My 6Kw system max's out for around an hour of the day (midday) , at other times having a larger system means I get higher output than a 5kw system.

        Sorta like this

             5KW        6KW

        9am 2KW 2.8KW
        11am 4KW 5KW
        Noon 5KW 5KW
        2pm 3.5KW 4.4KW

        (Not exactly, but this will explain the concept)

        At 21c Feedin Tariff the 6KW system would be quite cost beneficial.

        So dont focus on the loss at the peak production time, look what it averages for the whole day

    • tunzafun001 on 12/04/2020 - 11:02

      This 5kw limit is going to need to change, and very soon. EV cars are taking off. Everyone is going to need 3-7kw+ just to charge the car. So let's say 7kw for the car, 2kw for the AC, 1kw for the fridge and you are already at 10kw.

      Grid needs to get their $hit together and keep up.

      • kulprit on 12/04/2020 - 11:30

        You can have 10kW per phase. But you can only export 5kW

        • tunzafun001 on 12/04/2020 - 18:13

          Yeah, I mean more about the gauge of wiring throughout the grid. Houses are going to start drawing a lot more current and the 5kw bottleneck coming in is going to leave them well short of a demand. Even 10kw (from the example above) is very marginal.

          Guess the grid days are coming to an end and community/battery banks will be the norm.

  • ChmpgneTasteBeerBdgt on 12/04/2020 - 06:11
    +6

    Yup, agree with thedragon above, something doesn't add up. OP (bellpop) was installed in October 2019 with Solar Power Nation, then last month responds to a negative comment about SPN, saying they were great and they've paid SPN a deposit on another install on a new house. Now they've just posted this deal and makes no mention of previous experience with SPN and the install date they were meant to receive on the 12th of March?

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/8433478/redir

    • thedragon on 12/04/2020 - 08:03
      +5

      I could be wrong, but I feel like this guy may have links in the solar panel industry.

      • Bellpop on 12/04/2020 - 13:59

        I honestly don’t. But I do research like a madman before I buy something f.

    • lgacb08 on 12/04/2020 - 08:16

      Oops, just sold the house and bought another one. Come on guys, what's wrong with trying to help the economy during this time?

    • sharkfan12 on 12/04/2020 - 08:33
      +1

      Surely there's nothing dodgy going on in the solar industry? Sometimes I think the home insulation industry had more integrity

    • Bellpop on 12/04/2020 - 09:38

      ThTs true. SPN installer guy came out and said the job is too big (two story). Btw nice detective work!

      • ChmpgneTasteBeerBdgt on 12/04/2020 - 09:52

        Haha no detective work, I was the one that replied to your post last month hence why I was surprised to see you were the OP of this deal. Thanks for the clarification

        Back to the actual listed bargain, in your opinion since you had the SPN deal listed below installed, was the now expired 6.6kw Huawei inverter/330w Canadian Solar offer by SPN a better deal than this one? I dont know enough about solar, so keen to know why this might be superior.
        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/467590

        • Bellpop on 12/04/2020 - 10:20

          So I ended up going with Hauwei 5kw inverter and Rosen panels are the old house. We knew we would sell within a couple of years, so I went with SPN because I wasn’t worried about after sales service and wanted to increase the ‘green appeal’ of our house at sale. That said it was also a great system. Bills always in credit and hauwei support was amazing for the voltage issue we had.

          Now at the new house I’m more concerned about long term support. So looking at brands with a more long term presence but also (as an ozbargainer) looking for a good deal. It’s a tough balance as reputable companies tend to charge about twice as much. And to be honest I don’t think the right decision is as clear cut as the people who own smaller companies would have you believe.

          Interestingly when I first started researching Solar Quotes was the gold standard for advice. Now everyone seems to be even wary of Solar Quotes. As someone said here, take everything anyone says with a refiners of salt.

          My general plan is to purchase good brand stuff backed by a reputable company with an australian office for warranty support and hope whoever you go with doesn’t do a shitty job on the install. FWIW the SPN install last year was perfect (as confirmed by an electrician mate), which has made buying system 2.0 even more tricky because saving $3000 to spend on envelops by going with a company like SPN is always an attractive prospect.

          • tunzafun001 on 12/04/2020 - 10:57

            @Bellpop: My advice would be get a quality inverter, cheap panels. I have 8 year old premium Q cells. 1 in 5 has significant shorts/ 'snail trails'. No warranty claim, as everyone in the chain blaims the other. SMA inverter hasn't missed a beat.

            Now the panels in 8 years are old tech (255w vs 350w, not half cell etc etc). The inverter on the other hand is still as good as any. It exports 5kw max grid limit, 2 MPPTs. Nothing has really changed (except for hybrid battery inverters), but you can connect the SMA to an AC coupled battery anyway.

            That being said, if you are thinking an EV car, you will be dumping that 5kw inverter, or adding another.

          • donkcat on 12/04/2020 - 11:02

            @Bellpop: Yeah I agree with what you're saying. I went with the highly regarded local installer and even recommended him onto friends and family and to be frank his communication is terrible, it goes from weeks of hearing nothing to "I'm coming tomorrow to do the install". I just hope there aren't actual issues later down the track because I think it will be some jumping through hoops to get him back. It's a tough time to be purchasing solar atm given the current state, I imagine that some big and small won't survive this recession we are about to go through which like you said probably puts extra need to ensure the components are quality with an Australian office.

            • Bellpop on 12/04/2020 - 11:24

              @donkcat: Yeah, clearly there’s an army of local installers beating their drum about paying a premium being the way to go because they’re going to be around in the long run. It’s like saying your local pizza restaurant which charges $30 for a large pizza will be around in five years as opposed to dominos just because one has scaled their business to be bigger and be more efficient.

              I can see both sides of the argument, but don’t think think there’s a hard and fast rule to buying the right system from the right business.

      • donkcat on 12/04/2020 - 10:15
        +1

        That's a bit ridiculous that one of the largest solar retailers in the country claims the job is too big, another reason to stick clear of SPN.

        • Bellpop on 12/04/2020 - 10:21

          I think too big for the quoted price. Since it was a sub contractor I think they thought of how much he was getting and how big the job looked.

          • donkcat on 12/04/2020 - 10:27

            @Bellpop: They shouldn’t offer quotes if they are unwilling to honor them

  • drprox on 12/04/2020 - 08:39

    Is this that good a deal? I went with solargain recently who were fantastic and got a fronius inverter and better panels for a little more. This seems about right after rebate and STC sale…

  • kei on 12/04/2020 - 08:56

    I have solar installed with captain green. Here are my advice for first solar buyers.

    1. Research the solar system you want. (String / microinverter)
    2. Ask alot of questions.
    3. Get the sales rep to come out and inspect the place for any unforeseen extra costs.
    4. Make sure they can fit the exact amount of solar panels on the roof as promised.
    5. Prepare spare roof tiles if you have tiles for roof.
    6. Make sure you have a good location for the inverter. (Extra costs for moving it further away from the switch board).

    For my system, I went with a microinverter setup due to my roof layout. Also moved the inverter into the garage.
    Happy with captain green so far, I'm a tech savvy guy so I know my stuff. For other people it can be daunting and they get screwed over by the sales rep and left hanging. Make sure to ask questions and maybe visit their showroom to see the panels and inverters.

    • Olli on 12/04/2020 - 09:00
      +1

      How do you move your inverter into the garage if you have micro inverters,that does not Make sense.

      • RockyRaccoon on 12/04/2020 - 09:42
        +2

        Probably means they are not a Solar rep in disguise.

        Confusing the Network Control box for the system with an "inverter". In my installation this being The Enphase IQ Envoy.

        • Olli on 12/04/2020 - 17:49

          😂

      • kei on 14/04/2020 - 20:17

        Sorry I had the solaredge inverter with power optimisers as the system setup. It's been 3 years ago my memory got confused as both power optimisers and micro inverters have the same feature except one has an inverter installed while the other are all in one module attached to the panels.

  • scottySK on 25/04/2020 - 10:18

    Anyone know how much extra they'd likely charge for double story tiled roof with 3 phase power? Guessing the price skyrockets..

    • Bellpop on 25/04/2020 - 11:22
      +1

      Got three phase 10kw fronius inverter and 36 x 350w Longi panels for $7050 installed

      • scottySK on 25/04/2020 - 17:32

        Through Captain Green or elsewhere? Seems a good price

        • Bellpop on 25/04/2020 - 18:01

          Local company. Yeah, I researched for so long (too long). They’ve been to the house. They seem nice. Have positive reviews on solar quotes.

          • scottySK on 25/04/2020 - 18:06

            @Bellpop: I'm in western Sydney, care to share company details via dm if they service out that way?

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