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[VIC] 6.6kW Solar System - 20 * 330W Qcell Peak Duo G5+ Panels with Fronius 5kW Inverter, Fully Installed $7200 @ Sparkin Energy

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Back in OZ Bargain after a while. Frankly We are still getting enquiries from the last post :). A big thank you to the community

Qcell Peak Duo G5+ panels come with a 25 year product warranty and one of the highest efficiencies in the market. combined with a fronius , this would be a solid gear and great output. Price after VIC Rebate and loan would be $3424

Price mentioned is before the VIC Rebate and Interest free loan. Current VIC Govt rebate is at $1888 and the also provide an interest free loan of $1888 repayable in 4 years( works out to about $40 a month)

We also have the following packages available

6.6KW system using LONGI 315W Half cut mono perc (10 year product warranty) with Fronius 5 KW for $5700
6.6KW system with latest LONGI 370W half cut (12 year product warranty) with Fronius 5 KW for $6000
6.6KW system using LONGI 315W Half cut mono perc (10 year product warranty) with Huawei 5 KW for $5300
6.6KW system using LONGI 315W Half cut mono perc (10 year product warranty) with Sungrow 5 KW for $5000

The super budget option would be a
6.6KW using Risen 315W panels(10 year product warranty) and Growatt 5 KW inverter for $4300

All prices mentioned above are incl of GST and before the VIC Rebate or Interest free loan

We are an accredited installer(CEC ACCREDITATION NUMBER- A6009188) and retailer serving in and around melbourne

current wait times for install is about 2-3 weeks. Post installation paperwork could take upto 3-4 weeks due to the inspections delays

Please find our prices for reviews and conditions in previous deals.

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/474473
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/422231
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/407158
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/433944

Feel free to call on 0449237187 or email on [email protected]

Price mentioned is for single storey tiled/colorbond roof within 40ks from CBD. card charges 1.5% apply, Bank transfer and card payments accepted

extras

Terracotta roof : $200 + spare tiles
Double Storey : $200
Fuse based switchboard : $100
Single phase Fronius Smart meter : $250
3 phase inverter upgrade : $400
Safety Guard rail mandatory as per worksafe vic(Prices below)
Double storey Tile Roof : $400
Double storey screwed in Tin Roof : $700(Other model tin roof to be quoted on inspection)

Related Stores

Sparkin Energy
Sparkin Energy

closed Comments

  • What are your prices for German or Austrian panels? I've heard negative opinions on the Chinese panels, mainly with warranty stories.

    • Other than SolarWatt, there is no german panel maker to my knowledge and even they entered only in 2017. as always there is a cheap chinese and reputed chinese

      LG comes with the best in class warranty but also the most expensive

      LONGI,jinko and canadian solar are chinese made and Qcell is more korean.
      We havent had issues with any warranty claims till date

      • Are QCells not engineered in Germany?

        Sorry my original question should have been prices on a 10kw system, using QCells.

        • +1

          Not anymore (Chinese made) and when they were German made they were rubbish. See my rant below.

    • +1

      European made panel was thing of the past, just like American made iphone, best you can get in the market is either sunpower maxeon and lg neon.

      • Afaik QCells are engineered there

        • They’re manufactured in either China or South Korea, depending on the panel.

    • +1

      For what it's worth. I have 8yr old 255w Q Cells that were originally made in Germany. 1 in 4 are already knackered. They have 'snail trail/ hotspots' throughout and cause ground faults shutting down the inverter every time it rains. Q Cell have no interest in fullfilling the warranty as they blaim the installer, who no longer exists. Clearly product defects… supposedly high quality German..they are rubbish.

      I have just signed up to replace them with the cheapest panel I could find in a decent 325w+ output. Expect to do the same in a few years, but will probably be 500w+ panels by then.

      • Thanks, I was looking into them as I heard their warranty was legit compared to Longi who asked a mate to send his back to China to get tested (at his expense) They sound like they're all as dodgy as each other.

        • +1

          Correct. I think if the installer still existed and went in to bat for you (which mine still do but under a different name and only do solar hotwater now and want nothing to do with it), then Q cell might come to the party. But my photos and a DC clamp test wasnt enough…

          And I promised Q cell I'll be sure to pass on this information at every social media opportunity I get..and I just got another ;)

  • Victoria only?

    Safety Guard rail mandatory as per worksafe vic

    And so how much is this? is it included in the quoted price already as it is mandatory?

    Thanks.

    • We serve in and around melbourne upto 150Kms from CBD for VIC only.

      The guard rails for double storey isnt included in the mentioned price since the price mentioned is for single storey. The price for guard rails depends on the roof type and is mentioned in the bottom of the ad with other extras

      • +1

        Ah okay, so the $400 and $700 prices are for the guard rails. Thanks for clarifying. It'd be helpful and clearer if the formatting can be adjusted to as below, but I'm just nitpicking.

        Safety Guard rail mandatory as per WorkSafe VIC:
        - Double storey Tile Roof : $400
        - Double storey screwed in Tin Roof : $700(Other model tin roof to be quoted on inspection)

        Good luck =)

        • Thanks for that. have tried to do it now :)

      • Tunzafun001 just changed my mind. Thanks Tanzafun001, I was considering it, but when you shared your experience - leaving this deal and not looking back. Cheers

        • If Qcell is the issue, we could always look at other panel options

  • OP, what the changes in VIC for rebates?

    • +1

      The current vic rebates are $1888 and an interest free loan of $1888 repayable in 4 years(works out to about $40 a month)

  • +1

    How's this a deal? Is it excluding the gov rebates? What would be the price after gov rebates and loan?

    • Thanks for pointing it out. I have updated the post with the details. The rebate and loan together work out to $3776. SO the immediate out of pocket would be $3424

  • Hey op, I previously installed the Fronius + Longi 6.6kW package from you back in Nov 2018 but I didn't add the smart meter. How much does it cost to add that in now?

    BTW, these guys are highly recommended. :)

    • I think it depends on your provider afaik, some charge some do not. I know AGL do not charge, does anyone know if Enova charge for a smart meter?

      • +1

        2 different smart meters. He's talking about the fronius one that reports consumption, you are referencing the provider one that can be remotely read to send you a bill.

    • It costs $250. please send me a text and we can do it for you

  • A note for the future, looks like a good deal, but probably stick the state it's available in

    with [VIC] in the title.

    I will say that having done a fair amount of research and quotes for solar, it's useful to get a realistic cost for parts and labour, because you can get a better sense of the split between hardware and labour/install and maintenance, especially when system quotes can vary between $4k and $14k on the same ~20 panel 5kw home.

    Especially when the quote provided, isn't coming from the installer, they're often different businesses, seemingly or literally.

  • +4

    I'm giving this deal an upvote for honesty and transparency.

  • Whats the difference between

    Q-Cells 330W Q.Maxx G5 Tier 1 Solar Panels (12-year Product & 25-year Performance Warranty) and Qcell 330 Peak Duo G5+? Which one is better?

    • Not much functional differences from a performance stand point but the G5+ comes with 25 year product warranty as against the 12 year of Q Maxx.

      Guess anyday a 25 year warranty is better for peace of mind

    • Very similar panel.

      Q.maxx is manufactured in China, whereas the duo is manufactured in South Korea. Though I’d say the q.maxx is the better panel. It’s cheaper, but is a newer generation of panel. But realistically, nobody will notice any performance difference between the two. You can pay more for for the product warranty if you really want it, but I’d just go for the q maxx.

    • +1

      Caution, see my rant about Qcells above. These days you want a panel with half cut/ blade cells as a minimum. Suggest adding Tigo controllers and any shade/aerial/ chimney issues won't exist.

      • So would you think their alternative deal these guys have would be a better alternative.

        6.6KW system with latest LONGI 370W half cut (12 year product warranty) with Fronius 5 KW for $6000.

        Would Longi as a brand be just as good as Q-Cells - has anyone has any issues with Longi panels?

        • Got Longi panels. They’re great

        • Have used Longi half cut in the industry (I work in solar) before. They are good and definitely should get the job done for a resi sized system.

  • +2

    I used Sparkin Energy in Jan 2019 to install the Longi panels and Fronius inverter.

    Very happy with the workmanship and flexibility (I requested invert in garage which required additional wiring, which was met with no fuss). Ash and the team on the day were very friendly and did a great job.

    Communication/paperwork was a little lacking back then - ie takes a few goes getting replies to emails/text messages, but that's because at the time they were starting out going direct to customers, previously a subcontractor to larger solar retailers.

    If you want a honest job, with maybe not the cheapest price, but definitely quality gear (ie you can get it cheaper, but use cheaper panels and inverter), then give these guys a go.

    I did 3 other quotes with other companies, and none came close to Sparkin Energy.

  • +2

    These folks have done a good job in a place I know ( more than an year ago)

  • I've seen a lot of deals for 6.6kw systems, is this the magic number or limit?
    Would this be adequate for someone with higher bills?
    $1300, $1100, $600, $600, $800, $800 are my last 6 (2 monthly) bills.

    • +1

      You can put a maximum 6.6kw on a 5kw inverter, so anything bigger than that will see a jump in price as you’ll need a bigger inverter.

    • +1

      It depends on the electricity distributor. IN VIC most distributors allow a max of 5 KW export limit on single phase and 15 kw export limit on 3 phase.

      United energy allows 10 KW export on single phase and 30 KW export on 3 phase.

      We can also install a bigger size system with export limit of 5 kw for customers with higher bill.

      Our todays install is a 10.5KW panels with 8.2KW fronius. Please do call me to discuss your exact requirements

  • "6.6KW system with latest LONGI 370W half cut (12 year product warranty) with Fronius 5 KW for $6000"

    So this alternative deal you have is $1,200 cheaper.. How do you find the Longi Panels? Is the QCells much better?

    Btw, how long have you been in business for as a Solar installer? Do you handle all warranty claims?

    • +2

      We have had excellent results with LONGI while not as great as Qcell but it is very close to that. I personally have recommended and sold lot more LONGI then Qcell .

      a comparison of the data sheets shows the difference to be very very less

      We have been in the industry for 10 years now and handle all the warranty claims in house to start with. Our workmanship also comes with a 10 year warranty.

  • I couldnt find this price in ACT. Good price OP. Let me know if you serve in ACT.

    • Wish we did but we are installers and based in Melbourne

    • I would like an honest recommendation for the ACT as well

      • I have got a few quotes but it seems they are charging extra for Canberra tax.

  • 1 last question. In regards to the different panels of 315kw panels vs 330 vs 370… - the assumption is that they are the same physical size, so the higher the number, the less roof space I require. Is this a correct or wrong assumption?

    • yes they are all almost the same physical size. Think of it as improvements or next generation panels. 315 came first then 330 and now 370. The 370 has just been launched as an improvement to 350W and the stock is available from Monday

      • How does the Longi panels compare to the Qcells from longevity point of view? Any performance issues you've had since installing both?

    • +2

      Depends. The cell count (60 /72 cells) should give a rough size for each "rack", ie how much roof space 6 panels takes up. Most are within a few cm of each other.

      72 cells also have some more expensive install costs, And some larger panels won't fit on some racks, the part that anchors the panel to the roof.

      Generally the cheaper panel has the best overall benefit. The real world difference between 295w and 330w is minimal on a rainy day, or cloud cover.

      And within a frequent overcast winter, more panels = more power rather than having stronger panels "capable of" 365/370w that cost double but only deliver 110-190w during winter, where the 310w can deliver 105w, but cost 1/3 the price. There's a lot going on, and some premium brands can be better for winter than summer, which is why you can pay more for a 10% to 25% boost in winter/autumn, cloudy weather.

      There's some intangibles, and some people mix different panels to take advantage of weather, and shade, and unusual roof sizes that can't fit regular panels.

      different brands will have different dimensions and frame thicknesses. Similar parts, but they won't line up on a rack, and you don't want a 20-25kg slab falling apart or coming loose if you have different sizes mixed together. Check some of the US installers for curious and strange ideas.

      You can get software/websites to map and plan this for you, and they account for the oddball installs as well.

      If you want to mix them up, you can…

      But they need to be managed by optimisers or micro-inverter type boxes, or you can have dual MPPT with 2 strings (fronius primo, and some of the Chinese models), but that needs to be worked out because of the voltages when you have different brands or different sizes of panels on separate strings. Dual string also let's you have East/North or East/West, etc.

      But it can get expensive to support the extra costs needed.

      • Wow.. a lot of info. I assume the OP has taken into account the racks etc, when providing those pricing for the different type of panels..

        So if I was to get a solar system now and have enough roof space, you're saying for bang for your buck and value (and quality) and looks,

        6.6KW system using LONGI 315W Half cut mono perc (10 year product warranty) with Fronius 5 KW for $5700 would be best.

        • +4

          if youre a complete beginner, here's a decent Solar 101 guide, watch it a few times https://youtu.be/-ijFjDgHF4g

          The guy who gives you the quote will often have a website design tool like Nearmap, 99.99% will use Nearmap as it's useful to get the basics down.

          https://youtu.be/SQ9ph5lDjRs

          The benefit is, you don't need to go up on the roof to build a proposal, so you can plan ahead of time.

          Nearmap is a pricey subscription service which handles a lot of technical jargon, but delivers a design report, which will simplify the complex parts into a series of graphs, plans and tests for feasibility, As well as the all-important payback timeframes based on your energy consumption bills.

          Here's a kind of demo of an upscaled NearMap using OpenSolar, which adds onto the Nearmap basics and gives you flashier reports and easier-to-understand repayment/finance info too. https://youtu.be/CUh664Wj3JY

          Design is mostly automated these days.

          A series of "google maps images" get the basic roof size, angles and location/weather, then you work out the shade and sun exposure, the website plans out nearly everything else, and NearMap also has access to satellite imagery from different months/days to look at winter/summer sun and exposure/brightness for a proposed install.

          From there, you can plan out the size, cost and performance, and what you can actually fit on your roof area. Most installers prefer a simple bank or string of panels with an inverter, less can go wrong, and the install is nice and quick.

          If you don't have an ordinary roof, things get complicated.

          Normally, you just take panels out for problem areas, like chimneys, TV antennas, etc. If your roof is flat, you will need to angle them about 10' to avoid dust/leaves, which is an angled kind of mount/rack. Since the angle relies on your location, the planner can work out angled racks and compare the price/performances for the full install and how much the change actually is, since a 5' difference can be $80/year or $900/year. YMMV.

          if it resembles a failed attempt at the Sydney Opera House, you probably need to get a more sophisticated design tool to figure out how to get the most morning/evening and day exposure with the most panels, Sometimes even mounting the panels horizontally, which gets expensive and adds new kinds of problems.

          Strings, make things easy, and less can go wrong. These panels are up for 10+ years without being looked at, so simple = best.

          The downside is that you can have problems and never notice. Newer/smarter inverters have internet feedback and monitor home consumption/usage, so they can send emails when they stop working, but they can also switch on appliances when you have excess solar with smart plugs, or specialised relays. SMA, Fronius and SolarEdge have different options, i think Goodwe does too.

          Dual String or Dual MPPT inverters can handle morning/afternoon groups of panels on a morning side and afternoon side, as long as you check the design can work. Some inverters can handle a bigger range of mis-match between 2 strings, so you can have a morning/afternoon string and a daytime string with uneven numbers of panels, based on the idea that the east-west morning/afternoon string with 12 panels and the daytime string with 8 panels, won't be too mis-matched during the day.

          If you have shade problems, there's 4 options: 1, remove the panel and leave a gap, as it will be more effective than dealing with the problem.

          2, Local optimisers, which you put under the suspect panels in the shade area, each optimiser will try to keep the proper voltage or boost the voltage. SMA uses this option, they don't advertise it much because it's cheaper not to install a panel where there's shade, than spend $1000 to mitigate shade. YMMV.

          3, Solaredge Optimisers & inverters converts each panel to a lower voltage with higher Amps (thicker cables too) , so each panel doesn't drag down the entire string. There's still a $2500 inverter on the wall, but it can also handle more panels and in different orientations, as long as it balances out. They have their own design website, but it's free (not for beginners, https://youtu.be/dAVVd3kmefI)

          4, Enphase IQ7 Micro-Inverters just convert the solar power from each panel, into house-usable AC power from each panel, which then gets fed into a relay and control box which controls each panel's output. Enphase ends up being the most expensive option because 8x micro-inverters can sometimes cost more than an inverter, and each micro-inverter can cost more than the solar panel it's attached to. If you have less than 8 panels, it ends up being about the same, but you can add more panels and more micro-inverters later on (you won't get the rebates though), they just have to be branched to the same control-box.

          you can do some of this research yourself if you have free time, as there's a lot of design tools that are free to use, or have trial periods. It won't get you a Full Quote, it will estimate and give you a good estimate if you want to try a few options or see what options are there.

          SMA, SolarEdge and a few other web design/quote tools are out there, you don't need to pay $10-$400 for a design, if it's just to see what's possible. The only downside is that you won't have an idea of how expensive the panels and inverters are… because they change price depending on suppliers.

          A good price estimate is $1200, to $2800 for a high end 5kw soilar inverter, and $180 to $380 for a panel before STC rebates, around $0.36/w to $1.40/w (the infamous LG NeON2's which are premium panels). Optimisers are $90 to $110 each, Micro-Inverters are $200 or so. With the price changes since March/April, I have no idea what it will actually cost you in reality. If you find a really good installer, they can also source Optimiser-Panels which have SolarEdge built-in (very rare), or Enphase Built-In (even more rare), which can offset some of the expense if you need it.

          As for rebates, that's a whole different topic, but it gets worked out in the quote. And Batteries are a whole different discussion which can help if you have to deal with electric heating/cooking and Peak / ToU tariff rates. Otherwise, it's not feasible

  • +2

    Makes my 10.89kw Solar with 8.2kW Fronius Primo Inverter & 33 x Jinko Cheetah panels seem like an absolute bargain for $4935 out of pocket after rebates. Getting it installed tomorrow.

    Also in Melbourne.

    • Share to us how?

    • Share to us when

    • Jinko and Qcell arent in the same league to compare. is the $4935 after the interest free loan or before?

      • Are Longi and QCell in the same league?

      • 4935 is excluding the interest free loan, only paying just over 3k for install, rest over 48 months.

        • +1

          That price is crazy. There must be close to no margin on it.

    1. Do I need to have 3-phase power to the house and 3-phase meter already installed?
    2. If I only have single phase installation can I still get the solar system with its full efficiency?
    3. If I only have a single phase to the house, do you upgrade to 3-phase? How much would that be?
      Is there anything else I should know or ask?
    • You dont need 3 phase power or any upgrade to install solar. depending on your adress you might be allowed 10 KW of export. Most power distributors allow 5 KW export. so we can install even a bigger system with export limit depending on your usage/bills. Please fell free to call me to discuss. Alternatively please send me an email with the photo of the switchboard and your latest electricity bill for me to advice the best option

  • Just emailed for a quote.

  • +1

    Thoughts on Sunpower?

    • Great kit, best in market. I work in the industry and have a high view of these panels. Fairly dear, but you get what you pay for.

      Bankable long term warranty also.

    • one of the best gear you can get.

  • Hi OP, the prices look good. Just wondering what the 6.6KW using Risen 315W panels(10 year product warranty) and Growatt 5 KW inverter for $4300 will be after rebate and loan? Is it a straight forward $4300-$3776?

    Just wondering how different the output will be between the systems. I am in a single storey, tin roof house, with minimal electricity consumption (household of 2).

    • In most cases it is a straight 4300-3776. But I will have to do an individual quote to assess your situation. Output difference would definitely be there during cloudy and winter days. But it is a good budget system and should suffice your requirement I guess.please email me to discuss further

  • Hi, just wondering once you have applied for and got approved for the rebate, within how much time do you have to install the system in? Thanks

    • The installer worries about the rebate, you don’t need to do anything

      • Thanks. Just wasn't sure if it needed to be installed within a certain period of time. In my circumstance, I will be eligible for the rebate this financial year but not the next year's so I'd need to apply now but won't be able to do the install for a few months still as panels would go up on a roof of an home extension not yet complete. Cheers

        • Solar VIC gives 120 days to install. Due to the covid situation, they have extended upto 180 days . So we should be able to work it out.

          • @SunSpark: Thanks sounds good. I'll be in touch. Had a look at the website and it seems like applications have slowed down, there was lots of availability left whereas I remember looking last year and they were being exhausted really quickly.

  • Noob question, but do these Fronius inverters come with the ability to remotely monitor usage/efficiency using an app?

    • +1

      Yep

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