Solar Deal Question for Noob, Opinion Needed

shroomish on 08/12/2020 - 15:28

Solar Noob here..

Ive been quoted this but would like a review in terms of current value.

DC Optimiser System
SolarEdge Inverter – 12 Years manufacturer’s Warranty – BATTERY READY
Full WIFI monitoring inbuilt to provide Consumption and Production monitoring. Individual panel monitoring.
Ability for us to monitor your system remotely, alerts if anything was to go wrong resulting in a quick and easy fix.
18 x Optimisers – Gives the panels the ability to work individually to create a more efficient system – String Systems as above work in series so if one panel is effected so are the rest
18 x JINKO 370W Cheetah Panels – 12 Years Manufactures Warranty – 25 years performance warranty
$7000 Before Vic Rebate
-$1,850 Solar Vic Rebate for 2020
-$1,850 Solar Vic Finance – 4yr Interest Free Loan (optional)
= $3300 Due on installation

Deal or no deal?

Home & Garden Solar Energy System

Comments

  • Caped Baldy on 08/12/2020 - 15:45
    +1

    I went with something very similar (same panels and but only 14) and will be getting money from AGL. Mine was a similar cost too…

    Worth it for me but make sure you're comfortable with the supplier and contractor. You don't want them disappearing overnight.

    I'd recommend looking at solarquotes to make sure you get an understanding of the jargon.

  • ESEMCE on 08/12/2020 - 15:49
    +1

    Do you have shading issues that can't be resolved by adjusting the panel placement?
    If not, why are the Optimisers in the quote?

    • shroomish on 08/12/2020 - 15:51

      no shade issues, i was recommended to get them, increase output , array not in a string series.

      • star-ggg on 08/12/2020 - 16:03
        +2

        You don't need them and poor value unless you have shade issues.

      • ESEMCE on 08/12/2020 - 16:11

        array not in a string series.

        I don't follow you…

        Most inverters can accept 2 strings of panels. The Inverter will optimise the output of the arrays as the sun angle changes through the day.

        I could understand Optimisers if you had shading issues that would impact panel performance or if you had a third (or more) panel angle to the sun, otherwise, I don't think they will do anything but add to the install cost.

        • shroomish on 08/12/2020 - 16:55

          thanks, i believe they are integrated with the system so are less optional than part of the package.

  • Muselibar on 08/12/2020 - 16:04
    +3

    Also check on the installation warranty which is separate.
    Both the panel and inverter warranty listed at 12 years, but the installation warranty is probably less.
    So if anything goes wrong, you might still be significantly out of pocket, due to confusing (dodgy) warranty terms.

    And the interest free loan is great, I've taken it up myself, but don't let them trick you into thinking it's not part of the total price.

    Basically $5,150 for 6.6KW system with decent inverter and the cheapest panels.
    To me, it seems a little expensive, I would say get a few more quotes.
    Good luck!

    • shroomish on 08/12/2020 - 16:06

      thanks, wasnt sure about inverter

    • ESEMCE on 08/12/2020 - 16:12

      Great point, what brand switchgear are they using?

  • netjock on 08/12/2020 - 16:07
    +1

    SolarEdge Inverter – 12 Years manufacturer’s Warranty – BATTERY READY

    Would you be installing batteries in the next 12 years? Also check which batteries it is compatible with, you don't want to find out it is SolarEdge only and they got out of the battery business 6 years after you installed. Model number would help.

    18 x Optimisers – Gives the panels the ability to work individually to create a more efficient system – String Systems as above work in series so if one panel is effected so are the rest

    Is the panels in straight rows all facing same direction with no shading? If so then you might be paying something for nothing

    Otherwise about $1k per kw gross is about right. Best you can get is $800 per kw installed gross. I talk gross because all the rebates across states can be different. Vic rebate used to be $2.2k grant + $2.2k rebate.

    Here is the review of SolarEdge optimisers

  • Puglife on 08/12/2020 - 17:13

    I paid $3300 installed for 24 panels…no idea on warranties, quality of product etc but I went with a local company with good reviews. All mine are on the sunny side so they didn't try to add extras…I would definitely get a few quotes. They all will match the best price..

  • Quantumcat on 08/12/2020 - 22:32
    +1

    The fact that they are pushing optimisers when you have no shade issues would make me be wary. Also jinko are very cheap panels from memory.

    Go on solarquotes, do lots of reading then ask for quotes through the site.

    • shroomish on 09/12/2020 - 11:47

      yes these guys gave me the referals

      • netjock on 09/12/2020 - 13:28
        +1

        Solar quotes recommendations are okay maybe slightly pricey. They might have wanted to make some extra money on the optimiser. If you have no shading issues stand firm on getting an inverter without optimiser and see what it comes out to be. Expect at least $500 off the quote.

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