Solar System - Costs and Switchboard Upgrade?

Mxx on 01/07/2023 - 00:08
Last edited 01/07/2023 - 00:23

Hey guys,

I'm being offered a 6.64kw system for $3790 upfront + $1400 interest free loan after all rebates and discounts, inclusive of double storey, 3-phase and 1 RCD switch upgrade ($250 for one). Does this price sound about right for metro Melbourne? (Growatt inverter, Jolywood panels)

Would 1 RCD switch be sufficient for the whole system? They said I just need one added to the existing system but I'm a bit uncertain on that, mainly concerned that I'm getting underquoted and there will get extra costs added later i.e. need additional RCD switches.

Also, does anyone know whether would I be able to install additional air cons in the future without having to upgrade the entire switchboard based on just this one RCD switch being installed with the solar? I enquired about getting additional air cons (1-2) installed previously and the guy who came to inspect suggested we would need a new switchboard for that (currently have 4 a/cs installed 2013). If so, I assume it might be better to just upgrade the switchboard now with the solar (additional $750)?

For reference, we use 11-15kw/day, gas stove & hot water, might sell the property & move somewhere else within the next 2-4 years.

Would like to get your input, thanks :)

Switchboard: https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/453153/104775/35762428…

Home & Garden Solar Energy System

Comments

  • Cheapskate Paul on 01/07/2023 - 02:41
    -1

    Given your current low usage, low FITs, and your likelyhood of moving, I wouldn't get solar.

  • Overclocked91 on 01/07/2023 - 06:39
    +1

    Decent deal and cheap for a board upgrade. With the state of your switchboard, I highly recommend upgrading it. Now, all circuits are on RCDs not just power and lights.

    • lgacb08 on 01/07/2023 - 13:57

      Nah, $7k for a 6.6kw system after stc rebate is not decent at all. If it were something like fronius and jinko/seraphim combo then it's.
      And yes, your board need upgrade. If you only stay for that long don't bother changing anything.

  • Euphemistic on 01/07/2023 - 06:43
    +1

    How do you only use 11-15kwh per day with 4 ACs? Don’t you use them? It doesn’t sound like anywhere near normal usage.

    We apparently use less than the average for our household size at over 20kWh per day and pretty much don’t use AC (maybe 10 days per year)

    • lgacb08 on 01/07/2023 - 14:01

      I have more ac than that and my non winter usage in the last few years has been around that. May be 5 days each summer when it went above 20kwh. Summer has been very mild lately not like it was ten years ago.

    • Mxx on 01/07/2023 - 15:38

      We use 2 of the ACs (bedroom) but only at night, unfortunately we don’t have ac in the main living room which is what we’re looking to install after getting solar.

  • AndyC1 on 01/07/2023 - 08:29

    The switchboard should be replaced with RCD/switches as it is using the old fuses. Ask the solar company if they are allowed to install and commission solar with the existing switchboard as they may not be able to commission it.

    Get three quotes to upgrade the switch board and make sure there is room to add new RCD/switches, but be aware that this looks more like a secondary switch board as the main mains fuse and meter are not shown.

  • Jetstream on 01/07/2023 - 09:13

    That’s an old switchboard. I’d be surprised if a solar array could legally be put on that without a full upgrade.

    $250 for one rcbo seems expensive as well.

    You say you are going to move, if you planned on renting it out when you left, it would need to be changed as well.

  • panorama on 01/07/2023 - 10:46
    +1

    Wow that switchboard will definitely have to be replaced, no solar installer electrician would touch that without a total replacement

  • JIMB0 on 01/07/2023 - 12:22

    The 1960's called, they want their switchboard back.

  • brad1-8tsi on 01/07/2023 - 12:51

    Who is the installer?

    I had Jollywood / Goodwe installed 2 months. The 5.4kW Jollywood consistently out-produce the 6.4kW of Jinko on my partner's house by about 10% daily.

    That switchboard needs a full upgrade. You won't regret it. Unfortunately, it might involve a bit more than the switchboard.

  • Mxx on 01/07/2023 - 15:44

    Hi all, appreciate your input!

    I’ve contacted an independent electrician, looking into the switchboard upgrade now. Not sure why they (solar company) said it wasn’t needed though.

    Here’s our meter for reference: https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/453153/104780/5cab6b82…

  • DoctorCalculon on 01/07/2023 - 21:16

    Switchboard: https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/453153/104775/35762428…

    WTF! My eyes were shocked after looking at that ancient relic.
    Definitely replace the switchboard.

  • panorama on 02/07/2023 - 09:38

    Would not be surprised that the house needed re wiring as well by the look of that switchboard

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