Is This Solar Panel Package a Good Deal?

Xenox1997 on 29/07/2024 - 09:52
Last edited 30/07/2024 - 23:34

Hey all,

My dad has received this quote for a solar panel/inverter package (link to quote screenshot below) and has tasked me with figuring out if this is a good deal.

We have a double storey house with a pitched roof that faces east, located in the northern suburbs of Melbourne.

From what I’ve heard, not all solar panels are equal (different grades? Different tints?), so I wanted to check in and see if anyone has any expertise to offer on the topic.

Your $0.02 is much appreciated :)

Huge thank you to everyone that commented, we’ve learned so much and you’ve helped guide us towards a much better-informed decision. We really appreciate you all :)

——

System specifications

Aurora 14.96kW System Three Phase
including:

34 x 440W Trina Panel
Panel Model: TSM-440NEG9R.28

1 x GoodWe DT 15kW 3 Phase
Inverter Model: GW15KAU-DT G2

System Inclusions:
Dual Tracking
2 x Split Array
Double Storey
Terracotta Tile

Amount payable: $11,499.12

——

Our electricity bill currently is $400-$500 a month, using ~1250kWh

——

He got quoted $17.7k from RACV (components listed below), and $7.5k from a door knocker for a 10kw system (apparently the contracter said there was not enough space for a 15kw system)

——

RACV quote details:

33x Trina Vertex S+ NEG9R.28 (210R n-Type Dual-Glass)

Fronius Symo GEN24 Plus Inverter

Fronius smart meter

$17,786 payable

——

https://imgur.com/a/cIVD1Jh

Home & Garden Solar Energy System

Comments

  • elgrande on 29/07/2024 - 09:53
    +10

    Referring to @Spennyrich for comment.

  • teacherer on 29/07/2024 - 09:55

    What are the details for those that can't access imgur?

    • Xenox1997 on 29/07/2024 - 09:59

      Updated body of post to reflect details :)

      • teacherer on 29/07/2024 - 10:04
        +1

        Might want to add price.

        My understanding is Goodwe and Sungrow are good as a budget inverters and to avoid Growatt and Solis.

        Trina panels are meant to be fine for budget panels aswell, along with Jinko and Longi. They are basically all created equal in that price range.

        So if it is a reasonable price it sounds okay.

        Get 3 quotes.

        More importantly, make sure it isn't a company like Arise solar, check out crap solar on facebook. Use a local company with good after sales support.

        My single story 11.5Kw install with premium components (fronius 8kw inverter and REC panels) was $10k by a local mob.

        • Xenox1997 on 29/07/2024 - 10:23

          Really appreciate your advice!!

          My apologies, I’ve added the price ($11,499.12)

          I will get some more quotes for the same system, is there any method/resource you recommend for finding/comparing the components and/or companies!

      • HeWhoKnows on 30/07/2024 - 11:07

        Nobody here can give a definitive answer

        Best solution is to get 3 quotes (as always)

  • randomusername2017 on 29/07/2024 - 09:55
    +3

    Expert Evidence

  • Nugs on 29/07/2024 - 09:59
    +3

    "My dad has received this quote"
    well, he's at least two quotes short then
    .

    • Xenox1997 on 29/07/2024 - 10:04

      I’ve added the price/specs of the two other quotes he got to the body of the post :)

    • Xenox1997 on 29/07/2024 - 10:28

      Apologies, updated the racv quoted amount and added details, was $17.7k

  • soan papdi on 29/07/2024 - 10:05
    +1

    No idea about the price but does he need 15kW? What's the monthly power bill, on average? More relevant, how many units does he use a month, on average?

    • Xenox1997 on 29/07/2024 - 10:18

      Unsure if he needs it, any resources you’d recommend for assessing whether it’s necessary?

      Our electricity bill currently is $400-$500 a month, using ~1250kWh

      • soan papdi on 29/07/2024 - 10:25
        +2

        That's a lot of energy used! Try this: https://www.solarchoice.net.au/learn/design-guide/what-size-…

      • Muzeeb on 29/07/2024 - 10:30
        +3

        Is he mining Bitcoin or have 100 small heaters running 24/7 in his plant room?

        • Xenox1997 on 29/07/2024 - 19:54

          Hahaha not that I know of…

      • soan papdi on 29/07/2024 - 10:48
        +1

        One more thing. 1250kWh at $450 means 32c per kWh (assuming $1 supply charge per day). That's really high for northern side of Melbourne. I'm with Tango, fixed rate at 21c/unit and supply charge of 60c/day. Save money by churning your retailer even before considering Solar and ROI.

        • Iwantthebestprice on 29/07/2024 - 16:28

          Is Jemena your network distributor? I checked Tango and can’t see any plan at that rate supply charge was min $1 a day and rates average about 30 c/kWh. Your on amazing rates.

        • Xenox1997 on 29/07/2024 - 19:03

          I’ll check this out, thanks heaps! Also appreciate you linking that solar choice website above :)

        • ElderyMan on 30/07/2024 - 08:21
          +1

          Depends on the distributor. AusNet are expensive greedy bastards.

    • Dslrfirst on 31/07/2024 - 03:53

      Go for the biggest system you can install
      ..

  • apple2016 on 29/07/2024 - 10:36
    +2

    It mainly depends on what time of the day you are using the power.
    If the majority of the usage is outside of 10am - 5 pm then I would recommend getting a battery as feed in tariff is negligible these days.
    I mean a 7.5kw system + battery might give you better returns than a 15kw system.
    The advantage with RACV is that they are very likely to be around for another 25 yrs for any warranty claims, the downside is that are very expensive.

    • Xenox1997 on 29/07/2024 - 22:26

      Thank you, I’ll find out when the majority of the usage is and have a look at some quotes for systems inc. batteries, and some with ‘battery ready’ inverters as @brad1-8tsi mentioned below too

      Also a very good second point re: warranty claims, Thank you!

  • Rescue 26 on 29/07/2024 - 14:18
    +1

    I've just signed up for basically the identical system but with 36 panels instead of 34, totalling 15.84kW.
    3 phase, same panels as you, same inverter as you. Single storey, flat tin roof. Includes 2 timers for hot water systems ($480) and
    energy meter/export limiter ($400). Total cost was $10,180 in country NSW.

    • Xenox1997 on 29/07/2024 - 22:33

      Thanks for your comment! was yours also through origin?

      • Rescue 26 on 31/07/2024 - 10:57

        Not through Origin - just a local company with a good reputation.

  • singlemalt72 on 29/07/2024 - 14:45

    When looking at the economics of solar and ROI, it is important to consider if the house is owned outright or still has a mortgage, there are calculators online that will look at the economics of solar and reduced bills versus putting that money into a mortgage and reducing interest.

    • Xenox1997 on 29/07/2024 - 22:43

      Thanks for the tip! I’ll google it and let my dad know to consider it

  • Caped Baldy on 29/07/2024 - 15:34

    Is the house on 3 phase already? It's a costly upgrade.

    I got a small system on my parent's house and it's more important to get a high quality inverter over the panels.

    • Xenox1997 on 29/07/2024 - 22:50

      Yeah already on 3 phase, I do sometimes wonder why the original owner/builder had it installed.

      Noted, I will prioritise a quality inverter, probably a ‘battery ready’ one as @brad1-8tsi mentioned below.

      Thanks for your comment :)

      • 2esc on 30/07/2024 - 17:57
        +1

        3 phase power is able to cope with the electricity demands of larger and more powerful appliances. If the previous owner was a keen welder they might of had a 3 phase welder which require 3 phase.

        • Xenox1997 on 30/07/2024 - 22:45

          Now that you mention it, there are some home-made-looking welded fencing/gates on the property…

  • brad1-8tsi on 29/07/2024 - 15:45
    +1

    I fitted a Goodwe system 15 months ago. It's been very good but if I was doing it again I'd pay extra and get a "battery ready" inverter.

    • Xenox1997 on 29/07/2024 - 22:52

      Thank you, didn't know they were an option, we’ll definitely be having a look at one!

  • CodeXD on 29/07/2024 - 16:44
    -3

    Your $0.02 is much appreciated :)

    I don't know why but I hate this ahaha

    • Xenox1997 on 29/07/2024 - 23:00
      +2

      It rounds down to free if you use cash, think about it

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 29/07/2024 - 19:31
    -4

    No deal!

    This is far more expensive than what other businesses are offering:

    https://ibb.co/WpjkQHQ

  • DoctorCalculon on 29/07/2024 - 21:32
    +1

    My dad also got quoted an insanely outrageous price for a 7.6kW PV system + Tesla PW2 package from RACV Solar.
    The salesman kept hounding him every week.

    They don't have an in-house team, and sub-contract all of their solar and battery installations.
    After this, they add a massive margin on top, which results in such ridiculous pricing from them.

    • Xenox1997 on 30/07/2024 - 22:50

      Yeah all the solar companies seem to have really persistent salespeople, I think my dad was feeling quite pressured by them.

      From the quote and other people’s recommendations for panel and inverter brands, it looks like the quality of the products that RACV supplies is decent, but at an exorbitant price.

      I think perhaps the only upside is that RACV is likely to be around for the 25 year warranty, as @apple2016 said

      Good to know that they subcontract all of their installations though, thanks for the heads up!

  • 82norm on 30/07/2024 - 07:45
    +2

    Definitely get an inverter that is battery compatible. Checkout solar quotes.com.au wealth of information and explains a lot on his youtube channel.

    • Xenox1997 on 30/07/2024 - 22:52

      Yep will definitely be opting for a battery ready one, if not a system+battery.

      Thanks for linking that, I’ll suss it out!

  • pandadude on 30/07/2024 - 08:56
    +1

    The first system is over kill for your usage. I haven't looked a specific production in Melbourne's but on average a system will produce around approx 4 to 5 hours x hw every day. I suspect Melbourne might be less. This is using very simple numbers. Although you have a lot of usage this is for the entire day and solar production only happens during the day.

    Also do you have any shading problems?

    Goodwe is on the budget side but is a decent budget option.

    Only having two array for this system seem a bit odd. If there going to fill your roof full of solar panels how many roof faces are you going to use?

    A good installer will pull your data from the power company and model your data with average solar production data.

    A lot of installers will want to talk about the average household. There is no point of installation a 4kw system on a house who only uses on average 4kw a day.

    Without a battery its all about usage.

    I would also be asking question such as will the installer keep spare solar panels for warranty purposes / repair? The last thing you want is 7 years down the track running a few panels less because the installer didn't keep any spares and the new panels are incorrect wattage.

    • Xenox1997 on 30/07/2024 - 23:19

      As a few others have mentioned systems including batteries, we’re now considering that as an option. We still need to discern what and when most of the usage is but we suspect it’s mostly in the evening

      No shading problems from what I can tell, the only neighbour that is also a double story is quite close to the north side of the house, but it doesn’t seem to cast a shadow big enough to be a problem. No trees either.

      Pardon my ignorance, but is term ‘dual array’ referring to dual axis tracking (I assume this is for commercial applications) or to two different angles that the solar panels are fixed/divided into in this context? There are 3 roof faces being used in the setup on the quote, one large roof face, and two smaller roof faces that I presume are at the same angle (but different angle to the first large roof face)

      I think I understand this somewhat, but could you please explain why is there no point in a 4kw system for a house that only uses 4kw average per day?

      We are considering a battery system now as quite a bit of the usage occurs in the evening, and at the very least- a battery ready inverter.

      Yes we’re definitely considering the long-term now as well, initially we were leaning towards the most affordable option, but are now also taking into account the likelihood of the solar companies being able to deliver on the warranty period/claims a couple decades from now.

      Thank you heaps for your comment! Really appreciate it

      • pandadude on 31/07/2024 - 01:06

        To response to "I think I understand this somewhat, but could you please explain why is there no point in a 4kw system for a house that only uses 4kw average per day?"

        I have had solar electricity on my roof since 2010. We have had solar hot water since 2009. We literally have a 1kw system on the roof. in 2023 I wanted to replace my inverter and the solar guy just wanted to sell me a 4kw or 8kw system. They didn't even bother to look at my energy consumption. With the Smart Meter now in Perth you can go into your Synergy account and look into your daily and even hourly consumption. I mean if you click on your data and it shows large consumption of energy during day time hours then I would say go for a large system. A battery maybe useful if you have large consumption at night but you need to factor in the replacement of the battery and the inverter at 12 years.

        The data book we received in 2010 for the solar system showed the average production of our system from 3.6kw to 6kw of daily electricity production a day. You need to factor in production loss, panels not working properly, inverter loss and etc. So I say on average my system produces 4kw a day. Very simple whatever your system is times it by 3 or 4. Very simplified.

        On our Synergy it shows an average usage of 3 to 4 units a day. This has gone up to approx 5 units a days.

        This is why I say why bother installing a 4kw system when your household only uses 4 units a day. On average the 4kw system would made 16 kw a day.

        Just to give you an example between 12 Apr 2024 - 12 Jun 2024 I sold back to Synergy 102.74 kwh at 7.1350 cents which is $7.63 or on average 1.71 kwh a day. My energy production for that period was 256.4 kwh. So 153kwh at 28 cent is $42.84 plus the 7.63 from the energy sold to Synergy (Total $50) .

        If I was to install a 4kw system and not change my consumption this would be 1,025.6 kwh. 872.6kwh at 7.1350 cents which is 62.26 plus the $42.84 (Total $105).

        There is a huge difference if you sell the energy back to the energy company and in some states you even have to pay them.

        Back when we purchased our system it was expensive. the sales guys said you could add panels later. This is completely rubbish unless you have micro inverters. If you add panels to the system you must bring it up to the current electricity code. Also your new panels must have similar wattage to the old panels if you wish to add it to the same array.

        Saying all of that there are valid reason to oversize your solar system. When it is too hot or there is not enough sun light your system is still making energy but not at the max production value.

        It important go get a solar system which is great value for money but at the same time a reasonable size for your household. If you can get a system that you consume nearly all the energy at a reason price and without a battery would always be a better option that the rest. I mean have you consider a 4kw or 6kw system?

  • dan2k on 30/07/2024 - 11:28
    +2

    I second for solarquotes. they will hook you up with more installers for quotes from their website too. A lot of good points above, here are an extra 6c from me..
    1. question mark on the roof angle, there are online tools you can enter the roof orientation and pitch and it will tell you the amount of solar radiation you can expect in your location.
    so you can figure out what you would expect to generate all year around (note Melbourne winter is 20% of summer) - a good installer would do this
    2. self consumption should be your goal so if you can run all your appliances (pool pumps, hot water, washer, dryer, greenhouse equipment) during solar hours you'll do better then selling your excess back to the grid at reducing feed-in rates
    3. total of panels doesn't have to equal the rating of the inverter, your 15kw of panels will never actually produce 15kw for more than a few hours a year, the rule is something like 1.3 times the inverter of panels is ok. perhaps a 12kw inverter if you can fit 15kw of panels.

    • Xenox1997 on 30/07/2024 - 23:29

      Will be checking out that online tool for sure

      If we opt in for a standard solar package without a battery, we’ll likely still get a battery ready inverter and definitely try to run the pool pumps, washers and dryers during solar hours - so thank you for that :)

      Also noted. Perhaps in this case, a higher quality, lower kW battery-ready inverter will be the most sensible choice

      Thanks heaps for the tips! We really appreciate it!

  • pencilhead on 30/07/2024 - 13:24

    If you have 3 phase power, make sure you get a 3 phase inverter

    We used Sunscape Electrical in Melbourne. They are very good.
    Solaredge inverter
    330W Jinko Solar Eagle HC.Panels

    • Xenox1997 on 30/07/2024 - 23:32

      Will do!

      Thanks, we’ll check them out :)

      Appreciate your comment!

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