The panels on my 3kW solar PV have seen better days and are now only generating ~10% of what it should be.
Does anyone know the exact URL (Energex?) for the site where one can search an address to check the maximum loads (in terms of panels / inverter) that's registered and allowable?
Existing panels are 16 x 190w = 3040w. Thinking of replacing these with 7 x 440w panels = 3080w. Main objective is I don't want the extra 40w in new panels to jeopardize the 44c FIT.
Sounds like in S.A. the determining factor is the inverter size. Did you take the opportunity to add 1-2 extra panels when replacing the old panels?
I've heard on the grapevine that Energex (QLD) might have specific records, for example, 3200watts of panels for a 3kW inverter. Hence why I'm wanting to see for myself.
seems like QLD is the same OP. Link from @BOGOF only notes the requirement to maintain inverter size and says you can increase panels to match inverter.
Given it says Australian Standards, then I assume they permit the standard of 133% Panel:Inverter ratio, allowing you to have 3960w (9 panels of 440w) for a presumably 3kw inverter.
That's great - I did not know about the 133% ratio
Unfortunately, as I was an early adopter, the inverter provided with my original system didn't have capacity to add extra panels.
The new panels were more efficient, so smaller with a slightly greater output, but I was tied to an inverter that wasn't going to allow for additional panels/output.
There is no reason why any inverter won't allow the 130% over-panel.
According to QLD Government
To maintain eligibility for the 44 cent feed-in tariff, you need to
- ensure you replace any component with a like-for-like part
- check with your electricity distributor before adding extra panels, systems or batteries – you can add solar panels to your system to increase your system size up to the size of your inverter (your system must comply with the relevant Australian Standards)
- replace your inverter with one of the same, or smaller size
https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/energy-wat…
now only generating ~10%
I'm still getting about 60% of the original rated output out of my 2009 model 1kW system.
And still getting 50c FIT for another 5 years.
When I thought about an upgrade, if only to get back to the 100% of the rated/original output, I was given a pretty strong message that I could only change like for like. Like replacing individual 165W panels with replacement 165W panels. I couldn't, say, build a new system with 3x330W panels, and a different higher-rated inverter - so I could upgrade to more panels later. They warned me they have aerial photos, and they'd use them if it appears my output had jumped suddenly, and the photos showed a different configuration of panels, that'd be the end of my 20 year guaranteed fit.
What I could have done is taken advantage of the fact that my panels have degraded, and newer panels have higher efficiency, and put 6 new same-physical-size 195-200W panels up on the roof that would push the original inverter out to its maximum rating. But I was concerned that the almost doubling of output would ring alarm bells that would result in someone coming around and checking if my system was still the original one.
What I did do for a while is have one additional big panel elsewhere connected to a micro-inverter plugged into the mains, increasing the total output to what a new 1 kW system could generate, but never over 1kW so it wouldn't ring alarm bells. But strictly speaking it wasn't legal, and the microinverter failed before it had even paid for itself.
That system was the best purchase I ever made in my life. It cost me nothing. The rebate equaled the price at the time. And it has given my 15 years of free power, with still another 5 to go.
Nice work with the payback!
If I installed 3960 watts of panels like what JDM mentioned above, Energex will definitely notice a spike given my system's generating jack-all now. But in my mind the output spike will be legitimate post new panel install.
the reality is that they wont care. When you have solar installed again the installer will need to inform the distributor of the new set up. Given the inverter remaining the same size is the only stipulated requirement, you'll tick the box and remain eligible for the 44c cents. Doing the standard oversizing of 133% shouldn't matter (but best to confirm) and no energy company is going to compare your pre and post exports (esp given the subsidy they'll get from the gov).
Make sure to have the panels on the north face for max daytime production. Goes against typical use case but you're looking to profit
I find East West better. The curve isn't quite as tall but it starts earlier & finishes later. We run 12 E & 10W
@brad1-8tsi: its definitely better and much better aligns with the avg persons use case. But given this system is being put together to milk FITs, OP is one of a few better served by the N aspect, as it will both produce about 15% more overall energy, and produce much larger export volumes when people aren't at home in the middle of the day (thus lower self-consumption)
Replacing Solar Panels and Not Losing 44c FIT
You don't say what state you're in. So have a read of the guidelines for your state, for VIC PFIT 60c FIT, you could only replace like for like when a component failed, not the entire system.
The panels on my 3kW solar PV have seen better days and are now only generating ~10% of what it should be.
So 300w? If so that would seem you have a few failed panels/sub strings. You might be better off getting someone out to review each panel and get some replacements.
The inverter is mostly fine, so better to 'fix' the old system and keep the 44c FIT assuming you are feeding in lots of power. Could even be as simple as lose cables or a tripped breaker on the roof.
I'm in Brisbane. Good point on testing for loose cables etc. Had solar maintenance people out to check over the system. They reported that voltage and current tested fine, but panels were failing under load (cited lack of earthing on the panels, hot spots and snail trails).
Will need to suss out if there's anyone in brissy that offers removal and testing of individual panels / wiring.
Had solar maintenance people out to check over the system. They reported that voltage and current tested fine, but panels were failing under load (cited lack of earthing on the panels, hot spots and snail trails).
Generally these companies want to sell you new systems.
Its a lot of panel failures to get to the point your at, which seems pretty rare unless really crappy panels.
I have a old 1kw system from the VIC PFIT that is still going strong. A couple of family members have systems under the PFIT and the panels are going well, they both had inverters fail.
If you have bad panels, source like for like and install them and you'll be ok :)
Exactly - they have underlying motive. Might have to buy a multimeter and get on the roof myself :)
@ilubbargains: If you are semi-handy this could be the way. A standard multimeter can measure a single panel voltage (will be less than 50V) and current (which will be less than 10A).
If you measure one panel at a time, it is safe to measure the voltage and short circuit current. Should be a lot of you tube videos on how to do this I imagine.
You might get lucky and it is one faulty panel. Replace with a similar second hand panel (test the replacement panel before handing over the cash).
44c FIT that is amazing. NSW is so low. Most families only get like 10 to 12c.
It's only for people who installed solar before July 2012 in Queensland which is why the OP doesn't want to lose it.
I see. Thanks for the clarification.
Need to find a sparky that will do a cash job for you to change your setup then dont tell the grid operator. They wont knownunless you magically start generating twice what you used to.
PS dont do that..
Biggest problem I have is getting my FIT credit from Origin here in Qld, the buggers havent paid me since April 2023 and I have $5k. If owed them that they have the debt collectors onto me and cut off my supply.
When I was with Origin in SA I was able to request a refund of any credit balance via the app.
That's the annoying bit, I have to request a refund everytime, In 2018 it was setup to auto refund every 3 months if >$150 and meter had been read.
I doubt you would only be getting 10% unless it is faulty. The amount credited is what's generated, less what your house uses. I believe this is in 30-Minute Blocks.
I get a $0.72 feed in Melbourne on a small old system, so I won't change till it runs out. 440W panels would be very large in size, you would need to check if they would fit in the same spot, I know they would not fit to replace my older panels as its already close to the edges of the roof.
When I had to replace our panels in S.A., to keep our 44c FIT, we could change the entire system, but had to keep the same capacity, including the inverter. If we changed the inverter to one of a greater capacity, we would have lost the generous FIT.