Should I Install Solar Panel System on The Roof ?

bargainfinder on 12/09/2014 - 22:04

Hi oz bargainer,

So my latest power bill just came and we were charged around $1100. Our family were shocked as we are a family of 7 adults-used to live in a granny flat and pay max $300 for a quarterly electricity bill. Obviously the usage were increased due to my family moved to a bigger house(5 bedrooms). This is the second bill since we move to this new house, the previous one were around $570. Ever since this $1100 bill came, we have now be very careful with what we use and try to save energy where we can.

So my question to you is:

  1. Please share your tip of how you save or minimize usage of energy
  2. Do you have a solar system( on your roof?) installed? Does it worth it to install it?
  3. Is there any Government Rebate program on these solar panel system? I live in nsw by the way.
  4. Who/which company do you recommend to install these solar system?

Thanks in advance for your suggestion.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • adamren on 12/09/2014 - 22:18
    +2

    Tip from insider I know: only install the max capacity you'll ever use, don't fall for the 'make money by generating extra and selling it back to the utility' trap. Why? They'll drop the rate/tarrif you'll get and govt may even tax it in future. It's already halved in WA, or was proposed. Was 20cents and was going to be phased out right down to under 10cents.

    You could install it yourself if you are handy and (obviously) know the right side of the roof to install on ;-p Just a safety issue, get or borrow a harness set etc. If you know a tradie, get them to help.

    Get a power meter to test how much is being drawn on standby. Unplug the TV and computer etc. Good practice anyway in case of storms.

    • bargainfinder on 12/09/2014 - 22:40

      Just found this http://www.resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov.au/energy-consumers/so…
      Looks like the Solar Bonus Scheme has ended in NSW.
      I am not a handy man so i will not be able to install this system myself. Plus Shouldn't these system only be installed by a qualified person as it involve electricity/ safety issues?

      • Kevan2 on 13/09/2014 - 23:54

        Sorry for neg fingure missed the plus.
        Correct on sparky.

  • Baghern on 12/09/2014 - 22:46

    No extra rate/tariff for NSW. Some energy providers give you a measly 4-6c per kw back, others just take if off your hands for free…

    Only get solar power if you have someone/more at home to actually use the power it generates.

    You can't do much to drop your power in regards to solar, if your entire family uses most of its energy at night.

  • jzx100 on 12/09/2014 - 22:48

    Yes these should be installed by a qualified person!!!

    If you want, inbox me you total usage KW per day and what times you use electricity and I can provide you with the system size you really need.

  • Cheeper on 12/09/2014 - 23:59
    +2

    Beware and be warned… there are a lot of shady dealers in this business.
    With the low input credit rate in nsw (around 8c kw?) there is not much to gain there.
    If you have high usage during daylight hours then there could be some savings there, usually most consumption occurs after dark :-(

    What hot water system do you have, electric or gas?

    Same number of people living in this house… so what are they doing different? 5 bedroms… is there a tv and heater running in each room?

    With little purchase assistance and low input credit solar may no longer be a worthwhile choice in nsw? When you consider that the system has a limited life before needing to be replaced it is a close call as to its economical benefit.

    We are a 2 adult household with a 1500kw system and overall gain nothing when you consider the outlay to have it installed.

    Our system was installed through Energy Australia and I would NOT recommend them at all.

    • Baghern on 13/09/2014 - 00:07

      On the opposite of that, my friend is a stay at home mum with kids. With a 1.5k system and some change in usage patterns, they'll recover costs in 3years

    • bargainfinder on 13/09/2014 - 08:52

      I have electricity hot water system. We have 2 medium size fridge that is on 24/7. I believe the reason our latest bill doubled the previous bill is due to the 3 winter months, we did use the heater,but not in every room, we only have 1 column heater and one fan heater.
      Stupid question, In regard to the solar system, does electricity get send back to the grid straight away after it is generated/if you are not using it? So it is not stored/reserved anywhere in my solar system for night use/raining day?

      • jzx100 on 13/09/2014 - 23:51
        +1

        1. Yes, electricity is sent to the grid if you are are not using it.

        2. No, a conventional system does not store any electricity. What you are referring to is called a battery backup solar system, which stores electricity (generated by solar) into a battery, which you can use for another day. These systems are $10,000 >.

  • Kevan2 on 14/09/2014 - 00:08

    I have installed solar power.

    1.
    Check the inverter as many imported ones have failed and the importer has wound up company.

    2 check what parts are to be used some have been recalled fire hazard.

    1. Ensure you can monitor via PC.

    4 depending where you live consider geo-thermall if you don't mind some land being dug up. If you have underground water, etc may be good. If I knew what I now know I would have gone geothermal with solar support.

    5 it is about 2 years before batterys are cheep enough for home use.

    Here is one article
    ?http://energyblog.nationalgeographic.com/2013/09/17/10-myths-about-geothermal-heating-and-cooling/

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