VIC: Cheaper Solar for Shorter Term Installation

Lleonardr on 06/09/2022 - 19:27
Last edited 06/09/2022 - 20:59

I'll be living alone in my house for the next 3-5 years, and after this very likely selling and living somewhere else. Whoever buys my house is almost guaranteed to knock it down and rebuild, so any improvements are unlikely to affect value.

I'm looking at having solar installed to significantly reduce my energy costs over this time, but given the shorter timeframe I won't need a high-quality system that lasts 10+ years or has a long warranty.
I'm also not eligible for the Victorian PV rebate, but should be eligible for the STC rebate.
Does anyone have any ideas for cheaper options I could be considering for a shorter lifespan solar install? e.g. cheaper components, used panels, or very budget-oriented installers?

Edit: I suppose I'm also asking for any recommendations for where to look for a "cheapest crappiest system" and whether there are any pitfalls I should be wary of?
Would it be better to install a decent system and take the hardware with me to my next house, or is labour for this cost prohibitive?

Home & Garden Solar Energy System

Comments

  • noz on 06/09/2022 - 20:02
    +1

    Without knowing more details it's hard to say for sure, but it may not be worth it for such a short timeframe. Around how much are your bills each quarter, and what percentage of that is daytime consumption?

  • holdenmg on 06/09/2022 - 20:34

    Hi,

    I saw this https://haystacks.solargarden.org.au/ on TV earlier today.

    Could this investment offer you the savings on Solar without the install?

    Looks like a NSW thing (for now?) but maybe there is something like this for Victoria?

    Cheers!
    :+)

    • leonardr on 06/09/2022 - 21:02

      Interesting idea, $505/yr return (estimated) on an $4200 outlay for nearly 12% return seems pretty good, could be a gamble on the longevity of the company though

  • slknv on 06/09/2022 - 20:47

    So just figure out A) how much it'll cost to install the cheapest crappiest system you can find, and B) what "savings" you'll make in 5 years.

    Doubt that the "savings" will make it worthwhile for the scenario you've described. Don't just go ahead because you think it's a good idea, or your father-in-law's brother did it and he saved money, or some bunch of weebs on OzB said it was a high yield investment vehicle. Go ahead and calculate it and there's your answer.

    • leonardr on 06/09/2022 - 20:55

      Thanks, I can definitely do estimate calculations based on my current energy usage, I suppose I'm asking for any recommendations for where to look for that "cheapest crappiest system" and whether there are any pitfalls I should be wary of?

      Would it be better to install a decent system and take the hardware with me to my next house, or is labour for this cost prohibitive?

      • slknv on 06/09/2022 - 21:08

        Labour costs are sky high. Tech improves dramatically. Would you buy a 5 year old TV or phone?

        Gut feeling is that the 3-5 year payback period is too short to be economically worthwhile for any solar investment in a crappy old house. Spend the money on gin and sake and invest any remains in a good solar for the next house.

        I've had a look over the figures for my PPOR, and solar +/- home battery system still doesn't tick all the boxes for me, even with an EV delivery impending.

        • netjock on 06/09/2022 - 22:40

          home battery system

          These are an absolute rip off right now. $8k - $10k. To save like $2 a day.

          Spend the money on gin and sake and invest any remains in a good solar for the next house.

          Or invest it on the index and use the dividends and capital appreciation on the better system / offset your electricity cost.

  • saliya on 06/09/2022 - 20:57

    uninstall for the move ?

    • netjock on 06/09/2022 - 22:37

      Cost me $500 to take old 1.7kw system down and installation labor was $2k. It is the most expensive part of the job.

      Don't forget they keep changing the rules. In 5 years it is most likely not compliant with latest rules.

  • netjock on 06/09/2022 - 22:35

    If you can't get payback in 5 years year why run the risk of it burning down your house. 6.6kw the cheapest I've seen is $5k after rebate ($8k gross, $3k STCs) and that is Jinko panels and Growatt inverter. In theory the installation cost of labor is $2k ($2k + $1k + $2k for panels after rebate). Ended up costing $3.5k before interest free loan. I got it installed a month ago.

    • lgacb08 on 07/09/2022 - 08:19

      The house is gonna be knocked down and rebuild anyway. Just make sure he isn't there when it happens.
      As for cheap of the cheapness you probably need to know some sparky friend willing to do on second hand panel and inverter but that'd be a big stretch (most second hand inverter is likely non compliant) and second hand panels don't give you STC.
      But there are plenty of budget type installers out there (those subcontracting installations). Friends around me got systems after vic rebate and loan for only around $500 out of pocket so it should be $4000 without rebate. You just need to ring around and do your math but you'll still need $2000 a year electricity bill to recover that cost in 5 year.

      • netjock on 07/09/2022 - 09:36

        You just need to ring around and do your math but you'll still need $2000 a year electricity bill to recover that cost in 5 year.

        Where does $10k come from?

        For my $3.5k system you need $700 a year. Don't forget if you don't use it you get some FIT.

        Friends around me got systems after vic rebate and loan for only around $500 out of pocket so it should be $4000 without rebate.

        You know friends don't tell friends how to get a good deal. Maybe you should ask your friend and PM OP. Or just post it as a deal and we'll see whether it is obtainable.

        As for cheap of the cheapness you probably need to know some sparky friend willing to do on second hand panel and inverter but that'd be a big stretch (most second hand inverter is likely non compliant) and second hand panels don't give you STC.

        Non compliant means you can't connect it to the grid and it won't pass independent check to commission. Exactly the kind of burn your house down type of job.

        You need to run it through a filter what you are talking about.

        • lgacb08 on 07/09/2022 - 14:48

          Maybe you need help creating a filter before making the assumption.

          You know friends don't tell friends how to get a good deal.

          I know they got good deals but that's all I care because I already got a much better deal than them way back. No point telling a deal on solar as the situation is fluid, a deal 6 months ago will not be available now. And no you won't be able to get pay back in that timeframe with FIT keep going down and import going up. You'll have to use almost all of it and export close zero to get that payback, which doesn't look like a case for OP.

          • netjock on 07/09/2022 - 15:48

            @lgacb08: $500 out of pocket is an unobtainable price. You're just making mocking people.

  • markmeister92 on 07/09/2022 - 08:06

    just get quotes from different installers. would recommend reading solarquotes to guide you to what panels and inverter you can get for your desired price point. I went with jinko pnaels and a sungrow inverter. So far working like a charm

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join