Browse Forums Eco Living 1 Sep 02, 2012 12:28 pm This topic has a good following in the whirlpool forums I know, but thought I would see if there is any comment/advice from those, like me, who are less technically inclined. We are about to (but haven't done so yet) sign up for a 3.5kw solar power system on our new build for $6000.00. Anyone out there have any "make sure","don't forget" advice before we sign up. Installation is being quoted by our energy providor so would hope and guess the credentials are ok. We had "pre wiring" done during construction in anticipation we might proceed with solar at a later stage. Just throwing it out for comment and thoughts from anyone. Re: Solar Power 2Sep 02, 2012 12:40 pm I'm not sure about other states but in Vic you will be charged $350 for your energy provider to come out and "reconfigure" your smart meter to enable it to send power back to the grid. From my understanding they don't actually do anything but inspect your system, but you will be charged regardless on your first or second power bill and there is no way to get out of paying it, even if your own sparky checks the meter out, as the provider has to sign off on it. Re: Solar Power 3Sep 02, 2012 12:47 pm Think your right Titch, the person on the phone mentioned something about $400 for the meter box (which of course is only 2-3 months old anyway !!). Re: Solar Power 4Sep 02, 2012 5:39 pm You seem to be on the right track, although Im curious why you disregarded the professionals on the Whirlpool Solar forum, and sought advice from laymen here. You appear to have chosen the system size, and hopefully have selected a good brand of panels and most importantly the Inverter, or have you just accepted whatever your chosen installer gives you, and concentrated on the dollar cost? Arfur Re: Solar Power 5Sep 02, 2012 6:07 pm Transformerless inverter is quieter. Inverter with a transformer generates a hum that will keep you up all night, from excessive noise. 13-08 Moved in 13-05 Build restart 13-04 VMIA compensation 12-08 Builder liquidation 12-03 Fixing 11-12 Lockup 11-11 Frame 11-09 Slab 11-09 Start 11-07 Contract 10-11 2K deposit 10-06 Titled land Re: Solar Power 6Sep 03, 2012 11:20 am Haven't disregarded the posters on whirlpool, just looking for additional advice/comments more in plainspeak than is the norm on whirlpool. The provider chose the system size, based on roof space I believe, I am accepting their choice of panels and inverter because they are our largest elec supplier, and given a choice between their recommendation and that of Jo the local installer..... Their brands used seem to be well commented on in whirlpool, but I will ask about transformerless inverter. The price is not the totally governing factor, but is important of course. Re: Solar Power 7Sep 03, 2012 3:47 pm jj1 I am accepting their choice of panels and inverter because they are our largest elec supplier, and given a choice between their recommendation and that of Jo the local installer..... Their brands used seem to be well commented on in whirlpool, but I will ask about transformerless inverter. The price is not the totally governing factor, but is important of course. As long as you dont get the same Inverters that numerous customers have had replaced, some 3 times in a few months, losing the FIT benefit. 'Jo the local installer' - 'The largest electrical supplier' probably uses 'Joe' as a contract installer anyhow Arfur Re: Solar Power 8Sep 04, 2012 10:37 pm Firstly, what panels and which inverter are you being sold? Secondly, what the orientation of the largest roof are you have. FWIW, the $400 (which is a bit hight IMHO for a Level 2 electrician) is just to replace the meter, not the meter box. And transformerless inverters, such as my Aurora, still hum, but softly, and is not compatible with some solar panel (I think Sun Power being one). Would also like an opinion from anyone that has used xcem over hebel for floors. Thanks 1 15359 2 16231 Our relationship with the owner is good, but I'm not sure if I want to impose putting a pole on their property. Your conversation with your neighbour must have gone well… 4 10585 |