We installed our PV system in 2014.
PV Capacity
12 Canadian Solar CS6P 250W panels for 3Kw capacity.
System Type
Grid-tied (no battery)
Battery Capacity
No battery.
Cost
We were initially quoted $9995 fully installed, however, we opted for a different inverter to the one that was quoted, and paid a total of $10,995. The upgraded inverter was able to give us reporting on generation, which was important to us.
Installer
The installer was Righthouse, which is no longer trading.
Savings
We initially calculated that the system would pay itself back in 15 years, based on our usage and electricity rates at the time. Several factors have affected this over the last 11 years.
- 6 months after our install, Meridian (at the time the best option for solar buy-back) cut their buyback rate from 25c/kwh to 7c/kwh.
- Lines charges have increased dramatically (the daily charge for the privilege of being connected to the grid, irrespective of usage).
- Our family size has increased, with a corresponding increase in daily usage.
- Power prices have increased much faster than anticipated
For the first few years we tracked our generation and usage diligently, however it is now very much back of mind. We no longer obsess over the minutiae but have peace of mind knowing that the PV system is quietly saving us money everyday. It is likely that the system has already paid for itself.
Electrification State
We use conventional electric hot water, and primary heating is from a wood burner and heatpump. Prior to the PV install the heatpump was used in winter only. Now we will often use it guilt free for cooling on hot summer days. We purchased an EV in 2022.