We installed our PV system in 2022. W started researching late 2021, settled on a supplier and the install was scheduled for March. Once completed, we then had to wait about 4 weeks until the installation was signed off by an independent certifier.
We wanted a PV system that could continue to operate in the event of a grid outage so that we could also provide basic power for ourselves, and neighbours. (Not all PV systems have this capability). This also meant that we had to identify the essential circuits to be linked in to the uninterrupted power supply (UPS). For us this was fridge/freezer, oven, lighting, and a few key power circuits to router etc.
PV Capacity
18 Trina Vertex 385W panels for 6.9Kw nominal capacity. We have 6 North-facing and 12 West-facing panels
System Type
We have a hybrid system, with a 6kW Inverter and a 10kWh battery
Battery Capacity
10kWh battery.
Cost
We were initially quoted for 16 panels, but while the crew were installing, we saw there was room for an extra 2 panels, so added them at the time. After 3 months there was a problem with the initially installed inverter and battery, the system was down for two months before an upgraded inverter and battery were installed. Our providers, Lightforce, were generous in compensating us for the disruption. This system has been running well for nearly 3 years since September 2022. The final cost for our installed system was $31,600. Our installers, Lightforce, reimbursed the cost of upgrading our meter to an import/export meter. Lightforce also covered the cost of the inspection to sign off and commission the system so it could go live.
Production info since September 2022
- Our baseline annual grid consumption prior to going solar was around 6.2MWh. In the time our PV system has been running, our annual power consumption has remained largely unchanged, while our annual grid consumption has reduced by 80% to around 1.3MWh.
- Annual generation has averaged 8MWh,
- Exported power to the grid has averaged 3.2MWh
Current Electricity Retailer
Solar Worx – We would use them again.
Electrification State
- After purchasing our EV in 2023, we signed up with Meridian’s EV plan which offered a $300 credit on a 24 month plan, a night rate of 16.7 c/unit, and solar buyback @ 12c/unit. We’ll probably review this when the current plan expires and see what else is on offer
- I’ve been looking at our total energy spend across bottled gas, wood pellets, electricity, and petrol. After installing PV, the annual average total cost has gone down from $3,900 to $2,200.
- We’re both retired and are home during the day
Solar Supplier
We contacted three suppliers, got quotes from two, and went with Lightforce. One of the main reasons for going with them was that they do their own installation and support so that we’re not having to deal with different parties. We’ve found them very responsive when issues have arisen.
What would you do differently?
If we were a family, we might add East-facing panels to start generating earlier in the day, and possibly a few more West/SW panels to continue generating longer in the evenings.