PV Capacity
18 x 405W panels for 7.3kw nominal capacity.
System Type
- We chose a hybrid system, expecting a slightly lower return than panels only, but wanting resilience from power cuts.
- The inverter is only 5kW, so it can’t convert the last bits of the panels’ electricity to AC power at midday in summer. But we don’t need the power then, and it’s efficient in winter.
Battery Capacity
7.3 kWh (6.5 usable).
Cost
The quote was for $22,000 installed. A meter change to support exporting power to the grid was a further $160. There were no additional fees from the installer.
Savings
- The installer correctly estimated the electricity that would be generated on a monthly basis. So far, we have 1% difference between actual and estimated. We generate about 9,000 kWh a year.
- The installers’ estimates of usage, costs and buyback prices were not accurate. However, we will have a net-negative electricity bill for the current 12 months. We are also planning to replace our gas hot water, which will increase our power savings to well beyond the estimated $2,400 p.a.
- The installer’s quote estimated an IRR of 13.53% and a payback time of 8 years 1 month. Based on the current performance, we will do better than that.
Installer
Solar Worx – We would use them again.
Electrification State
Before and after PV install:
- We were a low-volume user of electricity with instant gas hot water and limited use of gas home heating. A wood burner is our main source of winter heating.
- We have a PHEV (plug-in hybrid car) that we charge on a standard 3-pin plug in the garage.
- Having seen the savings and power generation from our solar system, we are replacing our gas systems with electrical ones.
- We currently use Electric Kiwi as our electricity retailer. We recharge our batteries at 6 am in winter, using our free hour of power to ensure we have free power through the morning.