Living Off The Grid
Please log in to join our conversations
Living Off The Grid
Please log in to join our conversations
Living Off The Grid
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.


Self Sufficient & Environmentally Sustainable Living
 
HomeHome  Latest imagesLatest images  SearchSearch  RegisterRegister  Log inLog in  
Search
 
 

Display results as :
 
Rechercher Advanced Search
Latest topics
» Howdy from California
Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptySat May 30, 2015 7:54 pm by Gilesie

» Florida makes living off grid illegal
Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptySat May 30, 2015 7:50 pm by Gilesie

» Hi Introducing The Crafty Project
Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptyFri Apr 03, 2015 7:47 pm by craftyproject

» Does anybody still use this forum?
Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptySun Mar 29, 2015 11:17 am by Gilesie

» Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through?
Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptySat Mar 07, 2015 8:00 pm by lyarbrough

» Hello everyone,
Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptySat Jan 31, 2015 4:56 am by jimnkaran

» hello from gods country
Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptyThu Jan 15, 2015 10:55 am by Gilesie

» Solar Panels leaching chemicals?
Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptyThu Oct 23, 2014 8:14 pm by crossboatr

» Hi from Arkansas
Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptyWed Oct 22, 2014 4:10 pm by crossboatr

Ad
Affiliates
March 2024
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
CalendarCalendar
Log in
Username:
Password:
Log in automatically: 
:: I forgot my password
Ad
Affiliates
Most active topics
General Chat
What did you harvest today?
Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through?
Planting for a Winter crop
Talk to me about Finger Limes
Pickled Cucumbers
Where Do You Live?
Hello I'm new and introducing myself
Carrot, Beetroot & Fig Salad
Soil Too Alkaline - How to Acidify it? (Increase the PH Levels)

 

 Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through?

Go down 
+4
Tallula Belle
Susie Wusie
Jove
green_dude
8 posters
AuthorMessage
green_dude

green_dude


Posts : 22
Join date : 2012-03-05

Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? Empty
PostSubject: Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through?   Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptyMon Mar 05, 2012 2:34 am

As the title says, we are ready to buy a solar system through one of the deals going around at the moment. What do I look for? Upgrade-ability? Should I look at a smaller system intially (1kw) but with a large inverter?

Anyone have any idea? lol

Back to top Go down
Jove




Posts : 8
Join date : 2012-02-28

Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? Empty
PostSubject: It all depends.....   Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptyMon Mar 05, 2012 11:13 pm

Given you mentioned deals I'm assuming that you are looking at a grid connect system. The choice of suppliers I feel is really down to the one that offers the best price as 99% of the systems are effectively the same quality. Just select a well established supplier that you know will be around for a while. We went with Origin as they had a good offer at the time.

In terms of upgrade-ability with the deals that tends to get complex unless they already have a package in place with a larger model inverter. It seems to be related to the way they are using RECs to cover the costs. RECs are based on actual generation capability rather than system potential. Plus you have to be careful that the cables that are used are sized for the eventual maximum power generation - there is a noticeable difference between the wiring on a 1kw system to a 3 kw system.

An other thing to consider is that a small system (1 or 1.4Kw) will only just, on a good day cover the electricity an average house uses so don't expect much to go back to the grid.

Finally I'd think about how self sufficient you want to be... Grid connect Solar only produces power when the grid power is on. No grid power, No solar power. This is all due to OH&S preventing back feeding of the grid in the event of a power cut making it dangerous for the line engineers. It is possible to have a combined system but you need to factor in batteries and automatic switches to switch the power feeds off the grid and in most cases two inverters, one for the grid and one for the standalone system. Rainbow Power are probably the most experienced in this type of system.

Sorry that I don't have a quick answer but, as the subject says, it all depends......

Back to top Go down
Susie Wusie




Posts : 27
Join date : 2012-03-05

Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through?   Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptyTue Mar 06, 2012 5:30 am

So if I only have one telly and a small fridge and boil water on the stove, and seldom use anything like a hairdryer. I don't own a microwave and I have a laptop that runs all the time. Only have a couple of lights on at night. Could I get a 1 kw system or a 1.5 kw system and maybe be in credit, Jove? Smile
Back to top Go down
Tallula Belle

Tallula Belle


Posts : 76
Join date : 2012-02-28
Age : 46
Location : Australia

Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through?   Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptyWed Mar 07, 2012 5:36 am

Hey Susie,

In short - I reckon it would come pretty close. You could get a wireless electricity monitor to find out how much power you really use and to practice keeping it low. We have a 1.5Kw system here and we have a wireless monitor and it's quite fun running around the house turning stuff off, trying to get it down really low. Laughing

Back to top Go down
http://www.livingoffthegrid.com.au
green_dude

green_dude


Posts : 22
Join date : 2012-03-05

Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through?   Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptyWed Mar 07, 2012 5:51 am

Thanks Jove. Origin - you cant get more 'well known' than them. I can see why you went with them for yours. The outlay of a larger system is quite a bit more expensive, although I do agree that it is a good investment for the earth as well as for the house. I am thinking a 2Kw system. I will do a bit more of my own research and start ringing around. There was an amazing offer on television the other day around lunch time, but I cant remember the supplier now.
Back to top Go down
Jove




Posts : 8
Join date : 2012-02-28

Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? Empty
PostSubject: great idea Tallula belle   Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptyWed Mar 07, 2012 11:10 am

have to agree - an ebay wireless monitor that needs no electrician to install is the best way to understand your power use.

This one...

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Wireless-Energy-Monitor-Mains-Power-Meter-/140602921899?pt=AU_Gadgets&hash=item20bc9653ab


is what I use and its cheap and simple to install. Very Happy

If you really want to understand the potential return or power need then this gives a point in time view. You just need to check a different times of the day. I would recommend first thing in the morning, before the first cup of coffee, mid morning, lunch time and then early evening and late evening. Record the results over a couple of weeks then use that info as a base requirement for solar sizing.


Back to top Go down
Susie Wusie




Posts : 27
Join date : 2012-03-05

Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through?   Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptySat Mar 10, 2012 1:58 am

I have ordered a wireless monitor from a shop on ebay. Am waiting eagerly for it's arrival. bounce
Back to top Go down
Oceanvsta

Oceanvsta


Posts : 5
Join date : 2012-04-20
Age : 48
Location : Streaky Bay

Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? Empty
PostSubject: Just installed a Stand Alone System in January.   Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptySun May 13, 2012 6:13 am

Although our system is different to most because we are not on the grid, our research in the early days started with local installers and just asking anyone with panels on the roof lots of questions.
It was little alarming how many people had been messed around. So just be careful and try to go with someone who has been into solar installations for sometime( before all the grants started a surge in companies with minimal or no history/ experience) In our area this has been a huge issue. Our final choice came down to who the local electrician recommended. He also confirmed who not to go with.
Also with the grants now being pulled back perhaps get the system you can most afford. The bigger the system the bigger the rebate. Try not to cut yourself short, it's good not to have to constantly check your energy usage to see if you can put the washing on etc
Back to top Go down
Tallula Belle

Tallula Belle


Posts : 76
Join date : 2012-02-28
Age : 46
Location : Australia

Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through?   Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptyTue May 15, 2012 6:27 am

I totally agree, Oceanvista. That's great advice you have given.

We spoke with Rainbow Solar in Nimbin NSW initially and they helped us with the design. They have been running as a business for 25 to 30 years I think. This is for our off-grid cottage in the bush in Northern New South Wales.

Our place in Brisbane City we went with Origin as it was one of the best deals at the time and we use them for grid connect.
Back to top Go down
http://www.livingoffthegrid.com.au
aidenrock

aidenrock


Posts : 27
Join date : 2013-01-05
Age : 29
Location : delhi

Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? Empty
PostSubject: Keep it up   Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptyMon Feb 25, 2013 7:48 am

Basketball
Back to top Go down
http://www.collegefootballwinning.com
aidenrock

aidenrock


Posts : 27
Join date : 2013-01-05
Age : 29
Location : delhi

Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through?   Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptyFri Mar 22, 2013 9:09 am

This is gonna be a best idea ever!!!
Back to top Go down
http://www.collegefootballwinning.com
2anrip




Posts : 18
Join date : 2012-12-05
Age : 36
Location : indore

Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through?   Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptyFri May 10, 2013 2:31 pm

impressive thread and best idea i ever heard. cheers
Back to top Go down
http://www.collegefootballwinning.com
lyarbrough




Posts : 1
Join date : 2015-02-22

Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? Empty
PostSubject: off grid solar and wind setup   Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? EmptySat Mar 07, 2015 8:00 pm

i'm building an off grid solar and wind setup.the panels (100 watts each for 185.00) a wind turbine (400watt for 400.00) an inverter (3000 watt for 200.00) all on amazon.useing marine batteries from walmart (115 amp hrs for 100.00 each) i have 2 panels and 2 marine batteries connected to my inverter.where the cable comes through the floor for the tv i ran an extension cord with a plug strip to my battery storage(dog house) outside didn't want all the wires and batteries in the house.now i have tv,dvd player two lamps pluged in so far.waiting on my wind turbine to be delivered. then will add more batteries as i can and run a cord to charge two lap tops. my little system is pretty expensive but at least i'm not relying on the grid. and will continue to add to my little system to power more of my home.
.
Back to top Go down
Sponsored content





Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? Empty
PostSubject: Re: Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through?   Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through? Empty

Back to top Go down
 
Buying a grid connect solar system. Who do I go through?
Back to top 
Page 1 of 1
 Similar topics
-
» DIY solar and wind
» Solar Panels leaching chemicals?
» Almost Off the Grid Cottage for Sale
» The first Solar Thermal plant has gone live in Spain
» Florida makes living off grid illegal

Permissions in this forum:You cannot reply to topics in this forum
Living Off The Grid :: Alternative Power - Solar, Wind, Turbine :: Solar Power-
Jump to: