I am thinking of getting Solar to try and reduce my power bills. Man is this a deep pond, so many traps and things to be wary of. I know it is different from state to state, so I guess people living in Adelaide would be the ones to help here. Firstly is there anyone out there who has had it connected, any information greatly appreciated. I have had so much aimed at me by the companies peddling the hardware, and I am beginning to get very confused. There are different types of panels, different Inverters/systems all claim to be the best. I think one thing that has come out of this is that generally anything that is made in Germany is considered to be the best quality.
While they are in NSW, I have found this website interesting and informative. Rainbow Power Company
On the grid connect page if you scroll down a bit there is a little calculator. This is et for new NSW installations but still gives you an idea of what's what
I am thinking of getting Solar to try and reduce my power bill.
Yes, you should try. Solar electricity can be used in multiple ways, but no matter which way you do use it, the benefits outweigh the negatives. Understanding solar power can help you choose an Earth-friendly energy source in the future. Initial solar electricity equipment costs may seem like a fortune, but there are instant and long-term solar electricity benefits to consider. Many states offer tax breaks for homes that install solar panels. This can cut a bulk of the cost. Also, if solar panels process extra power, that power can get sent out to the power grid, and the electricity company will actually pay you for providing it.
what ever you do get a bigger inverter for your application eg: 1.5kw panels, get a 2kw inverter and so on. That way there is always room to get more panels if you want, and save more money!!!!
I found you seem to become complacent a bit aswell. The lights seem to stay on a bit too much and the standby power dosnt matter anymore. Which is the wrong way to think, i know, but i just seems to happen.
Over here you get 47 cents for every KW you put back into the grid. dosnt seem like much but if you can turn the lights off and turn appliences off at the wall, you CAN get your bill into credit.
S'OK if the sun shines a lot. Not here.
Can't even get the waterpump to run off it with any consistancy.
Fiendishly expensive too.
Turn on a space heater for an hour and there's your weeks leccy gone!
I considered solar but it doesn't seem efficient/competitive enough to me. I'd rather see our tax dollars used to improve on current technology such that people would choose to install a system without the subsidy.
