Today I had a look at the digital read out on the wall mounted unit. We have 10 panels and a It tells me it has generated 3825 kw. It has been operational 395 days beginning 22 January 2014.
That is an average of 9.7 kw per day Here in Ballarat Victoria.
I think it all about were you are and how much sun you get . I have 2 lots of relations in North Queensland both with 20 panels 5 KW system, The one in Mareeba on a good day produce 30 kw a day , The one in Townsville produce 27.5 kw a day
SnowT said
02:22 PM Feb 22, 2015
hey Paul.. you need to give us some more figure's..
- size of the system... How many Kw.
- size of the inverter..
At a general guess.. you have about 1.6-1.8 kw of solar on your Roof..
and a 1.6kw unit on the wall..
What does your Bill say you have put into the grid..
That is a typical small system... if your a light user you will break even....
From my stand point..
2 systems..
1.6kw system located on the garage..
5.4kw system located on the house..
We have a total of 7kwh of system... Take into account that you will Pretty much lose about 2-3% of the panel output after 12month's.. Yes if you did not know the manufacturers have a chart that shows this fact...
A good sunny day for us we are producing over 30kwh of power with Peaks in excess of 5.4kwh into the grid... from about 12-2pm.....
Our Last bill was in the credit's, to the extent that the next one will be in the credit as well even if we have ****ty weather, and we are medium down from Heavy users... we are under the local norm for our area..
If you want to know my thoughts on Grid connect system just ask...
Juergen
oldtrack123 said
03:04 PM Feb 22, 2015
HI We have a7.5kW system with a 5kW [rated] inverter but have seen up to 5.4kW output] largest single phase allowed in our area Have had up to 44kW per day usually more like 30kW< Our worst days are often those with bright CLEAR sun or reflective clouds& we only get around 20kW
We have a high mains voltage ,around 256V during the day & IF the feed back pushes that up to around 264V usually @ around 4.2kW feedback , the unit shuts down & goes through the whole start up cycle , 1minute OFF & 1minute ON As it steps up ,soon as max voltage is met OFF again repeat every 2minutes ,so loose 50% < Currently trying to source an adjustable voltage sensitive relay, "ON at around 263V ,[OFF} at around 260V to supply the hot water system Tests indicate the HW element would be best around 1000W
PeterQ
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Sunday 22nd of February 2015 03:09:49 PM
aussie_paul said
03:55 PM Feb 22, 2015
SnowT wrote:
hey Paul.. you need to give us some more figure's..
- size of the system... How many Kw. - size of the inverter..
At a general guess.. you have about 1.6-1.8 kw of solar on your Roof.. and a 1.6kw unit on the wall.. What does your Bill say you have put into the grid..
That is a typical small system... if your a light user you will break even....
From my stand point..
2 systems.. 1.6kw system located on the garage.. 5.4kw system located on the house..
We have a total of 7kwh of system... Take into account that you will Pretty much lose about 2-3% of the panel output after 12month's.. Yes if you did not know the manufacturers have a chart that shows this fact...
A good sunny day for us we are producing over 30kwh of power with Peaks in excess of 5.4kwh into the grid... from about 12-2pm..... Our Last bill was in the credit's, to the extent that the next one will be in the credit as well even if we have ****ty weather, and we are medium down from Heavy users... we are under the local norm for our area..
If you want to know my thoughts on Grid connect system just ask...
Juergen
Hi Juergen, I think our system is a 2.5kw with a 3.3 inverter. Our Smart meter tells me that we have put 16.15 kw into the grid in 11.75 months. We are not what I would call heavy users, only the two of us with monthly weekend visits of daughter.
We have natural gas for hot water and cooktop. Aircon and oven are power.
I have yet to get my head around all the figures as the energy company were very slow in sending accounts, but now that I have accurate measurements from March 1st 2014 to March 1st 2015 I will dig all the accounts out and wade through them.
Aussie Paul.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Sunday 22nd of February 2015 04:01:37 PM
Woody n Sue said
08:57 PM Feb 24, 2015
We have a 5 kW system it's about 5 years old 18 panel if memory serves me well
From 20 January to 16 February We have fed in to the grid 456.05 KW.
We got in early so we get payed $0.66 per kW
We used $56.93 of power generated $300.99 my service to property fee is $0.9276 per day $25.97
And I am in credit $218.08
Not too bad for 28 days
We get payed about $2500 a year from this system my quarterly bill 5 years ago used to be around $500 to $550 so I guess that's about $4500 per year the system cost me $16,500 to put in, think I have another year to go at $0.66 then I'll probably have to look at more panels if allowed or batteries and maybe going off grid if it dosent cover our power bill.
Woody
aussie_paul said
09:14 PM Feb 24, 2015
Woody n Sue wrote:
We have a 5 kW system it's about 5 years old 18 panel if memory serves me well From 20 January to 16 February We have fed in to the grid 456.05 KW. We got in early so we get payed $0.66 per kW We used $56.93 of power generated $300.99 my service to property fee is $0.9276 per day $25.97 And I am in credit $218.08 Not too bad for 28 days We get payed about $2500 a year from this system my quarterly bill 5 years ago used to be around $500 to $550 so I guess that's about $4500 per year the system cost me $16,500 to put in, think I have another year to go at $0.66 then I'll probably have to look at more panels if allowed or batteries and maybe going off grid if it dosent cover our power bill.
Woody
Thanks for that Woody...
Aussie Paul.
Delta18 said
11:02 AM Feb 25, 2015
oldtrack123 wrote:
We have a high mains voltage ,around 256V during the day & IF the feed back pushes that up to around 264V usually @ around 4.2kW feedback , the unit shuts down & goes through the whole start up cycle , 1minute OFF & 1minute ON As it steps up ,soon as max voltage is met OFF again repeat every 2minutes ,so loose 50% <
PeterQ
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Sunday 22nd of February 2015 03:09:49 PM
When my Inverter started doing that so I got onto my installer and it was replaced.
My system is the basic 1.5kw and since installing 3 1/2 years ago I have not paid a bill, I am in fact near on $500 in credit. This from an average bill of $150 per 2 month billing cycle previously.
oldtrack123 said
11:04 PM Feb 25, 2015
HI Neil
Unfortunately the inverter is not faulity
It is doing what it is supposed to do
That is to prevent the suppliers power lines going beyond the allowed MAX voltage
I do understand the actual problem IN my case
The Mains Transformer is set on a high voltage setting so those consumers furtherest from the transformer get good voltage during peak load hrs ,Early evening ,& day air con loads on hot days
WE are right near the mains transformer,so get just about the max voltage[little voltage drop ]
I Know I have two options
[a]bypassing some of the output to a dummy load /HWS
[b[As we have a 3phase suppy changing the inverter to a 3phase unit.
Still looking attheeconomics of doing that
PeterQ
DeBe said
11:45 PM Feb 25, 2015
I had the same problem with my 1.5Kw solar system. I compained to the power network not the supplier. A recording volt meter was set up at my premises for 7 days. The mains transformer taping was adjusted for a lower voltage & the solar system works fine now & the mains is around 250V. High voltage problems are of no interest to supplier as they are only interested in collecting money. The power network are the ones who set the voltages & Line maintenance.
oldtrack123 said
12:39 AM Feb 26, 2015
DeBe wrote:
I had the same problem with my 1.5Kw solar system. I compained to the power network not the supplier. A recording volt meter was set up at my premises for 7 days. The mains transformer taping was adjusted for a lower voltage & the solar system works fine now & the mains is around 250V. High voltage problems are of no interest to supplier as they are only interested in collecting money. The power network are the ones who set the voltages & Line maintenance.
HI DB
Yes ,That is exactly what I did & went through THAT process
They installed a recorder in the meter box[
They confirmed that our mains voltage was HIGH & on the top limit
But could not reduce it due to voltage drop problems for those on the end of the line.
The only solution in their hands was to upgrade the lines so those on the end would be OK in peak load times but THAT was not something they were prepared to do.
PeterQ
Aus-Kiwi said
02:28 AM Feb 26, 2015
In most cases its out of balance load . As in single phase services get connected to the phase next to neutral . Being in most cases neutral is on footpath side.. Not too many single services get connected to C phase..
i have 20 panels 4.6 kW system with Max 5 kW single inverter ..
I have 3 phase due to air conditioner and welding equipment ..
i am yet to put timer on hot water system so we get full benefits from solar and off peak rates through smart meter ..
Havnt had a proper bill yet.. The last one was $500 less . We had some previous metter readings bought forward as wrong meter was fitted.. Seems the 3 phase meter works out the single phase solar ?
I use air con through the day when hot turn it off through peak tariff and back on if hot on timer as we go to bed..
When our hot water breaks down I'll probably go gas/ solar..
-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Thursday 26th of February 2015 02:37:05 AM
oldtrack123 said
11:30 AM Feb 26, 2015
Aus-Kiwi wrote:
In most cases its out of balance load . As in single phase services get connected to the phase next to neutral . Being in most cases neutral is on footpath side.. Not too many single services get connected to C phase..
i have 20 panels 4.6 kW system with Max 5 kW single inverter ..
I have 3 phase due to air conditioner and welding equipment ..
i am yet to put timer on hot water system so we get full benefits from solar and off peak rates through smart meter ..
Havnt had a proper bill yet.. The last one was $500 less . We had some previous metter readings bought forward as wrong meter was fitted.. Seems the 3 phase meter works out the single phase solar ?
I use air con through the day when hot turn it off through peak tariff and back on if hot on timer as we go to bed..
When our hot water breaks down I'll probably go gas/ solar..
-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Thursday 26th of February 2015 02:37:05 AM
Hi Kiwi
We too have a 3 phase supply
I have tried ALL 3phases with the same results
The other option I have is to rip out the Single phase inverter & put in a 3phase unit.
At the present our HWS is slow combustion stove heated ,but does have All electrical reqs , thermostat & 2400W element, so simply connecting that is not an option
It needs to be Auto line voltage controlled with about a 1000W element
PeterQ
Aus-Kiwi said
01:11 PM Feb 26, 2015
Yea the 3 phase inverter added an extra $2k to the install ..
I could go off grid but I need the frequency off the grid as the inverter doesn't have that feature ..
Have gas in street.. My son has solar /gas we often forget to connect power for gas to operate .
It can be off for weeks until he gets 2 cloudy days. Then we realise we didn't reconnect at outside power point..
So gas is hardly used .. His gas bill is only $50 which includes stove...
Main part is when self funded retiree is to get all your expenses as low as possible...
Us poor tax payers don't get any discounts .. ,!
Today I had a look at the digital read out on the wall mounted unit. We have 10 panels and a It tells me it has generated 3825 kw. It has been operational 395 days beginning 22 January 2014.
That is an average of 9.7 kw per day Here in Ballarat Victoria.
Any comments?
Aussie Paul.
- size of the system... How many Kw.
- size of the inverter..
At a general guess.. you have about 1.6-1.8 kw of solar on your Roof..
and a 1.6kw unit on the wall..
What does your Bill say you have put into the grid..
That is a typical small system... if your a light user you will break even....
From my stand point..
2 systems..
1.6kw system located on the garage..
5.4kw system located on the house..
We have a total of 7kwh of system... Take into account that you will Pretty much lose about 2-3% of the panel output after 12month's.. Yes if you did not know the manufacturers have a chart that shows this fact...
A good sunny day for us we are producing over 30kwh of power with Peaks in excess of 5.4kwh into the grid... from about 12-2pm.....
Our Last bill was in the credit's, to the extent that the next one will be in the credit as well even if we have ****ty weather, and we are medium down from Heavy users... we are under the local norm for our area..
If you want to know my thoughts on Grid connect system just ask...
Juergen
HI
We have a7.5kW system with a 5kW [rated] inverter but have seen up to 5.4kW output] largest single phase allowed in our area
Have had up to 44kW per day
usually more like 30kW<
Our worst days are often those with bright CLEAR sun or reflective clouds& we only get around 20kW
We have a high mains voltage ,around 256V during the day
& IF the feed back pushes that up to around 264V usually @ around 4.2kW feedback , the unit shuts down & goes through the whole start up cycle , 1minute OFF & 1minute ON As it steps up ,soon as max voltage is met OFF again repeat every 2minutes ,so loose 50% <
Currently trying to source an adjustable voltage sensitive relay, "ON at around 263V ,[OFF} at around 260V to supply the hot water system
Tests indicate the HW element would be best around 1000W
PeterQ
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Sunday 22nd of February 2015 03:09:49 PM
Hi Juergen, I think our system is a 2.5kw with a 3.3 inverter. Our Smart meter tells me that we have put 16.15 kw into the grid in 11.75 months. We are not what I would call heavy users, only the two of us with monthly weekend visits of daughter.
We have natural gas for hot water and cooktop. Aircon and oven are power.
I have yet to get my head around all the figures as the energy company were very slow in sending accounts, but now that I have accurate measurements from March 1st 2014 to March 1st 2015 I will dig all the accounts out and wade through them.
Aussie Paul.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Sunday 22nd of February 2015 04:01:37 PM
From 20 January to 16 February We have fed in to the grid 456.05 KW.
We got in early so we get payed $0.66 per kW
We used $56.93 of power generated $300.99 my service to property fee is $0.9276 per day $25.97
And I am in credit $218.08
Not too bad for 28 days
We get payed about $2500 a year from this system my quarterly bill 5 years ago used to be around $500 to $550 so I guess that's about $4500 per year the system cost me $16,500 to put in, think I have another year to go at $0.66 then I'll probably have to look at more panels if allowed or batteries and maybe going off grid if it dosent cover our power bill.
Woody
Thanks for that Woody...
Aussie Paul.
When my Inverter started doing that so I got onto my installer and it was replaced.
My system is the basic 1.5kw and since installing 3 1/2 years ago I have not paid a bill, I am in fact near on $500 in credit. This from an average bill of $150 per 2 month billing cycle previously.
HI Neil
Unfortunately the inverter is not faulity
It is doing what it is supposed to do
That is to prevent the suppliers power lines going beyond the allowed MAX voltage
I do understand the actual problem IN my case
The Mains Transformer is set on a high voltage setting so those consumers furtherest from the transformer get good voltage during peak load hrs ,Early evening ,& day air con loads on hot days
WE are right near the mains transformer,so get just about the max voltage[little voltage drop ]
I Know I have two options
[a]bypassing some of the output to a dummy load /HWS
[b[As we have a 3phase suppy changing the inverter to a 3phase unit.
Still looking attheeconomics of doing that
PeterQ
I had the same problem with my 1.5Kw solar system. I compained to the power network not the supplier. A recording volt meter was set up at my premises for 7 days. The mains transformer taping was adjusted for a lower voltage & the solar system works fine now & the mains is around 250V. High voltage problems are of no interest to supplier as they are only interested in collecting money. The power network are the ones who set the voltages & Line maintenance.
HI DB
Yes ,That is exactly what I did & went through THAT process
They installed a recorder in the meter box[
They confirmed that our mains voltage was HIGH & on the top limit
But could not reduce it due to voltage drop problems for those on the end of the line.
The only solution in their hands was to upgrade the lines so those on the end would be OK in peak load times but THAT was not something they were prepared to do.
PeterQ
In most cases its out of balance load . As in single phase services get connected to the phase next to neutral .
Being in most cases neutral is on footpath side.. Not too many single services get connected to C phase..
i have 20 panels 4.6 kW system with Max 5 kW single inverter ..
I have 3 phase due to air conditioner and welding equipment ..
i am yet to put timer on hot water system so we get full benefits from solar and off peak rates through smart meter ..
Havnt had a proper bill yet.. The last one was $500 less . We had some previous metter readings bought forward as wrong meter was fitted.. Seems the 3 phase meter works out the single phase solar ?
I use air con through the day when hot turn it off through peak tariff and back on if hot on timer as we go to bed..
When our hot water breaks down I'll probably go gas/ solar..
-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Thursday 26th of February 2015 02:37:05 AM
Hi Kiwi
We too have a 3 phase supply
I have tried ALL 3phases with the same results
The other option I have is to rip out the Single phase inverter & put in a 3phase unit.
At the present our HWS is slow combustion stove heated ,but does have All electrical reqs , thermostat & 2400W element, so simply connecting that is not an option
It needs to be Auto line voltage controlled with about a 1000W element
PeterQ
I could go off grid but I need the frequency off the grid as the inverter doesn't have that feature ..
Have gas in street.. My son has solar /gas we often forget to connect power for gas to operate .
It can be off for weeks until he gets 2 cloudy days. Then we realise we didn't reconnect at outside power point..
So gas is hardly used .. His gas bill is only $50 which includes stove...
Main part is when self funded retiree is to get all your expenses as low as possible...
Us poor tax payers don't get any discounts .. ,!