Tomorrow is the last day of winter for the year. It's been a little more dour than usual and has seeped deep into my ancient dinosaur bones and sapped away my energy.
It's been a grind over the last three months after taking on a role with a new company and, whilst the efforts I've invested have paid dividends, I've also paid a price. All work and no play is a bad fucken combination, but all work and no play with shitty winter weather is far worse.
We'll start to see longer days though, much more blue sky, less rain and the temperatures will rise sharply and along with it will come more opportunity for outdoor activities. For me, that means wilderness, far away places and nature! I've got another reason for less clouds and longer days though, not just the fact it allows me to get more active and feel like I have more energy but because...I can get more energy! I mean more other energy.
A while back I wrote about a solar system initiative the government have on offer at the moment. You can read that post here, but essentially it means free solar systems. The offer was for a 4.5kW system but I chose to upgrade to a 6.0kW system which has cost me an additional $400...so not totally free - I think it's smart to upgrade as I plan to add a Tesla battery down the track and the additional energy production will work nicely. It's a good deal right?
A few weeks ago I signed the paperwork and have been waiting for the installation team to get in contact and today they did so. My installation is happening tomorrow. The installation will take about half a day and because I work from home mostly I'll be around throughout.
I have a solar system on my other house and chose the best quality equipment I could afford and have been happy with it. With the government scheme I was a little concerned the hardware might be rubbish so I did some additional research. As it turns out, it isn't rubbish at all, which made me feel a little better about it.
The solar collectors are by Risen Jager and are 375W panels, 16 of them. They have a 15 year product warranty and 25 year linear performance warranty. I'm not impressed with them being from a Chinese company but there's not much choice really.
The inverter is by Austrian company Fronius International. That's Austria folks, not to be confused with Australia. It has 5,000W of inverter power and a 5 + 5 years warranty. (The extra 5 years is for a product that is registered, which is what I'll do of course.)
The array will be mounted to the roof on brackets, as per normal, and sit at the same angle as the roof so they don't stick out and looked fucked up. It will be split across various roof locations to account for roof profile and to maximise solar collection as the sun traverses the sky.
I'm looking forward to seeing the numbers once it's up and running; there's an app to track the energy production which you can see above. The images and numbers relate to the system on my other house of course.
In my head the process will go smoothly tomorrow and no one will fall off the roof, and if they do hopefully they bounce. Seriously though, there is a chance some roof tiles will be broken and I've planned ahead for that adding some additional spares, to the several I already had, a couple weeks ago. The company doing the installation are reputable though so I'm not expecting problems and feel quite confident.
I'll do a report now and then and share how my energy bill reduces. At my other house it came down by about 85% which is significant considering the cost of power here in Australia. I'm hoping for the same result.
Having a solar system, without storage capabilities, means some changes to how power is used but they're easy changes to make, and I think the effort will prove worthwhile. Using power during the day when the panels are producing energy will will mean power savings for me and when I'm not using it the power-to-grid aspect helps mitigate the effect society has on the environment. It seems like a good deal.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind
The images in this post are my own and are not for your use...like ever.
That awesome! Free power. I have been looking at getting some solar panels myself. The weather is kak up here but if I can even get some trickle of something it would help with the way the energy market is going. Although, annoyingly, the UK has done away with grants to help purchase and lessened the buyback tarriffwhen you do feed your excess back into the grid. Almost like they don't want to be green, or even see the little guy make some cash!
I would be more pleased if I had a group of serfs to peddle on bikes to power a generator to create power as I'd work them 24/7...Alas, I'll have to make do with a free solar system courtesy of my tax payers dollars and the Australian government.
With your situation, you know, three days a year of wane sunlight that filters through clouds that are less dense than normal, I'd suggest you look into the system carefully. I have a little shading over the panels at my other house so went for micro-inverters which are better at generating power in dim or dappled light conditions. Here, I don't have that issue so it's all good. That stuff make a big difference to energy production.
A bummer you have no grants. We get a feed-in tarriff here, money back off the bill as you mention, hence the 85% saving. It's significant, something like $550+ off each quarter's bill. Back in the day it was way more though, people were getting paid on the energy bill, not billed!
The way countries are approaching this issue is bonkers really, but fortunately here in Australia some sense prevails.
Fecking hell. My work has been mental these last few days. Only catching up now.
That's the way it used to be here. People got a really good feed in tariff then they reduced it by 90% or something. Bit like crypto in a Bear market. Lol.
Free power, serf driven or sun. I would take it in a flash. I will check out what you were saying about the micro inverter stuff.
Even though a dappled day in Oz might be a summer day here 😀
You Scotts and your wacky weather. Look into a hybrid serf-solar system at www.serfsincorporated.uk which I heard are awesome. Serf power is the new rage. Greta Thunberg approves.
This is a similar scenario I heard about a few years back where solar heaters and panels were encouraged by the government in this kind of sponsorship scenario but then three years down the line forced everyone who had signed up to register their equipment with the energy minister's office as they intended on putting a tariff in place. I think that as soon as government sees that they won't be getting as much money in the coffers they then do a quick 180 degree turn about. It's the only thing that would turn me off this kind of initiative.
Tis fine how they turn when they see the little person getting done cash and them not so much!
All work and no play with shitty winter... 🙀☹️😱 I'm just back from Europe and HORRIFIED at the seemingly nice work-life balance in the 9am to 4.50pm offices, but FEELING a lot of dissatisfaction under the surface, as people struggle with weather, employment constraints and the endless shuffle to the office. Shitty winters are a thing I have heard - and about to personally rediscover, as I'm heading back to Holland for a christmas visit to my daughter in December. ❄️😆 Apply a warming merlot as you dream about warmer days and more outside adventures. Hugs. x
Winter in Holland? Hmm, not where I'd choose to be, although I've never had a white Christmas and I'd like to make it a thing one of these days. We'll be warming up soon, but the next week looks quite cool still. I'll make do...Some 30% less sugar Milo and snuggles with Cleo and I'll be good to go.
Yay solar panels! I have yet to convince J but haven’t tried particularly hard as we’re constant haemorrhaging money so our chances of ever being able to get one are slim to none anyway 😑 especially because we’d be picky about manufacturing and would be looking to get good ones that will probably cost an arm and a leg 💀
Did your other place have a battery?
Most of the systems on the market are pretty good, it's a highly regulated industry. I think a person would be ok as long as they didn't buy from the Dodgy Bros. Solar Company.
I still have that other place and enjoy the benefits of almost free power. None gets used at night there, and with no power draw at night there's no cost obviously. I don't have a battery there either, I moved out so there's no point with no usage at night. Here though, the battery will happen.
Dodgy Bros expanded into solar too? Damn, though I'm also not surprised XD
Haha!
Today's high-efficiency solar panels and those awesome solar batteries make it cheaper than ever before to power your entire house using solar energy. While I think it is nice on the roof, I am opting for having them mounted down. For me, it makes me feel more confident when one may possibly need to be turned or changed.
I have plenty of land to make that happen. On the house closer to downtown DC, it will be the roof or nothing. This is probably the first time I have looked at how many floors the houses both are and shuddered. Glad I won't be climbing up.
I'll take it.
Great post and thanks for going through the process.
@ksteem was talking about ground-mounted arrays, and I think it's the way he will go also. I don't have the ground space, and for domestic properties it's not really done here. I'll make the most of the roof mount, the one on my other house has been there since 2016 and is still going strong, producing well. Here's the production and usage stats for right now. The di[s in the blue production bars are clouds as it's a partially cloudy day. The grey is the back to the grid input. Yay, for free money!
It's cool to track it like this.
Best when it looks like this though...Bring on the sun!
It's very cool to track it like this, but shhhh. The big power companies don't want to see us powering ourselves or smaller co-ops.
It is super cool tracking! Nice to see those $$ coming back to you.
It all goes back out on Lego, donuts and 4x4 equipment. Lol
I see how you prioritize. I'll take mine in wine.
Come on, I know you want a donut too!
It's a great initiative when they help people change over to a more green system like this and at $400 extra for the upgraded version I still think you're winning. The only thing that would concern me is how much energy is produced during the winter months but I'm assuming that even then you would still have the capability of tapping into the main grid if/when necessary.
I have had my solar system since 2016 at my other house and the data shows good production all the way through the year, better on sunny days though if course. It's not like only solar powers the house though, it feeds both into the house at the same time so there's no lack of power and one doesn't even know it's switched to grid at night, there's no flickering of lights or anything. Smooth as silk.
Oh that's a great run so far at 6 years already, I figured that there would be a switchover to normal power, the fact that it isn't noticeable is great. I'm always a bit skeptical about solar panels because there are so many that just aren't even worth the cost and that break down within a year, you clearly got a high quality product.
I tend to do some research and to look for products that lean more on the best side than the average side. It costs me money, but it's served me well.
Well built things pay for themselves, it's perfectly logical to go for something that will last even if it costs a bit more.
That is some solar system you are getting installed. I am more than happy with my 6 x 250 watt solar panels and my Pylontech UP2500 lithium battery. It is interesting to hear about this government scheme and how you will also be providing energy for others when you are not using it. Looking forward to seeing it all set up and running xxx
I have a couple of portable 120W panels that I take camping. I can plug them directly to my 4x4's auxiliary 110aH deep cycle battery to charge it if I'm not moving - That battery powers my onboard fridge/freezer. I also deploy them at camp when I'm in a fixed location for a time and one of the provides enough power to keep the 180aH fully charged. They run my fridge/freezer on my camper trailer, lights, inverter and so on.
This house system should be good and I look forward to seeing the bill reduce.
Sponteneity, the very best way if I'm asked, to live life knowing tomorrow isn't promised. BTW, Solar really is one of the best sources of electricity especially in Africa. I hope most or all of the governments adopt it cause power here is wacky.
PS. I was replying this 6hours ago and slept off 😄🤦🏾♀️
Solar power collection certainly has it's merits and I'm pleased to have this second solar system being installed, which is happening even as I type this comment.
Great! "Lucky" you.
Solar panels? A very good idea to cut down on electricity bills. If I should ever talk about this with my mom she'd feel like trading me for 'em.
Hopefully they will if they have springs attached to their bodies 🤣. They're professionals so they should know how to work with caution.
How many solar panels do you reckon you're worth? If it's a lot, don't tell your mom, you find yourself traded. 😁
Quantillion(borrowed from you actually) but I don't think she knows that🤭.
Seems like a good deal.
At least the government is using reputable companies for the project.
A reduction of 85% is beautiful and it can be channelled to other things.
I hope nobody falls from the roof. I am sure those coming for the installation are trained to climb roofs.
Coffee, donuts and Lego.
Love seeing more on this. We had a quote to get one and have it installed on the roof here and the cost was a bit high in my view. Still love the idea, just not ready to make that large of investment yet. I'm also considering a ground mount. We've got plenty of land, just finding a spot out of the trees without destroying the view of our meadow, and thinking that could also leave room for plenty of expansion. There are several farms up here with like 5-10 of those big panels on ground mounts. A bit of a pain to mow around I suppose, but seems like easier for other maintenance, and to be able to scrape the snow off in winter. I've seen some very long pole mounted scrapers, but that seems a bit of a stretch to be trying to reach way up on the steep roof to scrape them.
@ksteem Hi, Kris. I see how you are talking about mowing around them. I am putting bricking around them, (pavers can be used too) forming a walkway all the way around. It will make it easier to trim around them.
Oh, I like that idea.
It's interesting to hear how different ountries differ in their renewable energy plans and strategies. The cost of solar systems varies so much and I know others who simply can't afford it. I'll be honest and say ai probably wouldn't be installing it if I had to pay. I count myself lucky.
I like the idea of ground-mount but it's a space thing I guess, many just won't have the ability. If you do, I think it's a good plan for the reasons you mention. Will they track with the sun? I've seen some that do.
I think the tracking are quite a bit more efficient, as they are able to keep an optimal angle for much longer through the day. I've been looking more at the ground and think rather than in the middle of the field, I could place on the side of the meadow where the blackberry and other weed tangles are and avoid the mowing around them piece... getting closer to decision, maybe next year. There's no way I could self-install on our steep roof, nor really easily reach to maintain/repair. The ground ones may just fit the bill, and being able to add a second or larger panel to redeem the powerback rewards (capped here, but still a value to a certain point).
Sounds like a very cool set up. Adding a power wall (or batteries and gear to switch them) will make a huge difference.
My roof doesn't qualify for government or power system help so I'm essentially screwed, blued and tattooed. We do have a brand new 'cost sharing' program from the gov which starts Thursday for most people.
I'm really looking forward to your production/cost reduction report. I think 600 kw with a power wall would darn near take me to zero from the utility. I think it would take 900 to be sure but...
It'll take time for the stats to show sw bbers but coming into summer will help as the AC will be on during the day. I'll compare against last year and see what I see. I think it'll work out really well though.
A shame your house doesn't qualify though huh?
I love this. If we had our own house I'm sure we'd be looking at adding solar panels, too. 85% less? That's amazing!
On the other energy part - I'll hope warmer weather will be there soon.
Yeah, it's a good saving right? I'll get similar here as aill shift some of the power usage to day time, (charging stuff up and all.)
Taking up solar is a smart move because of the reduction in electricity bills, it would save less and you have access to more energy as you have explained.
Let hope no one fall and am sure you really going to be enjoying more power when the installation is done tomorrow
If they fall, let's hope they fall on the other side of the fence, my neighbour can deal with it.
lol. Don't like your neighbour, or are they renowned for dealing with things?
They're ok enough, I guess, but hmm, probably not good at dealing with things. So...ok, maybe if someone falls off my roof today it's best they fall off on the council land side! 😂
We are also using solar-powered equipments at home but not in all appliances. It conserves electricity and it is environmental-friendly. Perhaps it is a good deal dear friend, @galenkp ❤️
It's great to obtain energy from the sun and whilst the ost of getting set up is sometimes high, the ongoing savings are welcome right?
Yes, dear friend galen. Thank you for your attention 😊❤️ Keep safe and have a great day.
Lee is a clever boy! That there is a great quote and mantra.
Winter's can definitely drain the life out of you alright, and especially with the stress of a new job and having to learn the ropes and sos out who's a prick and who's sound etc can take it out of you... Here comes the sun do do do, here comes the sun...... Those sunny days not too far off now friend, so keep the faith.
Sounds solid and good choice paying the extra 400 bucks for the upgrade, it will pay for itself in the long run. Best of luck with it.
There was never any doubt about the upgrade. Getting the system for free saved me many thousands of dollars so $400 for an upgrade was the best way to go.
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The power can be stored. Time to get an electric car, or several thousand crypto mining rigs.
Yeah, someone said that before to me. Maybe one day when they make them look better, and in 4x4.
Up in Europe we are heading towards winter, of course, first autumn. I do not know if you are aware about the gas prices in UK but since April this year the bill went up, for example we paid about 250 GBP and now it is 580 GBP a month and in October they announce another increase. That is way reading about solar, that was our thought this year too. Of course it is initial investment and it is expensive but later on you are independent and do not care if price go up. Unfortunately, this year, we must live with what we receive and pay our bills.
I hope the installation will go smoothly :)