on 13-09-2014 08:27 AM
We are just about to start some extension, which means I will have nice north facing roof suitable for solar panels.
Over the past few months we emailed several companies in Melbourne, and had not single answer. Finally, yesterday we got one from EURO SOLAR, who with the first very basic quote (we are not sure exactly what we want) sent their banking details for deposit - bit too desperate for my liking.
Anybody in Melbourne has solar installed? Can you recommend the company you dealt with?
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on 14-09-2014 12:01 AM
Yes you can do it supanova.
Instead of connecting to the grid, you install an off the grid system. They do it in remote areas all the time. A friend of mine generates her own power in a bush hut she built 10 years ago.
I am not 100% sure how it all works but I understand her panels charge up batteries and this provdes the power she needs to convert to 240v electricity. Her power is completely self sufficient.
I am sure there must be companies out there that can help you with this. Or there must be environmentalist blogs out there that you can ask questions to.
on 14-09-2014 12:03 AM
I just googled off grid solar systems and found this: http://www.energymatters.com.au/stand-alone-power/offgrid-solar-faq/
on 14-09-2014 07:48 AM
Best place to look for a company to deal with for stand alone solar is searching for companies that service areas where
linking to the grid in your state is expensive and then searching for suppliers of the same brands closer to you or use
'stand alone solar' in your internet solar search efforts. some local companies that I trust
http://solardepotbellingen-px.rtrk.com.au/
http://solardepotbellingen-px.rtrk.com.au/stand-alone-power
SA company below looks good. Solar water pumps are pretty well the 'new" technology at the moment
http://www.energymatters.com.au/stand-alone-power/
A reputable company will advise you to also install a back up generator to fully charge the batteries and use it
regularly.
Solar cells on their own cannot fully charge storage batteries.
Battery bank size is dependant on draw and also governs the 'bump' charge required.
You can easily 'experiment' cheaply now using led globes, a voltage regulator with diode and just a vehicle battery
although they are not really designed as a storage battery ( and need regular bump charging to remain effective).
Real storage batteries are quite expensive.
on 13-09-2014 09:52 AM
on 13-09-2014 10:26 AM
I agree with Mugzy my son has recently looked into it done the math and decided the cash is better off staying in his offset account.
on 13-09-2014 10:32 AM
on 13-09-2014 10:34 AM
He has the solar HW Mugzy.
on 13-09-2014 10:35 AM
on 13-09-2014 11:07 AM
on 13-09-2014 12:41 PM
on 13-09-2014 12:53 PM
@***super_nova*** wrote:We are just about to start some extension, which means I will have nice north facing roof suitable for solar panels.
Over the past few months we emailed several companies in Melbourne, and had not single answer. Finally, yesterday we got one from EURO SOLAR, who with the first very basic quote (we are not sure exactly what we want) sent their banking details for deposit - bit too desperate for my liking.
Anybody in Melbourne has solar installed? Can you recommend the company you dealt with?
Have you tried these websites?
http://www.solarchoice dot net dot au/blog/best-solar-pv-power-deals-melbourne-vic/
https://www.solarmarket dot com dot au/victoria/melbourne
Also I would stay away from modern as they are expensive and pushy, and Mark Group as they are OTT expensive and rude and abusive.
on 13-09-2014 01:15 PM
@mugssy65 wrote:
Are they on the 20c a unit buy back? If they are then they have probably had their unit about 7+ years the guaranteed 20c per unit ends at ten years then they will drop to the same rate as the rest of us.
Yeh, theyve had theirs for at least 7 years.
No idea of any other info as we dont talk to them anymore