Solar Panel Regrets

[rennix]

I'm wondering if anyone has any regrets with installing their Soalr Panels please? Or wished they had known differently when installing their solar panels?

[Caban]

@Lester 

When I purchased them, the LTO were about the same price as Lion.

The lower density is not a disadvantage in a static application. Where it is an advantage is that they are way more stable and not subject to thermal runaway.

They do not have any cycle limitations and can be completely discharged.

In today's market they are a bit more expensive on initial purchase, but that has to be offset against not having to replace them in about 12 years.

I agree that a good battery system completes a home power system.

[Lester]

Might have to look at what LTO offerings there are in Australia.

I did find info some months ago saying there were limitations in longevity, or maybe the gist was that because regular lithium ion cycles are getting so good now that cycle life is really a moot point.

The battery folk I've spoken to thus far, including one who has installed over 2000 powerwalls and powerwall 2's in the US, not one cited fire / thermal runaway incident is known to them personally, but I have found a couple of US news reports, could be bad installation issue too I guess.

Powerwall 3 has a new chemical tech and is supposedly safer, if it really was a major issue.

Yet upwards of 50 Tesla vehicle fires to date, could be mostly older tech batteries, but I wonder why such a discrepancy to home battery incidents (or lack of).

Battery tech is certainly advancing rapidly.

I hope the battery side track is ok with the OP, I feel knowing now what I do that getting solar and looking seriously at a battery same time is worth knowing about.

Depending on your situation a battery is really going to help you negate power bills, and getting one along with solar at the start will save several thousand $, and be more streamlined / better compatible.

[passement]

I've installed two systems.  

The first was offered by an energy retailer and while the system worked fine it was apparent that the components and panels were, to put it politely, not the best available.  The one thing I didn't like about the first system was how quickly the solar panels performance diminished.

The second system I put a lot more thought into it. Consequently I engaged a company that are considered experts in solar system installations. They were able to offer me a range of panels to suit my budget and location conditions. I had some challenges with my second system's aspect and the company were able to offer solutions that took into account these challenges. I felt they cared about the long term performance and longevity of their systems.  They are in the game for the long run.

Despite the second system being significantly more expensive I am a lot happier with its performance.  I have no regrets.

My advice.  Engage a reputible solar company and don't skimp on the quality of the panels and inverter. With solar you get what you pay for.

[Lester]

Some good advice @passement 

Always pays to get a bit of an education when taking on something like solar, it's a big investment for most people.

I found some good channels on youtube, and solarquotes blogs, articles, and youtube vids are probably the best.

Solarquotes also offer 3 quotes from respected solar / battery companies, and tailor who they refer to you by looking at your needs.

Paying about $1000 per kwh for solar, and same for kw of battery capacity, is about right for a good system.

The days of 6kw systems are looking like prehistoric era now, with most advising to get as much on the roof as you can, within reason of performance and needs, as you can future proof.

[Zues]

If your going to get panels, fill every inch of your roof  with them and get as much battery storage as possible

I did mine in stages as I could afford it, 16kw panels first, then another 10kw of panels then 13kw of batteries, then another 13kw of bateries

Havent had a bill since 2020, through summer I export over 100kw per day back to the grid, you could charge a few cordless cars with that if your into that sort of thing