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

[_Steve]

Hello, Thought I would let you know I have found this thread / exchange informative and helpful, if only because it tells me I'm not alone ! lol. We are looking seriously at getting solar installed, but have a growing list of concerns that may result in my regretting it.

[Lester]

..

Steve, you are far ahead of a lot that get solar, and don't do any research, relying on solar companies and their self interest.

Keep educating yourself a bit more, so you know when some salesperson is not asking you the right things, or not recommending the best options.

I found this site the best for info, and the blog articles.

https://www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/ 

You'll see a topics list on the right hand side, and possibly the Start Here might be best to begin with https://www.solarquotes.com.au/solar101.html depending on how much you have researched so far.

I would aim to get solar AND a battery if possible, you really have to assess how your household uses power.

If you are home during the day and use power during solar hours, you could manage to cut bills substantially with just a decent sized solar system, I'd recommend minimum 10kw.

But then THAT depends on your roof area to optimal north, perhaps some east and west is ok, and VERY importantly, if you have any shading there.

*EDIT. Meant to say, with falling FITs in many areas (and all will follow), you must self consume, not depend on any FIT, that should be considered a sweetener to contribute to / eliminate supply charge.*

If  your household has people working during the day, and most use is outside good productive solar hours, you will likely get little from solar without a battery.

A battery is not the be all and end all, if you were to use big air cond in the late afternoon, through the night, you will probably have problems with a battery draining, you still need to be frugal where possible, but most homes through the year can manage quite well on 3kw - 5kw or so through a night, even running a small room air cond / single zone.

It's great now the Tesla Powerwall 3 is out, 13.5kwh usable, combined with 15kw inverter, really saves space, install time, clutter on the install location.

You also need to consider other things, like if you have an electric HWS, this should be removed from any CL metering it might be on now, onto a normal circuit, either timed using a Catch Power unit, or at least a timer so you can set it for solar hours during summer and shoulder, and perhaps a boost during winter if needed in the cheapest power times for your area.

(If you have gas, you could consider whenever upgrading to get onto electric, and use your solar for free HW.)

Plans and tariffs in your area are ANOTHER thing you have to watch.

Are you on single tariff now, or TOU (if on a smart meter already), what rates does your local area have with AGL / other retailers, if on an older analogue meter now, can you stay on single tariff if you want, or are you forced onto TOU ?

All these things are needed to be considered when assessing getting into solar, and how you can benefit.

It's a minefield, just research properly, and you will probably come out well in front.

Good luck.