SolarQuotes TV Ep. 4-Why a bigger solar power system is better

2021-12-08 10:34:29 By : Ms. Linda Liu

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In another episode of SQ TV, learn why the 6.6kW system is dead and why the roof should be filled with solar panels.

We also met with Mike the mechanic who used a large solar installation to get zero bills-plus $17,000 in tariff revenue over the past 12 months. Finn visited Adelaide's largest residential solar system in 2003 and learned about its operation in 2021 without inspection in the past 18 years.

You can also learn about smart gadgets designed to help you make the most of large-scale solar power systems, and more!

0:31-From Finn's perspective on the solar industry, everything is to be bigger-now and in the future. So how does this harmonize with the need to limit the output of solar systems to avoid "traffic jams" on the grid? Finn explained that this will only happen at very specific times and methods that need to be advanced-including changing the mindset about "wasting energy".

3:28 – Back in 2003, this 3.48 kilowatt system in Adelaide—the city's largest residential facility at the time—cost more than $28,000. Today, the cost of a similarly sized solar power generation system is about $4,000—and you can get a good-quality 6.6kW system for just more money. Finn invited Pat from Adelaide Solar Maintenance Company to inspect the old system to understand its operation.

8:34-Michael from Adelaide Wolfe installed a 71kW solar power system on the roof of his workshop-it turned out to be a very wise decision.

"Solar energy is great for me because I don't have electricity bills, and my income comes from what I export to the grid," Michael said.

In addition to these zero electricity bills, this is a considerable income-approximately $17,500 in the past 12 months. His expenses-about $80,000.

In view of the shift to electric vehicles, Michael also talked about the future of his work.

In the related note, learn more about commercial solar energy in Australia-now, the question is no longer whether companies with suitable roofs should install solar panels, but why they have not done so.

11:13-Mia from Adelaide questioned why her solar system was briefly shut down by SA Power Networks in an accident on March 14 this year. Mia understands that only systems installed after October 2020 can be temporarily shut down remotely under certain circumstances. Mia also said that the Tesla Powerwall battery system of the system did not start to power the home. Finn explained what happened.

12:48-Russ asked where the excess solar energy went when the system was forced to limit its output. Finn described the inverter magic that happened.

13:41-Bee said that Big Solar is the best thing since sliced ​​bread. That being the case, what could be better than slicing bread before solar power generation? Get ready to groan after hearing Finn's answer.

14:01-Sam and Aidan chatted about their installation business-Testar Energy Solutions in Melbourne. After the two worked in this industry for a while, they saw something they didn't agree with, and they attacked by themselves.

"It's time to do things the way we think it needs to be delivered," Aidan said.

They showed us an impressive 24kW residential installation by Testar Energy Solutions, which also involved the installation of Tesla Powerwall.

17:29-With the development of large-scale solar panel systems and the less generous feed-in tariffs, the name of the game is self-consumption. Finn discussed two gadgets that solar owners can use to help make the most of their systems; Catch PV shunts and Catch solar relays.

20:03 – Ronald’s recommendation is to install as many solar panels on the roof as possible – and explains why export restrictions are not a bad thing, because it can install a larger system than other methods. Even if export restrictions are in place, you may not lose as much energy as you think.

24:59-There is large-scale solar energy, and then the Australia-ASEAN power connection project proposed by Sun Cable in the Northern Territory. It aims to provide a large amount of clean energy not only for Australia, but also for Singapore and other ASEAN markets through a submarine transmission system that is thousands of kilometers long.

Michael discovered solar problems after purchasing components to assemble a small off-grid photovoltaic system in 2008. Since then, he has been covering Australian and international solar energy news.

Hi Michael, the bigger the better, I can add the 20kW inverter capacity to my existing 10kW at any time (three-phase in Ausgrid area), but……………………………… Which retail The Chamber of Commerce accepts my energy and pays for it? I am currently working at AGL and they clearly limit me to 10kW, so my system size is too small. Any idea how to solve this problem?

You can list retail offers in your own way here:

https://www.solarquotes.com.au/energy/

And check the eligibility of each plan (the tool is linked to) until you find someone who pays a reasonable FiT for the larger system.

I spent an hour or two on your website last weekend, during which I came to the conclusion that installing a system over 6.6kW is meaningless. My home has a single-phase power supply, and based on my reading of your recommendations, this means that I am unlikely to install an inverter larger than 5kW. Are there any changes these days to install a larger inverter? By the way, my roof is partially shaded (a lot of trees), so I am considering using a micro inverter.

As Ronald and I discussed-in many places in Australia, although each phase is limited to 5kW, you can install 10 kW inverters with panels up to 13.3 kW and limit the output of the inverter It is 5 kW.

You can view the rules of the local network here:

https://www.solarquotes.com.au/grid-connection/

Hi Finn, I am still trying to solve this problem. As far as I know, in WA, if your inverter is higher than 5kW, you will not get tariffs. If you decide to install a 10kW system, not only will the cost be higher and the payback period will be longer, but if my understanding is correct, you will lose the feed of your electricity bill.

If possible, why should I choose to be bigger in this case? What is said in the video is not very clear.

I use this calculator for a 30kW system, and it shows that AGL is the best. But when viewing the conditions of AGL, it shows that the system must not be greater than 10kW.

There must be a gap for everyone over 10kW. No retailer wants them because they are not making money at that time.

Please keep the SolarQuotes blog constructive and useful through the following 4 rules:

1. Preferred real name-you should be happy to add your name to your comment. 2. Put down the weapon. 3. Assume positive intentions. 4. If you are in the solar industry-try to understand the truth instead of selling. 5. Please keep the theme.

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