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Robert_VK2BBR Regular Member Joined: 31/12/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 67
Posted: 10:05pm 01 Jan 2010
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Hi all,
after 2 years grid feed (1.55kw) with a sunny boy 1.7 inverter, we are thinking of shading more of the roof with panels.
My question; is it better to keep eggs in seperate baskets, ie have more small (say 2kw) inverters, or one large one?
THere are price advantages with larger inverters, but if it fails the whole system is down.
thoughts?
Also interested if anyone knows of suppliers of inverters at better than retail prices?
cheers Robert1555 W grid connect system since Jan 08
both vehicles running on modified, used vege oil.
windlight Guru Joined: 03/03/2007 Location: AustraliaPosts: 331
Posted: 04:52am 06 Jan 2010
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If you go with one large inverter and it fails you still have the grid power, sure you don't sell power for a while but!
Have a look here http://kipoint.com.tw/
allan"I like this place and willingly could waste my time in it" - (Act II, Scene IV).
GWatPE Senior Member Joined: 01/09/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2127
Posted: 06:30am 06 Jan 2010
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Hi Robert,
go for a new system. I have 4 GTI's with own different panels. All work together into the grid.
panels are down to $2.20 / watt. I hope to get a few more for my battery system as well.
I prefer GTI with data display window. Novelty does wear OFF, but at least you have on board meters to fault find and compare day to day production if needed.
Gordon.
become more energy aware
Robert_VK2BBR Regular Member Joined: 31/12/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 67
Posted: 09:45pm 06 Jan 2010
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hi Guys thanks for the replys.
I have watched inverters from Kipoint on ebay, nearly bought one once. Until today had not seen a GTI of any brand on ebay though. Kipoint 2kw about 1400usd+ 120usd shipping, but they DONT MENTION TYPE APPROVAL!
The best price i have had for panels was $540 for 170W= $3.18/watt.
So I would be interested in a supplier at $2.20/w.if you can divulge that information.
I would like to get to the 10kw stage, especiallly now we have gross mettering starting, and at 60.82c/kwh.
makes the payback period a lot shorter.
Trouble is the wife would rather renovate the bathroom and kitchen, lol.
regards Robert
Edited by Robert_VK2BBR 2010-01-081555 W grid connect system since Jan 08
both vehicles running on modified, used vege oil.
Robert_VK2BBR Regular Member Joined: 31/12/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 67
Posted: 05:51am 14 Jan 2010
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Hi all, just to add more info to the grid tie story. Yesterday i rang Country Energy, my supplier to ask some questions re the new gross tarif. they had some amazingly anoying answers.
1 the tarrif will only be net untill a new meter is installed (of course).
2. the new meter wont be availble till some time in March, they think!
3. they will supply the meter, but I have to pay an accredited installer to do the job ($250-300 they think).
4 I can add more panels but not more inverters, they only allow one inverter to be connected for the 60c feed in tarrif????? even though i am licenced by them to feed in up to 10kw system
If i want to change my inverter, i have to go through the full application process as before.
These people must dream up ways of using more power and paper to save the planet.
Robert1555 W grid connect system since Jan 08
both vehicles running on modified, used vege oil.
KarlJ Guru Joined: 19/05/2008 Location: AustraliaPosts: 1178
Posted: 08:16am 14 Jan 2010
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Stuff em!
I think along the lines of Gordon, they have no idea what is feeding the grid, put the inverters on the other side of the wall and they will be none the wiser.
Short of that change retailer, thats the most rediculous thing I've ever heard.
My money is on multiple inverters as upgrade to bigger means trying to flog the old one (if your sparkie doesnt nick it).
The mob I worked for was always trying to get people to buy bigger inverters for future expansion but in reality the cost is pretty similar for 2 of three little ones vs one big one.Luck favours the well prepared
tommy Newbie Joined: 23/12/2009 Location: AustraliaPosts: 6
Posted: 08:58am 14 Jan 2010
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At what stage does their pricing appear Allan?
Robert_VK2BBR Regular Member Joined: 31/12/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 67
Posted: 09:01am 14 Jan 2010
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They have some inverters on ebay at the moment, a 2 kw is about $1600 landed and the 4 kw is around $2200. but they are not advertised as type approved.
Robert1555 W grid connect system since Jan 08
both vehicles running on modified, used vege oil.
neil0mac Senior Member Joined: 26/12/2009 Location: AustraliaPosts: 210
Posted: 11:00pm 14 Jan 2010
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According to email received, they are approved for Australia. Check with local powers that be?Edited by neil0mac 2010-01-16
Robert_VK2BBR Regular Member Joined: 31/12/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 67
Posted: 12:05am 15 Jan 2010
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cant find them on the official type approved list.
it is hard to read.
cheers robert1555 W grid connect system since Jan 08
both vehicles running on modified, used vege oil.
neil0mac Senior Member Joined: 26/12/2009 Location: AustraliaPosts: 210
Posted: 04:19am 18 Jan 2010
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Have asked them for verification (or, to pull their eBay advert).
VK4AYQ Guru Joined: 02/12/2009 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2539
Posted: 10:50am 20 Jan 2010
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Hi Robert
I have purchased 6 small inverters and am putting 3 on the two phases not serviced from my grid connect system they are plug in piggyback inverters so no installation required I will be using them as dump load on my battery system so they cut in at 27 volts and drop out with 25.5 volts. If you dont have two or three phase connection they will still work piggyback on a single phase.
Remember it is far easier to get forgiveness than permission. So dont ask and put them out of sight.
From what the suppliers told me the grid feed rebate only applies to power generated over and above what you use so concentrate on a house dedicated system to reduce your intake of their expensive energy which will increase dramatically over the next two years once the flow on costs of this ridiculous trading scheme being put in place.
All the best
BobFoolin Around
Robert_VK2BBR Regular Member Joined: 31/12/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 67
Posted: 09:31pm 20 Jan 2010
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Hi Bob, and the gang.
I have looked at the plug and play as a nice idea.
In NSW now we are on gross metering at 60.82 c/kwh generated! Or we will be as soon as the supply the new meter (March).
Forgiveness and permission, my old public service maxim!
I am still looking for a source of panels, best I have found sofar is $550 for 170 w chinese no name i have heard of.
cheers Robert1555 W grid connect system since Jan 08
both vehicles running on modified, used vege oil.
KarlJ Guru Joined: 19/05/2008 Location: AustraliaPosts: 1178
Posted: 11:11am 07 Feb 2010
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Sure as hell wont be getting paid for feed in if you dont have at least 1 legitimate system in place.
I'd be lashing out on a bigger inverter if you dont have any existing stuff as it solves potential problems with power companies.
Dads system (fully legit in Victoria) runs 2x 2KW inverters for the solar and the PVE 1200 for the wind.Luck favours the well prepared
Robert_VK2BBR Regular Member Joined: 31/12/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 67
Posted: 08:21pm 07 Feb 2010
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KarlJ, we have been grid feeding for 2 years now, and getting paid for net feed, about 70$ /quarter at 19c/kwh.
Now it is 60.8 c/kwh, still net till we get the new gross meter, then we should be getting 5 times what we were on net at 19c/kwh.
cheers Robert1555 W grid connect system since Jan 08
both vehicles running on modified, used vege oil.
Robert_VK2BBR Regular Member Joined: 31/12/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 67
Posted: 09:53am 05 Mar 2010
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just got the new meter fitted today, so from 2morrow 60.8 cent/kwh,gross metering, whoo hoo!Edited by Robert_VK2BBR 2010-03-061555 W grid connect system since Jan 08
both vehicles running on modified, used vege oil.
VK4AYQ Guru Joined: 02/12/2009 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2539
Posted: 10:24am 05 Mar 2010
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Hi Rob
Good stuff mate it will be interesting to se how it works out over the next bill cycle, keep us posted. I am still waiting for my new meter so had best stir the pot.
All the best
BobFoolin Around
Robert_VK2BBR Regular Member Joined: 31/12/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 67
Posted: 10:39am 05 Mar 2010
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sure will Bob. It took a few phone calls and $250 for the 15 min instalation. wish i got $1K/hour
cheers Robert1555 W grid connect system since Jan 08
both vehicles running on modified, used vege oil.
KarlJ Guru Joined: 19/05/2008 Location: AustraliaPosts: 1178
Posted: 11:09am 06 Mar 2010
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Ring up your supplier now and inform them you would like to be paid the feed in tarrif rate.
Will save LOTS of re-billing etc WHEN not IF they get it wrong.
It is in their interest to get it wrong of course!
Notice. New forum software under development. It's going to miss a few functions and look a bit ugly for a while, but I'm working on it full time now as the old forum was too unstable. Couple days, all good. If you notice any issues, please contact me.
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