megamont
Member
I have had enough of the electricity prices rising in my area (4184)
Dose anyone know of a reputable supplier/installer in my area (South East Qld.)
I want to go off grid with a suitable "battery bank"
and not be ripped off.
I am familiar with the "RECs" set-up.
megamont
Member
David John,
I am happy to purchase all relevant components (if I "new" what to purchase).
(panels, charge controllers, etc.)
I require a 24 Volt set up.
I am using 2 standard freezers + 1 large fridge, 1 washing machine, and 1 dishwasher and normal 3 bedroom lighting 20 * (50wht * 12V down/lights).
axess
Member
megamont,
Try to go/stay local for your system to easily deal with warranty issues that might come up, and support your local renewables businesses. Better than dealing with a call centre in Perth for example.
Do your business research- are they qualified to do what you want? Are they members of the appropriate trade association that you can hassle if there is a problem? Can they give you a recent disinterested reference (not their brother-in-law)? Get a proper quote that sets out exactly what you'll get and the payment schedule. Be absolutely clear about your expectations of the system's performance.Plan ahead for problems if possible. A reputable business will be familiar with all these issues. Make sure you get all the manuals.
Good luck.
franks
Member
spend some time in reducing your power usage.
(quote)
I am using 2 standard freezers + 1 large fridge, 1 washing machine, and 1 dishwasher and normal 3 bedroom lighting 20 * (50wht * 12V down/lights).
from what you discribe your going to use at least 20kWh+ per day.
such a stand alone system will cost heaps more, better reducing power by 40-50% to save $20-30k in your stand alone system capital costs.
GPX
Member
I found myself in the same position 20 years ago. Then i discovered the Rainbow Power Company in Nimbin (www.rpc.com.au); bought a book or two; did my research and have been off-grid ever since.
A simple system at first. Its never set and forget and there is no substitute for your own research.
Good Luck on your journey.
David
Member
megamont said:
Thanks all, especially David John for your time.
I hope the discussion helped, and saves a decent amount of money without spending too much.
Adding more PV to your existing system is a good step and as discussed replacing the halogens with some good LED replacements. See how you go, for a while after that I suspect just those 2 things should save you quite a lot.
electrical devices that sit on "standby" can use use an amazing amount of power overtime which equals dollars.
Every kWh you don't use is kWh you don't have to pay for.
