Hi Guys,
I am considering the 1.5kW Sharp (8 x 188w panels) & 1600w Sharp inverter currently marketed by Origin Energy.
This being my first solar purchase, I would appreciate some feedback, experiences or thoughts on this system.
Thanks
Andrew
1.5kW Solar System from Origin Energy
(182 posts) (57 voices)-
swanning_it
MemberHi Andrew,
No replies yet I see, so I'll just add that perhaps some more detail might help. Give some detail on cost, otherwise solar on roof is a great idea, Sharp panels are fine but I've no idea about a Sharp inverter. From the adverts I get with my electricity bill, the Origin offer seemed expensive to me, but I didn't look at it closely!
Posted Thursday 28 Jan 2010 @ 8:54:20 pm from IP # -
CunningPlansDept
MemberI'm in Wollongong and have a quote from gogreenbegreen.com.au for $1500 for a 1.5kw system. I chased them up today and that was based on a REC's price of $32.
I don't yet know what the make of the panels/inverter are.
I'm also asking them to re-quote for myself and a friend for 2~3kw system based on the current REC's value of $42. Will let you know what they come back with.Posted Monday 15 Mar 2010 @ 10:14:13 am from IP # -
CunningPlansDept
MemberAhh, poot.(REC's price) And double poot. I'm glad you asked as I was working off my memory from a conversation with my partner and have only just now seen the actual quote. $5000 for 1.5kW Hyundai system.
Where/what should we be looking at to see the right RECs price for us?
Posted Tuesday 16 Mar 2010 @ 9:39:34 am from IP # -
fairsjk
MemberHi CuningPlansDept
I don't think there is any site that gives you the actual price but as I said it should be $36. I am the coordinator of a bulk buying group for the South Coast. We are just about closed but if you are prepared to make a decision by say lunchtime tomorrow Eco-Kinetics is doing a 1.5kw system for $2000. Really happy with them so far. Send me an email at fairsjk@yahoo.com.au if you are interested.
Posted Tuesday 16 Mar 2010 @ 10:01:05 am from IP # -
Gruen
MemberBased on your inverter limitation post Scokim, I asked Origin about it and got the following response:
As for the inverter, unfortunately we don’t offer inverter upgrades due to the following reasons: · The solar market is dynamic with new products and technologies entering the market all the time, thus there is no guarantee that an existing system will work with new solar panels. · The voltage of solar panels (existing and new) must be the same for the system to operate efficiently. · Warranty periods of inverters may expire before the new panels are installed (five year warranty). · Customers need to weigh up the cost of installation for additional panels (it is likely to be more cost effective to go with a bigger system in the first place). · Origin takes great care in designing the highest quality system for optimal performance of the system size. · In Origin's experience very few customers have ever upgraded.With the exception of the last comment I think all sounds fair (don't think they'd yet have the data to know about customers upgrading).
BTW, here's the link to the 1.5kW/$2990 deal
http://www.originenergy.com.au/2100/Solar-electricityThe benefit here is that it is 10% up front and the rest payable at $112 a month over 24 months. This sounds like it is something that is doable for most and would entail forgoing one meal out a month for free(ish), green power. The other benefit from my perspective is that they do all the legwork. I'm not normally loathe to do such things but I have just spent days of my life over the last 5 months trying to get a truck visit from Jemena to raise the height of the connection to my house. Life's too short.
I've asked for the numbers on a larger system too and will post them when they arrive.
Andrewpe? Anyone else taken out this deal?
Posted Wednesday 9 Jun 2010 @ 10:09:00 am from IP # -
murcod
MemberI'm interested in this deal too.
I note in the contract that the customer must get council permission for the install - so Origin don't appear to do all the leg work? The way my house is located I think the only option would be to install the panels on the roof side that faces the street- I'm not too sure on how impressed the council will be with that idea?
Quote: "Customers are required to obtain all relevant approvals, consents, and permits prior to installation – please ensure that you check with your local council/planning authority and body corporate. Consent and permit requirements do vary between states."
http://www.originenergy.com.au/files/SPV_Installation_Conditions.pdfGruen have you got an further info on the larger system prices?
Posted Friday 11 Jun 2010 @ 12:14:45 pm from IP # -
Mickorf
MemberI think the reason that origin only offer a 1.5kw system is that sharp only make a 1.6kw inverter. That is more than likely the reason why their customers have never upgraded. There is a major shortage of sharp panels as well (i am a retailer) the only sharp panels I can get are 185 and 167 watt. I was not aware thet sharp made 215 and 220watt options.
My wholesaler is telling me now to forget offering sharp inverters as they are like hens teeth.
I would be asking Origin what the time frame for delivery is, who the installer is and who will cover warranties if there is any warranty claims.Posted Monday 14 Jun 2010 @ 12:21:53 am from IP # -
Gruen
MemberMickorf, thanks for the excellent advice. I will definitely check the time frame with them.
Scokim (and a bit late for you Murcod), the reason why I'm not considering the larger capacity systems are that they are priced at:
Origin 1.6kW (1670 watts) grid connected solar system $6,190or $619.00 plus $232.12
Origin 2.0kW (2004 watts) grid connected solar system $7,590or $759.00 plus $284.62 monthlyMurcod, keep us posted as to how they go. I wrote to the council with the following preface: "I assume that given the council's commitment to Sustainable Suburbs and its own zero-carbon programme that I don't need a planning permit for installation of solar cells on my roof. Please let me know if I am wrong on this point." I've not heard a peep on the situation in the last 12 business days (I figure they are still, as they always are, trying to figure out when we are in their area... thanks again, Jeff). Don't know which council you are dealing with but I can't imagine Moonee Valley is going to give me any trouble. I'd be very disappointed if they decided to add 10% to the initial cost and delay my application to what is something the council is otherwise encouraging residents to do. Well, that's my theory anyway.
Posted Thursday 17 Jun 2010 @ 10:39:13 am from IP # -
franklyn
MemberHi , i was fortunate to get a 2.6kw system with sharp 167w panels and fronius ig30 inverter and have had no issues with origin. however a friend recently got a 1.5kw system with sharp 188w panels and sharp inverter and the inverter had to be replaced, (only a week old).!!!!!! so if you can get a fronius 1g15 instead of a sharp inverter all the better....
Posted Friday 18 Jun 2010 @ 1:18:06 am from IP # -
murcod
MemberGruen, I'm actually not going to worry about the council approval. The panels will be very obvious too- they'll have to go on the roof facing the street. If they want to make a fuss about it the local paper will be finding out.
So far I haven't heard a thing from Origin, but my credit card has been charged the initial payment of $299.
Franklyn, I'm hoping within the 5 yr warranty period anything should fail with the Sharp inverter.
Posted Sunday 20 Jun 2010 @ 8:18:43 am from IP # -
Gruen
MemberFranklyn, Good to know. Another question for Origin. Did you take up the current 1.6kW deal?
Murcod, I wouldn't sweat the council permission issue either. I finally went to the Environment section of my council after waiting two weeks for a simple response from Planning. They answered immediately and were able to report that they are not worried about planning permission unless you are in a heritage overlay area. Why they can't publicise this simple fact on their website, I'll never understand.
Has anyone who does not yet have one of the various types of smart meter in Victoria been able to keep their current meter after connecting to PVs? I asked my distributor whether I can move up the date of installation of my smart meter ('scheduled for early next year, or perhaps later...' was as close as they are willing to say) and they said 'nope'. I don't really want to be supplied with an interim meter that will have a life span of less than a year even if it means I'll forgo FITs for a couple of months.
Posted Monday 21 Jun 2010 @ 9:26:05 am from IP # -
Gruen
MemberRe: Interim meters for PV installations prior to smart meter installation. Kind of answered my own question so thought I might post my findings.
Further research threw up this amazing ATA submission to the Essential Services Commission due to report mid-July 2010.
ATA is asking for reconsideration of the need for PV customers to buy two meters. Well done, ATA.
Posted Monday 21 Jun 2010 @ 12:40:55 pm from IP # -
mrcurlywhirly
MemberHi Guys - first post here.
I have been looking at running a grid feed solar system, the best price i have seen has been from Nuenergy - $1899. If anybody is interested they should go across to the whirlpool forums for some in depth analysys on the panels and inverters. The efficiency rating on the different types of inverters and their expected lifetimes are required reading for anybody contemplating an install.
btw - the Nuenergy deal was for a 1.5kw system (and inverter) installed within 125km of a capital city, in our case that was on the sushine coast. This is for a colourbond roof greater than 15 degrees. It is up to you to organise for the new bidirectional meter and an electrician to wire it in - around an additional $400.
Posted Wednesday 23 Jun 2010 @ 11:13:05 pm from IP # -
living sustainably
MemberWe have now also signed up to the Origin deal. After having looked at numbers like $18,000, $11,000, $3,000 for some good brand panels was a pleasant surprise -- and it gets us started. And when we want to expand, the next row of panels will have a different tilt (closer to horizontal) and therefore should be on a separate string anyway, so we'll then need a second inverter, as well. What's the best panel to use if you have to put it at, say, 15 or 11 degree tilt only, in Victoria?
Posted Friday 25 Jun 2010 @ 1:02:12 pm from IP # -
reachus2000
MemberMojarra formely Ecosmart installed my Sunpower 215 watt solar power system with IG20 Fronius inverter.
http://mojarra.com.au/residential/products/solar-power-systems
There are no green loans anymore. Government will increase solar credits to 3kW systems. This means you should be able to get $12400 rebate through RECS in zone 3. REC is hedged at $40.00.
They can do a free home assessment through the governments free home assessment program.
They are a reputable company with ethics that play a straight bat with pricing, quality and warranty. They have been around since 2003.
Be very careful how people are selling this too you.
Posted Tuesday 29 Jun 2010 @ 7:18:37 am from IP # -
Gruen
Memberliving sustainably: That's one solution to the limitations of the Origin-supplied inverter, I suppose. Can't help you with the panel brand recommendations but the performance of the initial set is probably going to give you a lot of useful data. I'm looking at the offer in the same way as you.
reachus2000: Sorry, did not understand your last comment. Do you mean that the Origin offer is being mis-sold?
murcod: Have you heard anything yet? My latest from Origin is: '6 to 8 weeks in VIC. Plus another 4 – 6 weeks to have the meter changed over.'
On meters: I've had a win. My distributor, Jemena, is going to waive the fee for the installation and supply of the interim bi-directional meter. I don't know whether this was because I was so insistent or whether this was a bit of individual compensation for them being so slack on another issue on which I was dealing with them. If it's the former, I'd encourage anyone popping in PVs in Victoria during the smart meter rollout period to appeal the first decision you get from your distributor on meters. That means my installation cost in total is $2995. Yippee.
Posted Tuesday 29 Jun 2010 @ 10:56:30 am from IP # -
living sustainably
Memberreachus2000: "Government will increase solar credits to 3kW systems" -- where have you heard it? It will be interesting to know if also those of us who have already signed up to the current maximum of 1.5 kWp will be able to claim the second 1.5 kWp -- but anyway.
Efficiency of solar cells is increasing more and more, and amorphous and hybrid ones should become more available. I'll be interested to know what will be available in one to two years' time.
As the tendency for homeowners in Melbourne is to cover every possible part of their would-be gardens instead with more and more parts of their house, it's a good idea to put all that roof space to some good use.
Posted Wednesday 30 Jun 2010 @ 12:29:13 pm from IP # -
murcod
MemberAn update.
Had a phone call on Wednesday saying the installer would be out this morning for a site inspection. They turned up 1/2 hr early (pleasant surprise) and then said the job would be completed by the end of August. (Apparently there are 200 houses to be done in Adelaide!)
Anyway, later today we got a call and they're doing it on Monday. Happy with that as it will be three weeks from the date of order.
Posted Thursday 1 Jul 2010 @ 9:45:12 am from IP # -
murcod
MemberMy Origin 1.5kW system was just installed.
O'Donnell Griffin turned up on time (7am) and had the whole job finished in 2hrs. They appear to have done an excellent job and I'm getting around 170 Watts output (in the shade) at the moment.
Just need to wait for my new meter now..... Luckily I've got the old style so at least it will turn backwards.
I checked the panels and they are Sharp, made in Japan and 188 Watts each. I notice they say you can receive either 188, 215 or 220W Sharp panels. One of the guys said they are doing three installs today.
Posted Sunday 4 Jul 2010 @ 11:51:31 pm from IP # -
Gruen
MemberMurcod: excellent review there. It's great that you are not in Victoria and don't have our added complications regarding smart and interim metering arrangements. Now you've got me motivated to go ahead.
living sustainably: I also haven't heard anything further on RECs over 1.5kW. I hear you on the all-house, no yard front. The small house movement that seems to be sweeping the rest of the globe is completely unknown in supposed hip-to-the-latest Melbourne. I know and love some of the offenders and they are the same folks to complain about in-fill development. Me, I'm way too lazy to want to clean a 300msq inner-city mansion. Shame too that there are so few roof gardens in Melbourne but I daresay our construction techniques are not up to that challenge. It's great that you can find a positive in all this gleaming new roof space.
Posted Monday 5 Jul 2010 @ 12:17:41 pm from IP # -
pventhusiast
MemberHi Guys,
Origin offers Sharp products for 1.5 kW system, but make sure it is adequate for your requirements. Note that 1.5 kW system will only give 6 kWh/day on annual average. Typical residential load is 18-20 kWh/day.
$-wise Origin system might match yr electricity bill, as they indicated that you can get $1300 per year. But, this is based on old tariff. From July 1, 2010 electricity prices have gone up and in another two years, cumulative of 42% (unless you are with Integral Energy, which will be lower). On an average, electricity price increase is 15% per year.
So, what will you do after 5 years?
Origin 1.6 kW system is twice priced compared to 1.5 kW system. 2-3 kW systems offered by Origin is more expensive than other good companies. WHY the stress on 1.5 kW systems only - because Origin Energy of South Australia wants to increase it customer base in NSW. Origin Energy is also liable part for REC, so can offer $48.50/REC, where as other can offer only $35-36/REC.
All others in the rate race are offering 1.5 kW systems at ridiculous prices. How - by offering cheapos imported from China or by cutting corners.
So, if you consider to increase the capacity of your system in a few years time, it will work out more expensive for you. Also, you will end up with a mix of solar panels, two inverters, two suppliers to deal with, etc etc.
I believe considering system size to match your energy requirements is a better option, because you will be insulated from future electricity price rises, more so when Carbon Tax or Emission Trading Scheme kicks in (and it will, only question of timing).
3-4 kW systems will be better suited and could fit in on most roofs. I am going to install a 5 kW system on my house, which will give me 20 kWh/day. Solar Panels are from Germany and Inverter is that of Aurora.
Pls note that 1.5 kW system will get max RECs, but when you consider feed-in-tariff of 60c/kWh (66c/kWh for Energy Australia customers) with REC, 3-4 kW systems will have a payback period of 6-8 months more than 1.5 kW system (good quality ones, of course).
Also, beware of companies promising performance of the system. What output you get depends upon orientation of your roof (facing north at 30 deg tilt is optimal) and any shading.
Also, beware of 25-year warranty. It is ONLY for performance of modules that "after 25 years the solar panels will deliver at least 80% of its nominal rating". What is important the manufacturing warranty. Industry standard is 5-years.
I hope my comments will help those with real interests in Solar PV System wanting good quality systems and NO WORRIES system.
Good Luck.
Posted Tuesday 6 Jul 2010 @ 1:29:41 am from IP # -
murcod
MemberAnother update!
Generated 3.953kW/h yesterday and 4.119kW/h today. Both days with intermittent cloud and partial shading for some of the day.
IMHO a system this size is a good investment for anyone who isn't home during the day (in SA we only get Net metering.) But I'm going on an electricity plan that costs 17c / kWh normally and 93c / kwh on a maximum of 10 peak demand days/yr between 2-8pm (I'll be pre notified by Origin of those days.) FIT is 50c / kwh.
Posted Tuesday 6 Jul 2010 @ 10:32:56 am from IP # -
murcod
MemberOh, I forgot to add that we've got gas heating, hot water and stove. Our last bill had average usage at 12kW/h per day. In Summer we hopefully shouldn't be paying any electricity bills (we've got evaporative aircon which is also cheap to run.)
So 1.5kW makes sense to me.
Posted Tuesday 6 Jul 2010 @ 11:10:36 am from IP # -
Gruen
Memberpventhusiast -- Thanks for your knowledgeable advice there. We are not typical. Our usage is 5kW per day in a mostly gas household so the Origin offer seems to meet our needs. There's only two of us, we are not at home all day or for two months of the year, and our house is probably a third of the size of the current Australian standard. I'm not putting cells on the roof to make money or so that I feel less guilty about using more energy. In fact, I'm a huge fan of the 2000-watt society ideals. I've been trying to figure out how to solar power my home for many years and the Origin offer (and its competitors) are making that possible for us now. Around 15 years ago we would have had to have spent 50% of my annual income to achieve the same. One of the reasons I'm going with the Origin deal is that the panels are made in a first world country (Japan) that has verifiable manufacturing standards and where workers are paid for the work that they perform. I'm all for mainstreaming the idea of solar generation and this sort of offer and the RECs programme, for all its faults, seem to offer a way towards this. At the back of my mind is also the fact that I will not live in our current house forever and what suits us may not suit the next people who may like air-con and flat-screen TVs. I figure it's better to go with what I know will work for me financially and usage wise at the moment than continue to be frozen in indecision.
Murcod -- Your results don't look too shabby at all.
Posted Thursday 8 Jul 2010 @ 1:21:56 pm from IP #
