Alternative Technology Assn Forums

1. 

   CunningPlansDept
   Member

   I was pleased to notice some businesses near me in Wollongong recently putting up largeish arrays. Notably Kennards hire and a Video Ezy.

   Also, I got my PV panels on a few weeks ago (thanks John for getting me on to the deal!!) and my feed in meter installed today, currently reading 000000

   I'm looking forward to the next google satellite view update to see how many other places have taken the option.

   Since I've done mine I've had neighbours and friends all dropping in to check it out and ask about the ins-and-outs, it's a good feeling.

   Posted Friday 25 Jun 2010 @ 1:00:47 pm from IP #
2. 

   Inspector
   Member

   I've had no visitors yet, after a month since install, but I did notice a 3kw system in progress up the road from me...

   I think it will be some time before Google Maps or other company shows the number of systems installed - I had a look on google maps yesterday for a system that was installed over 18 months ago and it wasn't on the sat-map.

   Posted Saturday 26 Jun 2010 @ 2:47:47 am from IP #
3. 

   ghostgum
   Member

   It's not google maps that you need to look at, it's http://www.nearmap.com. They update every few months, and have better resolution. You can look at not just the most recent photo, but also older ones back to late last year. Good for councils looking for unauthorised building works...

   Posted Saturday 26 Jun 2010 @ 5:19:05 am from IP #
4. 

   CunningPlansDept
   Member

   Great link ghostgum!
   12Jan2010 is the last (and only) update in my area. Much more recent than google which is about 4yrs old.
   Show's that the two places I mentioned didn't have solar panels in January.

   Inspector - I haven't had anyone (except an energy retailer) knocking on my door, but neighbours have come for a chat when they see me working in the front yard.

   BTW: A friend via the local community garden said he had a quote for $1500 for a 3kw system, I'm going to check it out for him because it sounds far too good to be true/honest. Will keep you posted.

   Posted Sunday 27 Jun 2010 @ 4:46:10 am from IP #

5. Anonymous
   Unregistered

   Photovoltaic panels will not be much use as there simply aren't enough hours of daylight to produce much power (and you'd have to spend a lot of time clearing snow off the panels to make the most of those few hours of light). Plan on having an alternate source of power during these months Wind generators can be highly effective, if your site has sufficient wind through the winter. Engine generators can also be a good backup source of electricity, as the weather has no effect on their output.

   Posted Wednesday 30 Jun 2010 @ 4:29:49 am from IP #
6. 

   franks
   Member

   BTW: A friend via the local community garden said he had a quote for $1500 for a 3kw system, I'm going to check it out for him because it sounds far too good to be true/honest. Will keep you posted

   I think you got the numbers crossed, try $3000 for a 1.5kw system installed would be more the cost

   Posted Wednesday 30 Jun 2010 @ 7:11:58 am from IP #
7. 

   CunningPlansDept
   Member

   Franks - After my previous mis-communication with my partner about our system, which I heard as $1500/1.5kw but turned out to be $5000/1.5kw, I wanted to make sure about this one. So I asked him a few times if he was REALLY sure of the price. Turns out, no. He sent me a copy of the quote, which was $15,000/3kw ... as he said 'what's a zero between friends ...dah'

   Nicolas - Where are you referring to?

   For interest, I'm getting 5+ kwhr/day (26.7kwhr in the 5 days since commissioning) from my 1.5kw system, in Wollongong. Which has been unusually frosty, but fortunately never snows

   Posted Wednesday 30 Jun 2010 @ 7:53:55 am from IP #

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