BIG battery comments

[supersparky]

Bruce, you made the same mistake I did a little while ago. Solar and battery systems are the hot ticket to getting smashed with advertising. They even got into my email.
I think think solar on the shed and battery system is a really good idea. As you say, it's a pretty competitive market at the mo'.
I'm beginning to notice there are more and more tradie sized EV Ute's popping up around here.
Maybe even, if you built the right sized shed, you could build living quarters inside it, just like Cuppa did a while back.
Whatever, sit back, relax a bit, and enjoy the sunshine.

[BruceS]

Not sure if there is much interest here in "solar batteries" but today I have a chap coming to do the hard sell.
I do understand 'some' of it but I still have some questions regarding any rebate on offer by Fed Gov.
To be eligible the battery must be VPP compliant.
It doesn't say VPP connected, just compliant & I did see a suggestion that even if VPP is disabled, it still complies.
If anyone here would like to see me put some info up here after the chat I will do it.

[BernieQ2]

I reckon that alot of members are interested Bruce, maybe age and cost of new solar and battery/s as opposed to what the electricity bill is and would you have it long enough to see the advantage..if any...
I would do it... except for the dollars I haven't got..
Bernie.

[Eddy]

Bruce - I wouldn't mind seeing further information, if no other takers happy to let it slide.
The max solar we could fit to get feed in tariff (which has shrank to nothing now) was 5kw , so interesting over there can install 10.7kw
Thanks

[supersparky]

I'd be interested to hear how it works Bruce. All the things I've been seeing say free solar, if current system is 10yo or older. But does that include size increase etc. Obviously the battery won't be free, or the install I'm guessing.

[jon_d]

Me too. Interested.

[Newcastle George]

The only thing that has made having solar since '97 was to have the off peak HWS replaced with a Heat Pump HWS, supplied and installed for $350. With the ability to adjust the operating hours, 9am-11:30 and 3pm- 5:30, it runs completely off the solar whereas the off peak was our major user of power.

George

[Wimmera Jack]

Keep us post Bruce. Age will have me buggered though.

John

[RobertNotBob]

Bruce interested in what you find out please.

George what heat pump water system did you get and any federal grants ? Cheers Robert

[BruceS]

OK, a few comments whilst it's fresh in my mind.
An initial survey around the house was conducted & a comment "we have a problem" was made.
A battery can't be installed on an outside wall that is on a "living area". That includes lounge, kitchen, bedrooms, sunroom etc.
The problem can be solved by moving the inverter. Well after a phone call it was said that outside a lounge room is acceptable now. Next was that ideally the battery is best installed directly under the switchboard.
An outside air conditioner intrudes on that space so as the air conditioner chap is due on Sat Morning, I will see if he can reposition it by 75cm or so.
There is no longer the requirement for the inverter to be VPP ready. Well it isn't checked on. The inverter recommended IS VPP ready but won't be switched on. VPP can & does return much better income but the home owner loses the control of when power get's used by them & can result in power not being avail when & if wanted or needed. Option is there I guess?
More details will follow but ......
Recommend to install another 10 panels which will add another 4.4kWh and bring the total up to 17.7kWh. Up to 25kWh is allowed & will attract the annual rebate. (STC's or something?)
Recommend to install a 25kWh battery. (it's only money!)
They will buy back existing inverter & replace with hybrid model of same brand.
The Fed Gov has allocated some $2.5b $2.3b for the battery rebate and there is no cutoff date. It stops when $$$$$ is used up. It started on July 1st & is rapidly being scooped up. Suggestion was it may run out in Dec.