Hi, I had solar panels installed almost a year ago, 20 panels, ( 3.4 kilo watt). My advice to you is seek out the rebate of your energy provider before hand. I was with a company who have given me the delay tactics for nearly the whole year, until I realised that they as an energy provider didn't provide solar rebates. They never told me this, they just stalled and said next cycle after they read the meter etc..

So get onto an energy comparer to see which provider will give you the best rebate. I have finally changed (after excessive patience and over loyalty) to an energy provider who will rebate 10 cents in the dollar.

I hope this helps a little.

Hi Marjory,

Highly recommended, they are becoming much more affordable now. 1.5kW is a basic system, 3kW should create a significant dent in your power bills, and a 5kW should cover most. Most suppliers will provide you with a calculation on payback periods. Anywhere between 3-7years. Unfortunately, buy back rates (your energy pumped back into the grid) for energy suppliers is getting smaller.

Lots of things to consider:

I highly recommend the SunnyBoy range over inverters

Tesla and several others are bringing out battery systems, which increases your efficiency. That is, absorb solar energy during the day, store it in a battery, then use that at night or at other time when peak energy rates are higher.

Also, during your "energy saving transition" - consider changing appliances that have a significant influence on energy usage. (see attached chart) - This indicates where the majority of people spend money within their home electricity bills. Increasing the efficiency of your heating cooling, water heating and appliances may be money (or habit changing) well spent.

Regards,
Doug

Perth WA

I'm on my second home with solar panels, first house I got in early and got a great feed in tarif, this place feed in tarif is a pittance, but sized the system to suit useage. Most days the pool pump and heater run for free, dishwasher goes on after breakfast when we're generating. Basically try to keep energy intensive things happening during the day. The system will pay itself off in about 3 years.

My advice is go with a good local installer, rather than the electrical supplier for the install. Better quality install and service, they will handle the RET and then you just tell your supplier that you have a PV system