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Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭peposhi


    I wish to share with you my recent experience with the Service department at Barlo Nissan Kilkenny.

    Last March I bought a Nissan Leaf with the great assistance of Paul Flynn. As the car needed to get its yearly service I rang Barlo Nissan Kilkenny and asked for a suitable date and price. I was told that it would cost between €80 to €100 which was what I expected having previously checked with other colleagues EV drivers.

    As I plan to change my 24kw Leaf to a 30kw one I wanted to test drive the bigger battery version before I make my final decision. I organised a test drive with the Sales department and luckily the test drive was going to be a little longer due to St. Patrick's celebration. I left my car on Wednesday morning to get it serviced and collected the 30kw Leaf. On Saturday morning I brought the test car back. I was in a great mood, very impressed with the test drive and the better range of the bigger battery. On my arrival, I went to pay at the Parts department desk. To my surprise, the cost of the service was nearly €125. It was very irritating that I was not informed in advance that the price would be different than previously discussed. I also asked for the state of health battery report that goes with each Nissan Leaf service and there was none left for me. The Parts department assistant could not give me any more information so I left it for Monday to ring and discuss the matter with the Service department.
    I went to collect my car and I was really surprised to find out that the car was left at 43% state of charge when I was assured the car would be ready fully charged for me to collect on Saturday morning. At this point I was very upset as the fact that I had to spend 40-45 minutes at the DC charger meant I was going to be late for work, even though I had left enough spare time for me to drive to Kilkenny and go back to work. Now, I am pretty sure that everyone working in a Nissan garage knows that Leaf is not a car that you could just stop at the next petrol station and fill up with fuel within 5 minutes. It takes long time to get the car charged even at the DC chargers and a lot of trip planning is involved each time you go out for a drive. I could not find an excuse for not having the car ready, fully charged, for the customer after having it for 3! days in the dealership. I made myself very clear to the people working in the garage that day that I was very unhappy with the situation. After wasting 45 minutes at the DC charger I left for work, already late.
    I thought that would be the end of the surprises that day.
    Well, as I was driving fast to get to work a low pressure message for the rear offside tyre appeared. I thought it was a puncture, so I had to stop at one garage to check visually and pump up the tyre so to make sure I could go back on the road ASAP. The fore mentioned tyre was 27psi. I checked the rest. They were as follows - 30, 31 and 33psi where the recommended tyre pressure I seen on the door is 36psi. In the report I got from the Service department was clearly stated - tyre pressure checked. In my opinion that check has not been done as I had 4 tyres with different psi and this happened after been only 36km on the road after the car was serviced.

    I consider myself as a very loyal customer. And as such I do understand that mistakes happen. But last Saturday's experience was one of those moments where my loyalty is been put under a severe test. Now I would have to think twice before I approach your Service department when the time for my next service comes.

    This was part of the letter of complaint I sent to Barlo Nissan after my car was serviced.

    Still don't have the SOH check done.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭peposhi


    Apart from the experience above I really, really liked the 30kw version. I got an extra 40 real life kilometres everywhere I drove it to. We love our Leaf and done 27k in it so far but a bit extra range is great. That would have meant less time spent on FCs yesterday when we did a trip to Galway and drove a total of above 320km. The Nissan Connect yoke is a big, massive improvement. So much easier and intuitive to operate with. The heat pack... After trying it for the first time I can not say I was disappointed, it's just not my thing appearantly. 6.6kw charger would be a MUST for me if I was to change to 30kw!
    Paul was hammered and had very little time to spend with me so no good figures came out yet to convince me to change, but we left it to rest a bit and see what's best for ourselves. Still raging a did listen to him re not buying the 6.6kw charger last year. It would have not been so much for me to consider changing to a 30kw/6.6kw or not now....


  • Posts: 21,179 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    The only thing that cost me extra in the "service" was wipers and pollen filter which the called me up and asked if I wanted replaced.

    What I didn't like about Barlo was that they put a next service due in 15,000 kms on the windscreen sticker which is not really fair on those who don't know otherwise. Service is due after 1 year or 30,000 kms.

    If you really need the extra capacity and the faster DC charging then think about it but it won't be long until the Gen II Leaf is out with 300-350 kms range so because I have work charging I didn't bother after spending the money, I'd rather put it towards the 60 Kwh or Tesla model 3 if it's not too insanely priced here.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭peposhi


    The only thing that cost me extra in the "service" was wipers and pollen filter which the called me up and asked if I wanted replaced.

    What I didn't like about Barlo was that they put a next service due in 15,000 kms on the windscreen sticker which is not really fair on those who don't know otherwise. Service is due after 1 year or 30,000 kms.

    If you really need the extra capacity and the faster DC charging then think about it but it won't be long until the Gen II Leaf is out with 300-350 kms range so because I have work charging I didn't bother after spending the money, I'd rather put it towards the 60 Kwh or Tesla model 3 if it's not too insanely priced here.

    There was not a bother paying for it, just got thick they did not inform me...

    We are Not so bad re charging and range issues. I might making it sound dramatic, but you know yourself... The grass is always greener on the other side hahaha


  • Posts: 21,179 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    TBH you'd be killing yourself when the 60 Kwh electrics arrive that you didn't wait.

    1 year 8 months !!!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,702 ✭✭✭✭BoatMad


    The only thing that cost me extra in the "service" was wipers and pollen filter which the called me up and asked if I wanted replaced.

    What I didn't like about Barlo was that they put a next service due in 15,000 kms on the windscreen sticker which is not really fair on those who don't know otherwise. Service is due after 1 year or 30,000 kms.

    If you really need the extra capacity and the faster DC charging then think about it but it won't be long until the Gen II Leaf is out with 300-350 kms range so because I have work charging I didn't bother after spending the money, I'd rather put it towards the 60 Kwh or Tesla model 3 if it's not too insanely priced here.

    Nissan Wexford do the same , and neither garage quoted be less that 120 euros for the service excluding any unusuals

    Its something I am going report to Nissan Ireland for their opinion, the service is either 30,000Km or one year or its not .

    Given I have received exemplary service from Paul Flynn, Iam disappointed with you tales of the service dept, which as a nissan pickup truck owner seem depressing similar to their ICE service


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,185 ✭✭✭k123456


    BoatMad wrote: »
    Nissan Wexford do the same , and neither garage quoted be less that 120 euros for the service excluding any unusuals

    Its something I am going report to Nissan Ireland for their opinion, the service is either 30,000Km or one year or its not .

    Given I have received exemplary service from Paul Flynn, Iam disappointed with you tales of the service dept, which as a nissan pickup truck owner seem depressing similar to their ICE service

    What are the T and C's re the warranty, ie how often do we need to have Nissan service the car, so that the warranty in not invalidated, please


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,143 ✭✭✭✭KCross


    TBH you'd be killing yourself when the 60 Kwh electrics arrive that you didn't wait.

    1 year 8 months !!!

    You put alot of faith in the 60kWh that are "coming soon". Even if they do arrive quickly they wont be cheap based on €3k extra for the 30kWh above the 24kWh... unless they plan to hammer all existing owners by devaluing the 24kWh and 30kWh cars overnight... I dont think they'll do that if they want to keep the "few" loyal customers they have.

    I understand batteries will get cheaper but still, I cant see a 60kWh LEAF being cheap.... more in the BMW i3 bracket which most wont buy.


  • Posts: 21,179 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    BoatMad wrote: »
    Nissan Wexford do the same , and neither garage quoted be less that 120 euros for the service excluding any unusuals

    Its something I am going report to Nissan Ireland for their opinion, the service is either 30,000Km or one year or its not .

    Given I have received exemplary service from Paul Flynn, Iam disappointed with you tales of the service dept, which as a nissan pickup truck owner seem depressing similar to their ICE service

    I think you may clear this up in case Paul is reading, you have quoted me as if I were saying something against Paul. Please clear this up.


  • Posts: 21,179 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    KCross wrote: »
    You put alot of faith in the 60kWh that are "coming soon". Even if they do arrive quickly they wont be cheap based on €3k extra for the 30kWh above the 24kWh... unless they plan to hammer all existing owners by devaluing the 24kWh and 30kWh cars overnight... I dont think they'll do that if they want to keep the "few" loyal customers they have.

    I understand batteries will get cheaper but still, I cant see a 60kWh LEAF being cheap.... more in the BMW i3 bracket which most wont buy.

    Who knows, if they are offering it at a high cost there is no point.

    The I3 would surely cost a lot more then also if they have a 60 KWh option.

    Nissan have hinted of multiple battery Kwh options.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭peposhi


    I think you may clear this up in case Paul is reading, you have quoted me as if I were saying something against Paul. Please clear this up.

    mad_lad, Paul is in the Sales Department. The Service department is a separate unit and you can talk about them as much as you like and it would not affect Paul (never mind they are the same company)


    I have another reason to be pissed with the Service dept. Apparently I have to travel to Kilkenny again as the SOH report can be done only there!!!


  • Posts: 0 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    k123456 wrote: »
    What are the T and C's re the warranty, ie how often do we need to have Nissan service the car, so that the warranty in not invalidated, please

    Every 12 months or 30k km whichever comes sooner.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭peposhi


    On a few occasions I have noticed that when I drive the car after a long rest, a few hours, the regen seems to take time to start working. While slowing down I select D, B, D, B and there is no change in the speed/regen, when normally you feel a considerable drag when the regen kicks in... Anyone experienced it so far?


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭peposhi


    Yesterday i was on my way to work when I seen same car like mine wandering around the parking (some people find it confusing if they have not stopped at Junction 14 before). I did one round at the round about so she could see me and then went to the SCP so she could use the FCP. A lovely woman was the driver, got her 30kw Leaf on Friday in Cork and was going to Drogheda. Brave new EV driver I said to her. She said she'd stoped at 2 charging stations before she came to J14 as range anxiety kicked in and she was not used to driving an EV. She said she'd be doing this trip very often and is now finding her feet. We spoke at length and appearantly she was not shown how to use the sat nag, nor the CPs search options, nothing. The dealer told he the car is not set up, so she had no clue that she could still use the sat nag and etc. I found it very poor service to leave someone not technology wise with just the keys and the car. Oh, and they did not even mention that she needs to have both sets of keys out so she could lock the car... She was freaking that something was wrong and she could not lock it. Also no one showed her how to open the charging socket bay with the key fob. She did not have a clue if the car is with 3.3 or 6.6kw onboard charger and on, and on... Very poor service!
    But fair play to her for taking the risk!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,472 ✭✭✭✭DrPhilG


    peposhi wrote: »
    On a few occasions I have noticed that when I drive the car after a long rest, a few hours, the regen seems to take time to start working. While slowing down I select D, B, D, B and there is no change in the speed/regen, when normally you feel a considerable drag when the regen kicks in... Anyone experienced it so far?
    Never noticed that. Only time the D/B mode doesn't affect the drag is when the battery is full, hence no regen possible. Once it drops to about 97 it returns to normal.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭peposhi


    Must pay attention and see when is that happening and if there's any pattern... Tha


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 400 ✭✭Rafal


    peposhi wrote: »
    Must pay attention and see when is that happening and if there's any pattern... Tha

    Is it a Leaf that you are referring to? If so, look at the power meter (the dot display at the top of the main, central panel behind the steering wheel) and see if the circles on the left in which the green (regen) dots appear have a single or a double outline. Single outline indicates amount of regen that is not available, while a double circle indicates you can get that much regen. Rapids don't seem to affect regen as much as fast and slow charges, on my 30 kWh MY16.


  • Posts: 21,179 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    When the battery is cold it can't take the same level of regen the same will be observed at the fast charger, it will take longer to charge at 3 bars and some of the 4th bar than some of the 4th and the 5th etc.

    On a few occasions this year I noticed at 3 battery temp bars sitting for a few days I could't get more than 20 Kw max regen the max normally is 30 kw. The warmer it got the more regen I got.

    Perfectly normal.

    So from 4 bars it could start to reduce regen strength but it doesn't mean at 4 bars you will have reduced regen because the temp bar range is very wide.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭peposhi


    Rafal wrote: »
    Is it a Leaf that you are referring to? If so, look at the power meter (the dot display at the top of the main, central panel behind the steering wheel) and see if the circles on the left in which the green (regen) dots appear have a single or a double outline. Single outline indicates amount of regen that is not available, while a double circle indicates you can get that much regen. Rapids don't seem to affect regen as much as fast and slow charges, on my 30 kWh MY16.
    Yes, that's the one I mentioned + the general feel that there's no diference between B and D mode when you lift your foot from the acceleration pedal.
    I thought there's something not right with the car, but appearantly there are a few reasons (logical) that could cause it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 400 ✭✭Rafal


    peposhi wrote: »
    Yes, that's the one I mentioned + the general feel that there's no diference between B and D mode when you lift your foot from the acceleration pedal.
    I thought there's something not right with the car, but appearantly there are a few reasons (logical) that could cause it.

    If the battery is full and balanced, there is nowhere to store the regenerated electricity, so regen is reduced or nil. An overnight charge with no end time set leaves a full and a rebalanced battery, hence no regen till it drops a bit. A rapid charge does not leave the battery in a balanced state, unless still connected at 100% and charging, so regen is available much earlier, as regen energy can be still used for balancing.


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  • Posts: 21,179 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Indeed a 100% charged battery will not accept regen, even 95% will only see about 8-9 Kw or so going back to the battery.

    However, unless doing a lot of town driving then regen doesn't give you much energy back anyway but is particularly useful for hilly terrain.

    According to the nissan connect app I consumed and regenerated the below the last few months.

    so far in April Consumed 449.6 Kwh and regenerated 48.6 the Wicklow trip probably contributed a lot to this.

    March Consumed 323.8 Kwh and regenerated 35.5 Kwh

    February Consumed 445.8 Kwh and generated 39.3 Kwh

    January no data for some reason.

    So you do regenerate some but not a lot, yeah it all adds up but compared to what you consume it's nothing and it certainly won't really make any difference on a long drive, good for the brakes though.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭peposhi


    Indeed a 100% charged battery will not accept regen, even 95% will only see about 8-9 Kw or so going back to the battery.

    However, unless doing a lot of town driving then regen doesn't give you much energy back anyway but is particularly useful for hilly terrain.

    According to the nissan connect app I consumed and regenerated the below the last few months.

    so far in April Consumed 449.6 Kwh and regenerated 48.6 the Wicklow trip probably contributed a lot to this.

    March Consumed 323.8 Kwh and regenerated 35.5 Kwh

    February Consumed 445.8 Kwh and generated 39.3 Kwh

    January no data for some reason.

    So you do regenerate some but not a lot, yeah it all adds up but compared to what you consume it's nothing and it certainly won't really make any difference on a long drive, good for the brakes though.

    I do not worry about the energy I have regenerated :O
    I just don't like using the brakes and the regen gives me a great pleasure and an oportunity to do so LOL... With the usage my brakes get I may have to replace them at 150-160 000 kilometres haha


  • Posts: 21,179 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    The brakes should last a lot longer !


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,702 ✭✭✭✭BoatMad


    Was at midway yesterday , very busy charge point , leaf in front and leaf behind me

    I changed my strategy and now will use killbeggan and Carlow ( Gorey -Athlone ) as they are much quieter.

    I notice each FCP session over about 60-70% adds one bar of heat which does not dissipate while driving


    I find the ability to bring outside air in by turning off the heater and using the fan very useful and a great idea.

    I will drive the pickup around the block today just to turn over the engine


    Ps: relating to Barlow service , I think you made your point , my leaf was refunded charged and washed.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,185 ✭✭✭k123456


    "An overnight charge with no end time set leaves a full and a rebalanced battery,"

    Tell me more about rebalanced battery please ,
    whats happens there,
    how often should the battery be rebalanced
    [font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]is it important to [/font]rebalance battery

    Thanks

    (I have a 2016 Leaf 24kwh 3.3 battery usually charged to 80% rapid charge and sometimes use Domestic charger overnight )


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,143 ✭✭✭✭KCross


    BoatMad wrote: »
    Was at midway yesterday , very busy charge point , leaf in front and leaf behind me

    I notice each FCP session over about 60-70% adds one bar of heat which does not dissipate while driving

    I was at midway twice over a weekend and it was clear both times. I guess its just luck of the draw and time of the day. It would be good if we could get usage figures out of ESB... unlikely they would divulge that though.


    I agree on the extra bar of heat while rapid charging. My long trips so far(3-4 successive rapid charges) have seen the same and took the temp bar to just below the red each time.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,702 ✭✭✭✭BoatMad


    k123456 wrote: »
    "An overnight charge with no end time set leaves a full and a rebalanced battery,"

    Tell me more about rebalanced battery please ,
    whats happens there,
    how often should the battery be rebalanced
    [font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]is it important to [/font]rebalance battery

    Thanks

    (I have a 2016 Leaf 24kwh 3.3 battery usually charged to 80% rapid charge and sometimes use Domestic charger overnight )

    Li cells subject to high discharge rates , can have a final voltage versus state of charge divergence., so if you disconnect the cars charger before it indicates it's complete, then certain cells are not as charged up as others.

    Balancing , which occurs after the 100% , equalises cells so that the charge levels are similar across the battery , this allows maximum capacity of the battery to be realised

    Unbalanced cells , operating within normal limits , are not detrimental to the battery , they just result in a slight loss of realisable capacity

    The leaf does top balancing , which occurs after it finishes charging the cells , it also charges the 12 v battery as well if needed at this point

    ( you'll notice the third dash light flashing on its own when this is occurring )

    A suceesful 100% with balancing is indicated by all three lights off, at the end of a charge cycle


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,185 ✭✭✭k123456


    Thank you


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭peposhi


    BoatMad wrote: »
    Was at midway yesterday , very busy charge point , leaf in front and leaf behind me

    I changed my strategy and now will use killbeggan and Carlow ( Gorey -Athlone ) as they are much quieter.

    I notice each FCP session over about 60-70% adds one bar of heat which does not dissipate while driving


    I find the ability to bring outside air in by turning off the heater and using the fan very useful and a great idea.

    I will drive the pickup around the block today just to turn over the engine


    Ps: relating to Barlow service , I think you made your point , my leaf was refunded charged and washed.

    I suggest J14 as opposed to Midway. Very rarely you'd find more than one lLeaf charging.
    Yesterday I actually saw for a first time a black 151 Outlander charging at the FCP.

    After a few emails exchanged over the last month, Barlo Kilkenny are collecting my Leaf on Thursday to do the SOH report and will return it by the end of my working shift. A good step forward on their side.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭peposhi


    SOH done. Only 2 stars for fast charging... did not think I have done soo many...hmmm. Could not get details as the car was taken and dropped back by someone, not a mechanic. I thought the report would be a lot more in detail, not just stars.


  • Posts: 21,179 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    peposhi wrote: »
    SOH done. Only 2 stars for fast charging... did not think I have done soo many...hmmm. Could not get details as the car was taken and dropped back by someone, not a mechanic. I thought the report would be a lot more in detail, not just stars.

    Well it is a bit more than just stars, it gives you a description if I remember correctly.

    Have you got Leafspy ? a screen shot would be nice.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭peposhi


    I got the Leaf spy pro but bought the wrong wifi yoke back in November. Never got back to the sellet to replace it and still sits in the drawer unusable. Will have to dig it


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,702 ✭✭✭✭BoatMad


    nokia69 wrote: »
    true we won't get as good a deal on price, we never do

    but I think the falling price of PV and batteries will kill the big utilities in the next ten years, they are a bit like land lines just before mobile phones came along

    also I don't think you will be driving for free, the PV system will still need to be paid for, TANSTAAFL, well so far ;)

    Firstly , PV systems really only work in Ireland as a feed in micro generator. Ie the grid in effect becomes a giant battery

    Otherwise you need absolutely huge backup batteries and inverters , potentially you could have little PV generation in Ireland for days on end , especially in winter.

    I don't think we'll see the end of " big utilities " any time soon , certainly not in my lifetime , nor ever in fact ( and I would question why you would want them gone anyway )


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,702 ✭✭✭✭BoatMad


    peposhi wrote: »
    SOH done. Only 2 stars for fast charging... did not think I have done soo many...hmmm. Could not get details as the car was taken and dropped back by someone, not a mechanic. I thought the report would be a lot more in detail, not just stars.

    Yup , same as me, the report is useless without quantative data

    I'll setup my leafspypro over the weekend


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭peposhi




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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭peposhi


    After seeing a red flash from the back of a white barely marked van I might be €80 and 3 points behind as from tomorrow... :(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,702 ✭✭✭✭BoatMad


    peposhi wrote: »
    After seeing a red flash from the back of a white barely marked van I might be €80 and 3 points behind as from tomorrow... :(

    First world problems eh. Lol ...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,285 ✭✭✭cros13


    peposhi wrote: »

    Afraid that's not the 2016 i3... That's an advert BMW aired in Germany in January for the 2015.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭peposhi


    BoatMad wrote: »
    First world problems eh. Lol ...

    Absolutely!
    Back home I'd be spending time with the traffic corps on the side of the road refusing to pay a bribe and them treatening to get me to court or whatever if I don't pay...


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭peposhi


    cros13 wrote: »
    Afraid that's not the 2016 i3... That's an advert BMW aired in Germany in January for the 2015.

    That's correct... Makes no difference to me - I still love the smooth unique design and wish I could get one for myself. My other (better) half can keep the Leaf :D


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭peposhi


    I run into another first world problem.

    The head unit front panel bottom part pops out each time I turn the car on. When I turn off the car it goes back to normal position.
    Forcing it back in place seems to be useless.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 974 ✭✭✭oinkely


    try the tilt/open button at the bottom of the unit. It adjusts the viewing angle, might be that someone pressed it and it is remembering the last setting?


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭peposhi


    oinkely wrote: »
    try the tilt/open button at the bottom of the unit. It adjusts the viewing angle, might be that someone pressed it and it is remembering the last setting?

    :eek: ... So simple to fix... Press and hold the Tilt button. Three angles to chose from.


    And I thought my little boy has twisted it or something as he has a great craic each time I leave him in the car...

    Thank you oinkely.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,702 ✭✭✭✭BoatMad


    nokia69 wrote: »
    true we won't get as good a deal on price, we never do

    but I think the falling price of PV and batteries will kill the big utilities in the next ten years, they are a bit like land lines just before mobile phones came along

    also I don't think you will be driving for free, the PV system will still need to be paid for, TANSTAAFL, well so far ;)

    hmmm how will the 1000s of estate in dublin be powered, PV output in Ireland is very low in winter ??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 974 ✭✭✭oinkely


    No problem.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,702 ✭✭✭✭BoatMad


    oinkely wrote: »
    No problem.

    Good that's sorted then


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,285 ✭✭✭cros13


    BoatMad wrote: »
    hmmm how will the 1000s of estate in dublin be powered, PV output in Ireland is very low in winter ??

    PV is part of a larger grid mix. December is the worst month for PV here and the best month for Wind. They tend to compliment each other.

    What we have at the moment is enough wind turbines to meet 50% of our peak demand at full tilt and no PV whatsoever. It makes sense to match the installed wind capacity with PV.

    Then gradually add battery grid storage and more interconnection, initially for frequency support, but later to cover peak demand without spooling up the fossil burners... with the gas capacity we have now that's 80% of the grid decarbonised including a modest increase in demand.

    The only hitch is that operating a fossil fuel plant is going to be become very very unprofitable long before we can dispense with them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,702 ✭✭✭✭BoatMad


    cros13 wrote: »
    PV is part of a larger grid mix. December is the worst month for PV here and the best month for Wind. They tend to compliment each other.

    What we have at the moment is enough wind turbines to meet 50% of our peak demand at full tilt and no PV whatsoever. It makes sense to match the installed wind capacity with PV.

    Then gradually add battery grid storage and more interconnection, initially for frequency support, but later to cover peak demand without spooling up the fossil burners... with the gas capacity we have now that's 80% of the grid decarbonised including a modest increase in demand.

    The only hitch is that operating a fossil fuel plant is going to be become very very unprofitable long before we can dispense with them.

    I've yet to see studies on PV panel production in Ireland. I know that without FIT the microgen industry is nearly dead in Ireland as a result.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,285 ✭✭✭cros13


    BoatMad wrote: »
    I've yet to see studies on PV panel production in Ireland. I know that without FIT the microgen industry is nearly dead in Ireland as a result.

    Net billing would be better for microgen than a FIT.

    With net billing typical installs would pay back in under 5 years for south facing roofs anywhere south of the M7 for the typical electricity customer.

    The other big problem in Ireland is there are few installers, installing old panel stock, largely just for Part L stuff and the installs are costing double the UK per kW. I can buy 4kW of the latest LG panels, fixtures and fittings and one of the few 6kW inverters approved by the ESB from the UK for €3500... but the cheapest of the "installers" here want €6.5k for a bosch inverter three generations old (EoS in every other market) and 3kW of crappy chinese panels from 2012.

    But the solar we need most is large scale commercial solar farms...and the lack of FIT is standing in the way of that. Go to southern england, solar panels in fields every 100 meters, with sheep grazing the grass beneath them. The UK has literally more than 3 orders of magnitude more solar PV than us.


  • Posts: 21,179 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    TBH I'd probably just pay for a German company to install the whole PV setup and buy the panels in Germany.

    There are too many cowboys in Ireland and I don't trust most of them, just in it to make a quick extortionate profit. Even if it cost me a bit more at least I know it would be done properly.

    Solar PV works in Ireland, I remember reading an article in the Independent or Times in work and I meant to save it, it showed that there are applications for as much solar PV to be connected to the grid as Wind power and I can't remember the reason for it not happening, I think it was because there is no funding for anything other than wind ? but that's a lot of solar PV.


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