Should I upgrade my solar system

epopnomis

Hi, I'm contemplating updating my solar panel system, currently I have a system that is around 10 years old, 5 250w panels, south facing, no battery. I use approximately 1800kwH a year which is pretty low usage, I have no electric car or tumble dryer. I was crunching some numbers and its costing me approx 432 a year on unit rate usage. (I have fixed unit rate of 24cents per unit) (excluding my standing rate fee) Based on this the pay back for a 11K system (13 x 435w panels and 8K sig energy battery) would be around 25.5 years. So not sure if its financially a good investment as I would think 30 years would be the lifespan of the new system.

Anyone have any thoughts on this? I know my situation could change if I was to buy an electric car but I would think this is a few years away yet.

con747

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058405024/should-i-upgrade-my-solar-system

You should be able to get a system a lot cheaper, an example of panels below and batteries can be picked up a lot cheaper as well whether a branded or diy. https://midsummer.ie/buy/Clearance/QTRON--MG2plus-430

A bordsie sold a system recently for €2200.00 here.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123302757#Comment_123302757

epopnomis

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123325406#Comment_123325406

Yes but who can install these if I was to purchase them. Not sure I'd be up to a DIY installation.

con747

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123325477#Comment_123325477

I'm sure between here and the Facebook solar page you should find either someone to fit a cheaper diy system or an installer to do it cheaper. Have a look at the quotes page and some of the other relevant battery threads. You can buy big ready made batteries cheaply now and there normally plug and play for a fraction of the branded batteries.

bullit_dodger

Based on this the pay back for a 11K system (13 x 435w panels and 8K sig energy battery) would be around 25.5 years.

I'd also question that 25.5 years payback figure. Seems a bit negative. Nearly every system quote I looked into myself and from other users who've posted quotes onto the forums, I'd say the worst of them were 10-12 years payback timeline. Sure, your a relatively low user in terms of usage, but some simple "back of the beer matt math".

13x435w panels = 5.6kwp

Plugging that into PVGIS (JRC Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS) - European Commission) and since I don't know your roof orientation and location, I'm going to assume Athlone and south facing…. that gives you.

So you have a figure of 5277kwh to work off as your expected yield. Assuming you export all of this at €0.20/Kwh which is the current FIT rate from Energia) that's….5277 x €0.20 = €1055/year.

This is working off the assumption that you export everything. In reality you will be NOT importing "some" electricity at €0.24 (and not exporting at €0.20)……so your effective yield is expected to be a little higher.

Course this is also based on two assumptions

a) that the rates stay the same or sameish over the next 10 years.

b) that you recoup zero from your current solar installation. People are always looking for panels 2nd hand, so you would get a few €€ for your existing setup to which would help fund your new one.

Basically I'd say your Return on investment is more like 9-10 years, but as con747 says, I'm sure you can probably get a cheaper quote.

epopnomis

I take your points, especially around the return based on exporting back to the grid... Based in Cork and pretty much everyone I've got a quote from is coming in around 10 to 11K after the 2100 grant, I applied last December.

unkel

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058405024/should-i-upgrade-my-solar-system

Why on earth would you upgrade your system? Your usage is very low and you already have a modest PV system in place

Save your money and consider an electric car instead if that is suitable and within your budget