Domestic solar PV quotes 2018

unkel · 26-04-2019 10:24PM

n97 mini wrote: »

What make/model inverter did you buy? Interested in something similar eventually, once DC coupling has finished leading me down a rabbit hole

SoFar ME3000SP

Linky with lots of info, datasheets, etc.

wexfordman2 · 27-04-2019 12:17PM

Interesting interview on the business on rte radio 1 this morning, there was an interview with a solar provider, who mentioned a retail figure of 10,500 for a system before the seai grant of 3,800, or 6,700 after grant paid back.

She didn't detail the specs, but assuming the full grant was payable, it at least had to include 4kwp, 3.6kw hybrid inverter and battery (pity the didn't give a spec), but assume at least 4kwh battery ?

So, a benchmark for those still looking for quotes.

Disclaimer, the interview was with the same company that installed my system.

Edit:- I just texted the sales guy who i was dealing with and asked him, so it seems its 4kwp with 3.6kw inverter and 5.6kwh battery at an after grant cost of 6,700. No eddi included though.

AidenL · 27-04-2019 12:55PM

I’m still rolling things around in my head.

Since I had the NightSaver meter and started turning off non essential items, we are using around 11 daytime units and 5 night units. This is down from 24 overall on the old meter without me making any efforts to save electricity by turning equipment off.

So my question is, does our reduced consumption make a PV install less or more sensible?

wexfordman2 · 27-04-2019 01:04PM

AidenL wrote: »

I’m still rolling things around in my head.

Since I had the NightSaver meter and started turning off non essential items, we are using around 11 daytime units and 5 night units. This is down from 24 overall on the old meter without me making any efforts to save electricity by turning equipment off.

So my question is, does our reduced consumption make a PV install less or more sensible?

That equates to about 20 euro per week in kWh, so 80 a month, plus standing charges if approx 20, give you monthly bill of 100, but bearing in mind your usage this time of year is decreasing.

Payback is something you just have to feel.co portable with or not, and how much it is, depends in hiw much effort you put in to maximising your solar or not. To me, the question was a but easier to answer, I had the funds, and it was losing money sitting in a bank instead of working for me. If you have to borrow to.fund it, it's a very different question though, but if not, maybe thi k about it that way. How hard is the money working for you sitting I some.crappy low interest bank account.

Edit: you asked whether it made it .ore or less sensible...well, lower usage is always a good thing, but it probably also makes it easier.to balance your system and maximise usage.

AidenL · 27-04-2019 01:20PM

That’s what I was wondering - would I actually benefit more with 6kw of panels and batteries and lower overall consumption.

I suppose even having the money, payback time has to be important and has to be considered. I know the benefit to the environment is priceless also though.

wexfordman2 wrote: »

That equates to about 20 euro per week in kWh, so 80 a month, plus standing charges if approx 20, give you monthly bill of 100, but bearing in mind your usage this time of year is decreasing.

Payback is something you just have to feel.co portable with or not, and how much it is, depends in hiw much effort you put in to maximising your solar or not. To me, the question was a but easier to answer, I had the funds, and it was losing money sitting in a bank instead of working for me. If you have to borrow to.fund it, it's a very different question though, but if not, maybe thi k about it that way. How hard is the money working for you sitting I some.crappy low interest bank account.

Edit: you asked whether it made it .ore or less sensible...well, lower usage is always a good thing, but it probably also makes it easier.to balance your system and maximise usage.

unkel · 27-04-2019 03:35PM

If you are unhappy to go for a system with a payback time of 15-20 years, AidenL, you could consider going for a DIY install of PV only, no battery. Just have an electrician hook it up to your consumer unit. If you buy the parts well your payback time should be under 10 years

AidenL · 27-04-2019 04:38PM

unkel wrote: »

If you are unhappy to go for a system with a payback time of 15-20 years, AidenL, you could consider going for a DIY install of PV only, no battery. Just have an electrician hook it up to your consumer unit. If you buy the parts well your payback time should be under 10 years

But should anyone be happy with a 20 year payback? Or am I being unreasonable?

Agent_47 · 27-04-2019 05:11PM

AidenL wrote: »

But should anyone be happy with a 20 year payback? Or am I being unreasonable?

Still too long, 20 yrs tied to the one gaff. Max 10 Yr payback before I start to look at this. Even in past few yrs panel tech has increased from the paltry 100 w / panel.
Still in its infancy in my view

unkel · 27-04-2019 05:47PM

AidenL wrote: »

But should anyone be happy with a 20 year payback? Or am I being unreasonable?

I wouldn't be happy with a 20 year payback myself. That's the main reason I went DIY (no grants)

The above figure could turn out to be conservative though. It is quite likely the cost of electricity is going to go up steeply over the next few years. An increase of 30% in electricity price will bring the payback down from 20 to 15 years!

Rodstar028 · 28-04-2019 09:13AM

Wondering if any of ye have noticed on your systems on days of power surges to the panels are the inverters inclined to leak some of the power to the grid instead of adjusting to send power to batteries. Then also when night meter is installed are there settings that require changing and in your experience what are the best ie can you charge batteries by 2kw only etc

niallers1 · 28-04-2019 09:23AM

Rodstar028 wrote: »

Wondering if any of ye have noticed on your systems on days of power surges to the panels are the inverters inclined to leak some of the power to the grid instead of adjusting to send power to batteries. Then also when night meter is installed are there settings that require changing and in your experience what are the best ie can you charge batteries by 2kw only etc

The battery management system should control what the battery receives in order to protect the battery. Mine charge at a Maximum 2.4kw and when they get to over 80%-90% charge I think the max is 1kw from solar. The remainder will go to the grid if it has nowhere else to go.

AidenL · 28-04-2019 05:15PM

I thought we had cut down to around 11 units on day rate.

But today, Sunday, big meal cooked, hoovering, tv, etc - 12 units between 10.30am and 5 pm.

Last weeks low consumption wasn’t typical. Now I’m wondering is my high usage making PV more attractive again.

Is there any case, or any cost at which a battery becomes sensible?

It’s overcast here in Donegal,today so I wonder would I have got 12 units produced from the PV in any case?

Evd-Burner · 28-04-2019 05:40PM

AidenL wrote: »

I thought we had cut down to around 11 units on day rate.

But today, Sunday, big meal cooked, hoovering, tv, etc - 12 units between 10.30am and 5 pm.

Last weeks low consumption wasn’t typical. Now I’m wondering is my high usage making PV more attractive again.

Is there any case, or any cost at which a battery becomes sensible?

It’s overcast here in Donegal,today so I wonder would I have got 12 units produced from the PV in any case?

Why don't you cut down to just the 2.4kwh battery just to make use of the Grant?

That will save about 1100 alone.

wexfordman2 · 28-04-2019 05:43PM

AidenL wrote: »

I thought we had cut down to around 11 units on day rate.

But today, Sunday, big meal cooked, hoovering, tv, etc - 12 units between 10.30am and 5 pm.

Last weeks low consumption wasn’t typical. Now I’m wondering is my high usage making PV more attractive again.

Is there any case, or any cost at which a battery becomes sensible?

It’s overcast here in Donegal,today so I wonder would I have got 12 units produced from the PV in any case?

Remember, the battery effectively comes with a grant of 2,400, because without the battery you lose 1400 of solar PV panel grant....of you don't put in a battery, you can 9nly get a max grant of 2kwp solar, which is 1400 euro. With the battery, you get an extra grant of 2,400 on top of the 1400

unkel · 29-04-2019 12:25AM

This is it. You only go for the battery, because it comes with the massive grant. It means you will need to install 4kwp+ too. The cheaper the battery, the shorter your pay back period

In most battery attached setups, it is very easy to add more batteries later, presuming they will get a lot cheaper in the next few years

Evd-Burner · 29-04-2019 09:15AM

unkel wrote: »

In most battery attached setups, it is very easy to add more batteries later, presuming they will get a lot cheaper in the next few years

This was the point I was going to make, if you follow cost projections of battery production which is about an 18% reduction in cost each year, it would mean that the batteries would get cheaper each year by more than they would save in costs for that year. There is a break even point at around 2025 when 2.4kwh should cost around less than 500e per pack.

It makes sense to get the cheapest battery possible just for the grant! But insure to get a modular one like pylontech so you can add more later when they get cheaper.

Mcgree · 29-04-2019 09:49AM

All find this thread really useful some great information for someone new to PV.
Apologies if this is a repeat post but looking for some advice as the sales guys sell me the dream.

Realistically I don’t want to go down the route of planning as additional cost for drawings etc. so thought that I would go with the 7 panel at approx. 300kwh each would give me 2100kwh, south facing system. There is room to add additional to the garden rear 3-4 panels, but as splitting and what I have read about additional invertors/diverters? Not sure this is worth the cost for another 1000kwh
Basic yearly consumption 5700kwh, on a bad day using approx. 18 units (@€;0.1450).
My question is realistically is a 2k system going to really make any drastic saving when considering payback time and my usage. I know that the main issue is the washing machine/tumble dryer running 2/3 times during the day and 4 girls’ hairdryers daily plus ever other device they have charging and 2 TV’s running daily. These are items at the moment I have no say in, when they all move out may be.
Any thoughts would be great or suggestions solar sales seem to justify 2k but think this is a hard sell, would be great to be more self-sufficient but would realistically need to justify the investment for the savings I calculate. Maybe it’s not the time to jump in but the grant makes it a little more attractive.
Thanks

rolion · 29-04-2019 09:52AM

You know what i love here...most of you are promoting batteries and PVs together.But no diverters...
Also,some of you highly recommend some specific branded EV chargers that does wonders too (aka for sales people bonuses).
Can anyone of you show historical and / or live how a PV system behaves with a battery and / or EV car !??

I will really really love to see some reports,some graphs,some returns of the systems in usage...
How the system performed "today" with that base load on monday and, over the weekend?
How does the system balances my life,my usage,my appliances while taking care of the batteries...
How does my PV and charger charges the EV car day time and on the night time .

So far,i just seen sales people making assumptions,throing up quotations and opinions based on best return for end user (aka,my arse,for the installer and / or seling company).

I love to see graphs and reports... how does the PVs performs with a battery attached ?!
Asked few guys already and being told to shut up, 'case that charges does wonders as he has it installed.No graphs presented,just keyboards and mouse.And sales numbers...

I guess, by now the number of systems installed by users here on boards is big enough ,is mature...
We can afford to see some reports,isnt ?
Most of the users asked " can you PM me that installer as the price seems right for my budget/grant" !!! BUT NO ONE asked...how does the system performes, how does the battery gets its 100% quoted installed capacity, can i read your dashboard, can i see some bills ,some real fcukign savings !??
No,all about price of the installer to match the grant !
HOW DO I KNOW THE SYSTEM WORKS !?? just by green light on and off ?

Thanks in advance guys,no offence intended.

randombar · 29-04-2019 12:16PM

rolion wrote: »

You know what i love here...most of you are promoting batteries and PVs together.But no diverters...
Also,some of you highly recommend some specific branded EV chargers that does wonders too (aka for sales people bonuses).
Can anyone of you show historical and / or live how a PV system behaves with a battery and / or EV car !??

I will really really love to see some reports,some graphs,some returns of the systems in usage...
How the system performed "today" with that base load on monday and, over the weekend?
How does the system balances my life,my usage,my appliances while taking care of the batteries...
How does my PV and charger charges the EV car day time and on the night time .

So far,i just seen sales people making assumptions,throing up quotations and opinions based on best return for end user (aka,my arse,for the installer and / or seling company).

I love to see graphs and reports... how does the PVs performs with a battery attached ?!
Asked few guys already and being told to shut up, 'case that charges does wonders as he has it installed.No graphs presented,just keyboards and mouse.And sales numbers...

I guess, by now the number of systems installed by users here on boards is big enough ,is mature...
We can afford to see some reports,isnt ?
Most of the users asked " can you PM me that installer as the price seems right for my budget/grant" !!! BUT NO ONE asked...how does the system performes, how does the battery gets its 100% quoted installed capacity, can i read your dashboard, can i see some bills ,some real fcukign savings !??
No,all about price of the installer to match the grant !
HOW DO I KNOW THE SYSTEM WORKS !?? just by green light on and off ?

Thanks in advance guys,no offence intended.

Let me know what you want or I can always give you logins to my system if you like just send me a PM.

wexfordman2 · 29-04-2019 05:11PM

GaryCocs wrote: »

Let me know what you want or I can always give you logins to my system if you like just send me a PM.

Be careful about giving out logins.

rolion · 29-04-2019 05:25PM

wexfordman2 wrote: »

Be careful about giving out logins.

There are private logins ...and public view / guest enabled logins
Here is mine with public / guest enabled.

Just take "Eamon name" off the dashboard...

wexfordman2 · 29-04-2019 06:29PM

rolion wrote: »

There are private logins ...and public view / guest enabled logins
Here is mine with public / guest enabled.

Just take "Eamon name" off the dashboard...

I know, I'm a fast learner

Kerryman3 · 29-04-2019 10:23PM

KCross wrote: »

Phil, Is it possible in your case to use wired (instead of wireless) connections between the Zappi and the grid/Solar?
i.e. take Harvi out of the equation. With wireless you always have the potential for interference as has been detailed on this thread already.

imo, a wired connection will always be better and more reliable than a wireless connection but it is, of course, dependent on your specific circumstances as to whether that cable can be run without digging half your site!

Im sure Harvi works fine for people but if its possible to go wired I would do that.

Hi KCross,
What would be the consequences of interference due to having a wireless system which uses the Harvi?
I have been offered a choice between iboost hot water diverter OR eddi plus Harvi at the same money, anyone any thoughts on which to go for?
Thanks for any advice.

Kerryman3 · 29-04-2019 10:26PM

KCross wrote: »

Phil, Is it possible in your case to use wired (instead of wireless) connections between the Zappi and the grid/Solar?
i.e. take Harvi out of the equation. With wireless you always have the potential for interference as has been detailed on this thread already.

imo, a wired connection will always be better and more reliable than a wireless connection but it is, of course, dependent on your specific circumstances as to whether that cable can be run without digging half your site!

Im sure Harvi works fine for people but if its possible to go wired I would do that.

Hi KCross,
What would be the consequences of interference due to having a wireless system which uses the Harvi?
I have been offered a choice between iboost hot water diverter OR eddi plus Harvi at the same money, anyone any thoughts on which to go for?
Thanks for any advice.

Kerryman3 · 29-04-2019 10:55PM

I'm signing up for:

14*300W panels
5kW hybrid inverter
3.5kWh Pylontech battery
Eddi hot water diverter plus Harvi OR iBoost hot water diverter

7k to me including VAT, and having drawn the full grant of E3800.
Thanks to all who posted their quotes previously for giving me an idea of prices etc.

Yew · 30-04-2019 05:39AM

Reminds me of the Nissan Leaf's battery pack, 2011/2 models having higher than expected degradation vs 2013/4 and onward lizard battery, also panels just like batteries would get cheaper and presumably performance and longevity would also increase in time reducing the ROI, hence for the average household 4200kwh pa (me) the longer I hold on to an install the better value I would get i.e hedge on future piecemeal installs. Stepwise, if I had to install now it would probably be no install night rates first with usage optimisation, then a minimal panel non battery system with diverter, and lastly more panels with battery system if ever.

Rolion has a point, have a unified standard of reporting savings/returns per panel/system.

Kerryman3 · 30-04-2019 07:40PM

Mcgree wrote: »

All find this thread really useful some great information for someone new to PV.
Apologies if this is a repeat post but looking for some advice as the sales guys sell me the dream.

Realistically I don’t want to go down the route of planning as additional cost for drawings etc. so thought that I would go with the 7 panel at approx. 300kwh each would give me 2100kwh, south facing system. There is room to add additional to the garden rear 3-4 panels, but as splitting and what I have read about additional invertors/diverters? Not sure this is worth the cost for another 1000kwh
Basic yearly consumption 5700kwh, on a bad day using approx. 18 units (@€;0.1450).
My question is realistically is a 2k system going to really make any drastic saving when considering payback time and my usage. I know that the main issue is the washing machine/tumble dryer running 2/3 times during the day and 4 girls’ hairdryers daily plus ever other device they have charging and 2 TV’s running daily. These are items at the moment I have no say in, when they all move out may be.
Any thoughts would be great or suggestions solar sales seem to justify 2k but think this is a hard sell, would be great to be more self-sufficient but would realistically need to justify the investment for the savings I calculate. Maybe it’s not the time to jump in but the grant makes it a little more attractive.
Thanks

Hi I’m in a housing estate and not applying for planning permission. If anyone complains I’ll apply for retention which I’m confident I’ll get. Installers have agreed to take down panels for free if council decided in favor of a complainant and wouldn’t give me retention permission- I can put them up in another spot if needs be. I have East west split so will prob put six panels on front of house (east) and eight on back (west). My installer appears very confident planning law will change to allow bigger systems soon tho.

Kerryman3 · 30-04-2019 07:40PM

Mcgree wrote: »

All find this thread really useful some great information for someone new to PV.
Apologies if this is a repeat post but looking for some advice as the sales guys sell me the dream.

Realistically I don’t want to go down the route of planning as additional cost for drawings etc. so thought that I would go with the 7 panel at approx. 300kwh each would give me 2100kwh, south facing system. There is room to add additional to the garden rear 3-4 panels, but as splitting and what I have read about additional invertors/diverters? Not sure this is worth the cost for another 1000kwh
Basic yearly consumption 5700kwh, on a bad day using approx. 18 units (@€;0.1450).
My question is realistically is a 2k system going to really make any drastic saving when considering payback time and my usage. I know that the main issue is the washing machine/tumble dryer running 2/3 times during the day and 4 girls’ hairdryers daily plus ever other device they have charging and 2 TV’s running daily. These are items at the moment I have no say in, when they all move out may be.
Any thoughts would be great or suggestions solar sales seem to justify 2k but think this is a hard sell, would be great to be more self-sufficient but would realistically need to justify the investment for the savings I calculate. Maybe it’s not the time to jump in but the grant makes it a little more attractive.
Thanks

Hi I’m in a housing estate and not applying for planning permission. If anyone complains I’ll apply for retention which I’m confident I’ll get. Installers have agreed to take down panels for free if council decided in favor of a complainant and wouldn’t give me retention permission- I can put them up in another spot if needs be. I have East west split so will prob put six panels on front of house (east) and eight on back (west). My installer appears very confident planning law will change to allow bigger systems soon tho.

Mcgree · 30-04-2019 10:22PM

Kerryman3 wrote: »

Hi I’m in a housing estate and not applying for planning permission. If anyone complains I’ll apply for retention which I’m confident I’ll get. Installers have agreed to take down panels for free if council decided in favor of a complainant and wouldn’t give me retention permission- I can put them up in another spot if needs be. I have East west split so will prob put six panels on front of house (east) and eight on back (west). My installer appears very confident planning law will change to allow bigger systems soon tho.

Thanks. That’s also a thought on the planning, should I wait a while see if changes come into play before committing to a system. Have been told I can get 7 panels south facing front of house and 3 east that’s my limit. Do have a 100ft garden though could look at setting up something at the back 10m wide and a tin roof shed at the bottom at the mo but would south facing just unsure of the setup. 7 on the front 7 in the rear garden all south facing. Wouldn’t need planning for the garden but splitting over two distances what short of cost would this incur?

garo · 01-05-2019 01:12PM

Do people have any feedback on the relative quality and performance of the different inverters and batteries? I am looking at a few inverters here all rated 5-6kW but the max continuous power seems different for each.
SolaX X1-Hybrid 4.6T 6kW inverter - 6kW DC battery in and out, 4.6kW max continuous AC, EPS out (What is this?) 5kW max, 8kW 10 sec peak
Solis 5kW inverter - 3kW max continuous, 5kW peak
Solar Edge 5kW - 4.25kW continuous

And of course your battery will constrain rate of battery draw down further. For instance the Pylontech 3.5kWh is rated 1.8kW/3.55kW/4.8kW continuous/max/peak.
Do people have any experiences to share? Does anyone every find themselves limited by the inverter rating?

Domestic solar PV quotes 2018

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