Just wondering what the rest of the world gets. I started at 18 c/ kw, dropped to 12 now gone to 5. Used to get $250 quarterly bill input now lucky $70.Another govt rope in and rape effort.
I get 7c per kWh I generate, the bastards charge me 21c/kWh. On average I am in credit but only just, the multi crystalline panels I have had for 8 years are almost obsolete, an upgrade to monocrystalline is on the cards. We try to run all appliances during the day (washing machine, pool pump and such, and have upgraded most indoor lights to led.
I'm looking at an Off Grid stand alone system. Panels, battery wall, back up diesel generator. When doing the sums I came across a power industry website condemning it. Saying it was selfish and irresponsible to have solar and not feed into the grid and be a supporting part of the community.
So I'm supposed to invest in solar to support their businesses ?
When I had solar installed I was told my provider would be around to replace the analogue meter with a smart meter. In NSW it's not mandatory to change so the old analogue stays. I take great delight in watching the meter go backwards so instead of a lousy 5c/Kw rebate if I had a smart meter I get the current the feed in rate of 28.3c.
Quote from: Tony Nitrous on Sunday, 23 October 2022, 06:55 AMselfish and irresponsible to have solar and not feed into the grid and be a supporting part of the community
The selfish and irresponsible part is paying only 1/3rd for exactly the same electricity that consumers generate, or put another way, charging customers 3x the amount. Are the electrons I send back into the grid not worthy or are they 1/3 the size? It should be a flat tariff / rate per kWh and then perhaps a fee to use the infrastructure (meters, cables etc).
I say go for your life Tony, stuff 'em
Quote from: Eric GSX1400K3 on Sunday, 23 October 2022, 08:00 AM
Quote from: Tony Nitrous on Sunday, 23 October 2022, 06:55 AMselfish and irresponsible to have solar and not feed into the grid and be a supporting part of the community
The selfish and irresponsible part is paying only 1/3rd for exactly the same electricity that consumers generate, or put another way, charging customers 3x the amount. Are the electrons I send back into the grid not worthy or are they 1/3 the size? It should be a flat tariff / rate per kWh and then perhaps a fee to use the infrastructure (meters, cables etc).
I say go for your life Tony, stuff 'em
I'm thinking the same. I'm nowhere near a common domestic feed but there's a high voltage feed to the nearest town that crosses my block. I've paid to put my own power pole in, and for the power company to put a 25KVA transformer on the line to feed to it. Being rural, fire, storms and floods, power going off here isn't that rare, and with a smaller population we don't seem to be a priority.
Closer to the time I'll do the maths, but I've ran a heap of stuff including welders on an 8KVA generator, I'm guessing I don't really need 25 although I'd always go a bit higher than I need.
I'd be happy to be on the grid but I don't feel it's a reasonable deal long term, and as you say selling something for $1when you know you'll be buying it back long term for $3 isn't my idea of economics. When I've sorted a few more bills I'll be looking at panels, diesel generators and battery walls.
We got a new 10 Kva system (Biggest possible on grid system allowable under legislation at the moment) .
Yep they sure charge a lot more than they pay.
Even at the lower feed in tariff (of 10 cents currently) we are doing OK and its worthwhile.
But there are no guarantees the rug won't be pulled out from under that arbitrarily.
For all the talk about renewables, when the cash is concerned, it's all bullshit. The govt supports the energy companies and the companies are driven solely by profit.
I have a small system (3kw) which is fine for a single man to run his stuff during the day
I get 7c feed back to grid
I thought about upgrading to a bigger system... but no point as I'm never home when the sun shines... all my use is after dark
So battery is the go for me
But... by the time I continue to pay me supply charge... and the cost of battery... would take more than 10 yrs to pay for itself
So holding off for lower battery prices
I was told... if going over 5kw they reclassify you as a commercial application and no feed in money back
This is why you get 6.6kw systems but only 5kw invertor
At least in WA anyway.
Quote from: 1AW022 on Monday, 24 October 2022, 09:47 PM
I have a small system (3kw) which is fine for a single man to run his stuff during the day
I get 7c feed back to grid
I thought about upgrading to a bigger system... but no point as I'm never home when the sun shines... all my use is after dark
So battery is the go for me
But... by the time I continue to pay me supply charge... and the cost of battery... would take more than 10 yrs to pay for itself
So holding off for lower battery prices
I was told... if going over 5kw they reclassify you as a commercial application and no feed in money back
This is why you get 6.6kw systems but only 5kw invertor
At least in WA anyway.
when we got our 5.2kW system that was the highest capacity domestic possible under the rebate scheme I believe that has now increased to 6.6kW. The inverters (DC to AC) have to be rated higher to allow for efficiency variations and potential cell upgrades. I have 26 of 200W panels installed (5200W total) and the inverter is rated for 6kW I believe. We are a family of 5 so this (just) meets our needs. Panels are getting old, haven't checked their efficiency recently, but they need a regular clean to make sure they perform.
Here in the Netherlands they pay you just as much as you pay them as long as you don't produce more than that you use in a year. If you provide more then you get about €0.19 a kwh. Not much but bought the panels to go break even and that's good enough for me. Won't be long before the Dutch gouverment shorts you on that also.
Quote from: Eric GSX1400K3 on Monday, 24 October 2022, 10:26 PM
Quote from: 1AW022 on Monday, 24 October 2022, 09:47 PM
I have a small system (3kw) which is fine for a single man to run his stuff during the day
I get 7c feed back to grid
I thought about upgrading to a bigger system... but no point as I'm never home when the sun shines... all my use is after dark
So battery is the go for me
But... by the time I continue to pay me supply charge... and the cost of battery... would take more than 10 yrs to pay for itself
So holding off for lower battery prices
I was told... if going over 5kw they reclassify you as a commercial application and no feed in money back
This is why you get 6.6kw systems but only 5kw invertor
At least in WA anyway.
when we got our 5.2kW system that was the highest capacity domestic possible under the rebate scheme I believe that has now increased to 6.6kW. The inverters (DC to AC) have to be rated higher to allow for efficiency variations and potential cell upgrades. I have 26 of 200W panels installed (5200W total) and the inverter is rated for 6kW I believe. We are a family of 5 so this (just) meets our needs. Panels are getting old, haven't checked their efficiency recently, but they need a regular clean to make sure they perform.
Thanks, that's interesting.
I do have a couple of things that although not in daily use do need 8kva, so I was thinking of that as a target number. It's rare there's more than two of us in the house so a combination of oven, washing machine and water pump running is probably our normal peak.
A minor downside to being Off Grid is that every time you turn a tap on, take a shower, use the dish washer, use the washing machine etc etc the water pump kicks in as there's no mains pressure. It's not a huge pump but it's getting a lot of use. I had thought of a smaller stand alone system to remove it from my existing bill. It's seperate from the house on its own plug.
Interesting topic. I have a lot of homework to do.
Before I put a power pole in and got a mains feed I was getting quotes for a solar / battery / auto-start generator set up. Anything worth having seemed to start at a minimum of $55k. The $4k to get a 25KVA transformer installed meant that mains was a more realistic short term fix.
What about a wind powered generator as a supplementary feed into a battery wall? Runs 24/7
https://www.offgridenergy.com.au/off-grid-power-systems/components/wind-turbines/
Quote from: Eric GSX1400K3 on Tuesday, 25 October 2022, 11:47 AM
What about a wind powered generator as a supplementary feed into a battery wall? Runs 24/7
https://www.offgridenergy.com.au/off-grid-power-systems/components/wind-turbines/
I'm actually in a fairly "high wind" area so thats certainly not out of the question. I like that I can hide solar panels and that there's a lot of different options but I wouldn't rule out wind.
I also have a creek that hasn't stopped flowing in two years and at one point drops well over a metre so something water driven has been suggested.
Not sure about house batts. Tesla cost 17-18g, life of 10-15 yrs. Lasts 24 hrs if a blackout. Could be a disposal fee when spent. By 10 yrs could easily be down to 60% efficiency. I ave around $900 yr for power. $400 of that is connection fee, still there with batt. Realise power cost will go up, if it doubled, batt cost would work out about even with not having one. Maybe im wrong but thats how i worked it out.
If you buy a Tesla you can use the car as a house batt too & then lose even more money as you also have a useless EV with knackered batts.
Are there many Tesla where you Blokes live, seem to multiply everyday here. Ive had a run with one on 14, sure can move along.
Here's an idea, how about a solid fuel stove that the heats the house, heats the hot water & you can cook on and dry the clothes beside it? Good ole Coal Range. Shame you Aussies don't have any Coal aye . . . that could of worked out well for ya. :whistling: :onya:
Quote from: KiwiCol on Tuesday, 25 October 2022, 06:23 PM
Here's an idea, how about a solid fuel stove that the heats the house, heats the hot water & you can cook on and dry the clothes beside it? Good ole Coal Range. Shame you Aussies don't have any Coal aye . . . that could of worked out well for ya. :whistling: :onya:
If only. We've got loads of coal but aren't allowed to use it due to crazy green policies.
Quote from: grog on Tuesday, 25 October 2022, 06:21 PM
Are there many Tesla where you Blokes live, seem to multiply everyday here. Ive had a run with one on 14, sure can move along.
They seem to be breeding like unemployed scum around here, more every time you look.
Quote from: Hooli on Tuesday, 25 October 2022, 06:25 PM
Quote from: KiwiCol link=topic=7169.msg95254#msg95254 sdate=1666686224
Here's an idea, how about a solid fuel stove that the heats the house, heats the hot water & you can cook on and dry the clothes beside it? Good ole Coal Range. Shame you Aussies don't have any Coal aye . . . that could of worked out well for ya. :whistling: :onya:
Just get the colliery to paint its logo green or blue, rebranding does wonders, then sell thr coal at a 5% premium as "green" coal. Even better if the bloke driving the drag line or excavator also drives a Tesla. It's all about marketing....
If only. We've got loads of coal but aren't allowed to use it due to crazy green policies.
I liked the traffic report one day last week, some major road was blocked In Brisbane by Tesla with smoke coming out of it. I live around 100k from nearest Tesla dealer, they dont supply any parts, must be returned to dealer. If you blow a globe, guess what. Crazy shit. I really do like electric stuff, golf buggies, lights, toasters, microwaves etc etc, guess that makes me a Greenie. :laugh:
When a Tesla catches fire ( note I said "when" not "if"), the std fire brigade is not equipped to deal with a lithium battery fire and requires a HAZMAT unit. Lithium battery fires produces some of the most toxic fumes known, effectively negating any "carbon credits". They take 10 times as long to extinguish as a "standard" car fire. Not to mention how much energy goes into making one (not counting the battery packs). I hate EVs with a passion, blatant marketing hype if you ask me.
Agree Eric. I can elaborate for a long time, no need.One little story, sorry. Local Blue Nurse comp, brilliant people. They got 2 new Hyundai Ionic, 2 power stations installed. Both cars showing 58% on dash, frozen, wont do anything. My job is to mobilise them, on the phone, nobody in Oz has an answer. Not sure how that finished, upgrades from Korea could take 3 months. Reckon a couple of petrol Corollas wouldve been better. Im not really supposed to comment on this stuff, not caring really.
Quote from: grog on Tuesday, 25 October 2022, 06:21 PM
Are there many Tesla where you Blokes live, seem to multiply everyday here. Ive had a run with one on 14, sure can move along.
No. I'm 180k's to the city and don't think I've ever seen a charging point out here.
All I see is Utes and a LOT of Landcruisers.
Built a commercial place on Thursday Island and it was high and had heaps of wind blow through.
Wasn't allowed by gov't to have wind generator as its 'too noisy'.
So had to install solar at what worked out to over 3x the cost for the same potential generation.
Quote from: VladTepes on Wednesday, 26 October 2022, 10:01 AM
Built a commercial place on Thursday Island and it was high and had heaps of wind blow through.
Wasn't allowed by gov't to have wind generator as its 'too noisy'.
So had to install solar at what worked out to over 3x the cost for the same potential generation.
I don't think that'd be a problem here.
Apart from my local council tick the box without question when I ask for sheds, house etc, hell, they even hand out grants for rural builds, I'm a bit closer than most on here to one of the biggest wind farms in Australia.
Quote from: Tony Nitrous on Wednesday, 26 October 2022, 10:56 AM
Quote from: VladTepes on Wednesday, 26 October 2022, 10:01 AM
Built a commercial place on Thursday Island and it was high and had heaps of wind blow through.
Wasn't allowed by gov't to have wind generator as its 'too noisy'.
So had to install solar at what worked out to over 3x the cost for the same potential generation.
I don't think that'd be a problem here.
Apart from my local council tick the box without question when I ask for sheds, house etc, hell, they even hand out grants for rural builds, I'm a bit closer than most on here to one of the biggest wind farms in Australia.
Can you run a sneaky extension lead from the wind farm to your place?
Quote from: Eric GSX1400K3 on Wednesday, 26 October 2022, 11:44 AM
Quote from: Tony Nitrous on Wednesday, 26 October 2022, 10:56 AM
Quote from: VladTepes on Wednesday, 26 October 2022, 10:01 AM
Built a commercial place on Thursday Island and it was high and had heaps of wind blow through.
Wasn't allowed by gov't to have wind generator as its 'too noisy'.
So had to install solar at what worked out to over 3x the cost for the same potential generation.
I don't think that'd be a problem here.
Apart from my local council tick the box without question when I ask for sheds, house etc, hell, they even hand out grants for rural builds, I'm a bit closer than most on here to one of the biggest wind farms in Australia.
Can you run a sneaky extension lead from the wind farm to your place?
I'm not quite that close... :grin:
Interesting place though. They caused a lot of issues at the port when I worked there, even in bits they are huge. Not a bad ride out for S/E Qld riders. On the road between Dalby and Kingaroy, basically around the back of the Bunya Mountains.
(https://i.ibb.co/zNbKqC0/F6-B5-DF77-E5-AA-4140-AA1-E-9-FEF2-B5-CBE22.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Lv64VB2)
(https://i.ibb.co/G2WWVPg/1096748-B-2196-40-A1-B059-C62-D77-F31-AE5.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1qrr92H)
(https://i.ibb.co/X3QhWWB/9-EE3-E936-2-BFE-46-DF-9-F38-64-BB1-E72427-A.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yY9wNNT)
(https://imgbb.com/)
The wind generators need an oil change every 12 months. 365 litres around $7500. Makes a home one expensive. Was wondering which plant they grow to get that oil, it is a zero carbon machine they say.
365L is a fecken lot of oil Grog! Nearly 2 x 44 gallon drums. Maybe it's canola oil or palm oil ? :whistling: :stir: :imrgreen:
There's over 120 of them out past here at Coopers Gap.
120 x 365L = nearly 44,000L of oil every year. Go greens! Yeah right.
Fun factoid, most gearbox oils can be cleaned, filtered and reused. There's no combustion (like with engine oils like our motorcycles) so you just need a nice filtration system. We once did a 10,000l bulk tank at a copper mine that ran a kidney system 10 micron absolute filter (any finer and you start filtering out the additives that help the oil). At $2 per litre for mineral oil, this system saved 80k in the first year alone. Sat and filtered between running campaigns, then they pump the cleaned oil into cleaned IBC's, drain the used oil into other IBCs and filled gearboxes from the cleaned ones. Tribology showed no issues in increased wear etc. With using cleaned oil. As long as the base stays good, all ok. This was a Castrol EP mineral gear oil, so heavily loaded mining gearboxes. Arduous duty.
Quote from: grog on Wednesday, 26 October 2022, 03:59 PM
The wind generators need an oil change every 12 months. 365 litres around $7500. Makes a home one expensive. Was wondering which plant they grow to get that oil, it is a zero carbon machine they say.
The same plant that makes all the concrete they use in the foundations?
I know I've seen figures to prove offshore ones like we've got a lot of around the coast create so much Co2 being built that even by the greenie's imaginary carbon myth maths are worse than proper power stations.
All good Eric. They say wind must have fully synthetic, time to clean etc costs dollars. Labour cost to change those 120 windmills? Great reports on industrial accidents doing oil change. Great reports on hidden figures of blade, gearbox failures. No Spin for Scotland worth a read. Dont get me wrong, im all for a free power source, have a read on ocean wave to do it.
Quote from: grog on Wednesday, 26 October 2022, 03:59 PM
The wind generators need an oil change every 12 months. 365 litres around $7500. Makes a home one expensive. Was wondering which plant they grow to get that oil, it is a zero carbon machine they say.
Well, you know all those kids that skip school to protest climate change?
The oil companies harness the oil from their pimply faces, once they've glued themselves to roads and can't escape.
And teenagers are a renewable resource.
:whistling: