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Solar Generated Electricity

I am considering buying land in Maleny that has no power grid near it ... the idea of being self-sufficient power and water wise is very appealing - but need to know more local information so would like to hear from others using solar power ...

Solar Hot Water drive ›
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re solar power

Submitted by markg (not verified) on Sun, 29/04/2007 - 12:36pm.

Hi, I don't have PVs personally but I'm currently studying for a Diploma Renewable Energy so have been doing some research on the subject. The most important thing to do is to determine your energy requirements - work out what you can run on 12V & what needs AC (through an inverter). The lower you get it, the cheaper your system will be.

Any commercial RE business will take you through all the steps - there's a lot to know so unless you have a lot of time or some background in RE or electrics then it's best to get some help. A couple of local businesses are Solazone http://www.solazone.com.au/ on the Coast and Sustainable Enterprises Australia susentaus@westnet.com.au around Maleny. Also check out Rainbow Power Company http://www.rpc.com.au/ in Northern NSW, they have a lot of FAQ sheets on their site (as well as a good reputation for service).

I just read that Labor will offer $10,000 interest-free loans for PV & other green purchases if they get elected so if you can hold out until then...

Hopefully other people living with PV can give you advice too - if you want help with system sizing send me an email.

Cheers Mark

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Solar Power

Submitted by donaldwoolard on Sun, 29/04/2007 - 1:55pm.

Hi, We currently have grid connected PV system in Maleny, and sell to the elec company - this saves on batteries but the system also goes down when the grid goes down. It is not an option for you but I also have a small independent system that just operates our water pumps. It also has a 2 small wind turbines.

We have lived off the grid elsewhere for 10 years and solar is an excellent choice - if you have plenty of money you don't have to change your lifestyle. I talked to a resident of the Brandenberg Rd area who put on a solar PV system and did not change a thing about his lifestyle - huge frig and air conditioning! He got mega subsidy from the Fed Govt and was happy. He is a Texan. Does anyone know the house? - I have not seen it.

But the most appropriate system is to determine your essential electricity needs, get rid of phantom loads (like clocks on microwave, garage door openers etc) have the most energy efficient frig you can find (or go to gas) and be prepared to adjust your elec usage to suit the sun. The last option means things like only using the washing machine when it is sunny. I was once building a house and could only mix concrete with the electric mixer when the sun was shining! And it was a foggy place!

If you are prepared to have a back up generator you can forget some of the above rescrictions.

There are numerous folk who can assist but there is one Sam Ravaioli from Yandina who is very helpful. His company is www.ecosolar.com.au on (07) 5446 8866.

There are some good books in the library that will help. If you are a complete novice on solar then I suggest "The Solar Living Sourcebook" by John Schaeffer is recommended. It is from USA but the info is great. The Library has the 11th Ed - I have the 12th.

If you have specific questions come back on this wonderful site!! Thanks Barry - I almost met you at the Climate Change Action Group but I had to leave early.

Donald Woolard
Architect

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Solar Power

Submitted by blokeinthebush on Sun, 29/04/2007 - 5:55pm.

Donald ...

thanks mate for all the info ... certainly a lot there to get me moving ...

cheers - Ken

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Thanks for the

Submitted by gordman on Tue, 19/02/2008 - 2:30am.

Thanks for the recommendations, I am mostly interested in using solar power but I never tried so far. It looks like you have it all figured out, and I can see the point: I need to have proper appliances for my specific use and have a perfect timing in using them. I will have to wait a little longer to install a solar system to my house but I am already searching for energy efficient appliances. So far, Whirlpool parts seem most reliable to me.

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Solar Power

Submitted by blokeinthebush on Sun, 29/04/2007 - 5:56pm.

Mark ...

thanks mate for all the info - certainly a lot of good stuff there to get me moving ...

cheers - Ken

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Soalr Energy Provider

Submitted by James on Sun, 29/04/2007 - 4:56pm.

We have had various quotes - all expensive. It feels as if we are on an isoquant of energy innovation with solar power delivery - so we are waiting for now until solar production efficiency improves and installation prices come down.

The most knowledgeable quote we have received is from 'Home Power Specialists' in Eudlo:

JOCK HOWARD m: 0408 879 914

PO Box 201, Eudlo, QLD 4554

tel 54766873; fax 54766535

His advice is to wait until Energy is deregulated in QLD after 30 June. From that point the amount you can sell back into the grid increases - so your investment will be more sustainable. His quote builds in the current $4000/household government subsidy for solar installations - this could increase under labour's plans. Jock is definitely worth contacting for an energy plan and quote.

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Solar Power

Submitted by blokeinthebush on Sun, 29/04/2007 - 5:57pm.

James ...

thanks mate for all the info - certainly a lot of good stuff there to get me moving ...

cheers - Ken

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self-sufficient power and water

Submitted by sustainableente... on Wed, 02/05/2007 - 7:19pm.

Good evening Ken,

My business is called Sustainable Enterprises Australia and like the name suggests I retail sustainable products, systems and services. I specialise in Solar Hot Water Systems and all other areas of sustainable water managment. This year I have started employing the services of Ausolar (www.ausolar.com) to compliment my business and would reccommend them to you.
If I can be of further assistance, please don't hesitate in contacting me.
Regards
Ian Howie
Bh 5494 4286
Fax 5494 4274
susentaus@westnet.com.au

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Grid connect PV

Submitted by donaldwoolard on Tue, 11/03/2008 - 1:15pm.

Donald Woolard
I just heard on the radio that Qld Govt is to pay 44c/kWh for solar generated electricity fed into the grid! This is to be from July 1 this year. I have yet to confirm if the payout is for each kWh generated (gross metering) or only for the excess over that used (net metering).

Are you ready to go yet Mark?
Don.

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You should also look into

Submitted by jason on Wed, 23/04/2008 - 3:48am.

You should also look into biodiesel, you can use it for diesel generators that are modern with synthetic fuel lines, older models can be upgraded, read more about it before you start using it though. I would be double glazing all my windows to keep drafts out and the cool air in, make sure you can insulate the home if possible. Use CFL's instead of regular bulbs and you'll be pretty efficient with just that.

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