Grid-Connected Power Systems
Gridtie (also known as 'Grid connected') systems are not new but have been slow to be accepted due to their traditionally high cost and long payback times. This is rapidly changing due to the falling cost of photovoltaic (PV) 'solar panels' and associated equipment over the last few years combined with steadily rising power costs. Most homes can now enjoy substantially reduced electricity bills (or even eliminate them completely) for less than the price of renovating a kitchen or adding a pool/shed.
So How Does it Work?
- Sunlight is converted to DC electricity by the solar panels.
- The DC power is converted to AC by the inverter.
- Some of the AC power generated is used within your home to run standing loads like fridges, clocks, etc.
- The excess of AC power made is sold or 'exported' back to the national grid.
How do I know what size system I need?
Have a look at your last electricity bill. There should be a graph showing average kilo-Watt-hours (kWh) or 'Units' per day. Divide this number by the MFE average sunlight hours data found here.
For example: Auckland has 2013 hours per year / 365 = 5.5hours sun per day on average
If your household usage was 20kWh (Units) per day / 5.5 = 3.63kW system needed MINIMUM
However, realistically, it makes sense to install the biggest system possible to take advantage of the one-time labour and electricians costs. This is typically 5kW for most domestic installations.
How much does it cost?
First, take a look at your roof!
- Do you have enough space? Most 250W solar panels are around 1m wide X 1.7m long, and you will need 20 of them for a 5kW system.
- Does it face north? North is ideal, but the array can be split with some facing East and West but it will require a dual-input inverter.
- Does it have tin or tiles? Tile mounting takes a bit longer therefore costs a little more (and will probably break one, so do you have spares?)
- Any access issues? Single storey? Steep pitch?
- Does it have any shading issues? Chimney? TV antenna/dish to be moved? Trees to be pruned?
- Any ‘roof junk’ in the way? Vent pipes or heatpump to relocate?
- Is there any likelihood of neighbours trees growing or building in the future?
- Are you in a remote area? What is the travel time to/from site?
- Does it have any building covenants, is it an historic building, need planning approval?
So, how much does it cost?
- We offer a basic level installation using Asian sourced equipment, or a premium system using German made panels and inverters. The choice is yours.
- Asian equipment performs well, however has not been proven long term. While we choose our suppliers carefully, time is the only true test, and none of the current manufacturers have been around for over 25 years yet to guarantee they will do what they promise.
- German made products are the industry benchmark in terms of reliability, efficiency and performance at a fair price.
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