Hi Nathan,
We're pleased to hear that you found our suppliers to be good and simple. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out.
Margherita
“i only received a list of 2 companies who would quote me, and one of them didn't get around to contacting me, but the one that did was very professional, knowlwdgeable, and helpful, and I contracted with them for my solar system. I am very happy with the company that reached out to me.
George”
“I think the service that you provide is an excellent concept and th three suppliers have reverted with quotes. I am however awaiting some feedback to broader questions from yourselves as per email sent to Finn on 1/12/24 and as follows.Appreciate if you can revert asap.
Finn,
Thankyou for your enthusiasm for Solar and the desire to bring us laggards up to speed. I have been watching your videos and slowly educating myself. And I love the way you have structured your company to provide a platform for those of us starting the journey and the solar install / supplier companies.
I have received the three quotes, although am awaiting a refreshed quote from one supplier after I forwarded some mor information. I would like to ask you some questions, as my planned install is not a straightforward one, although I guess they rarely are.
Some background information.
1. The site address is 65 Hambleton St, Middle Park, Vic. We are not currently living at the subject property as we are commencing a renovation and wish to include solar. The house currently has single phase power supply, a meter panel on the LHS of the house near the front, the main switchboard is inside the house and there is a sub-board in the workshop at the rear of the property. it is planned to upgrade to 3 phase power supply and upgrade the switchboards as part of the renovation. I would like the solar system to be concurrently installed as part of the renovations.
2. The house has two separate areas suitable to install panels: the house itself with a section of flat roof 7.2m W x 5.7m L and a carport roof at the rear of the property 6.2m W x 5.7m L separated by perhaps 10m of garden. The carport includes two strips of clear sheeting to facilitate daylight into the carport; panels could be partially installed over these if elevated.
3. I am planning to purchase an EV next year and propose that this be charged in the carport to the rear of the property. I would also like this to be able to power the home after solar hours and in future back to the grid; so need an inverter capable of this functionality. have not as yet I started to look at EV’s.
4. The house has gas hot water and gas hydronic heating, planned to be retained for a couple of years and then be replaced by a heat pump.
5. We are currently living in alternate accommodation, in an all-electric house (heat pump, induction cooktop, reverse cycle A/C) for the last 5 months. Our estimated annual expenditure on electricity is $1,600, in this all electric house.
Planned installation:
1. I am keen to maximise the installed panels, as per your video advice. This looks like 12 to 16 panels on the house roof (some installers show some reluctance to install too close to roof edge or in adjacent portrait / landscape orientations) and 10 over the carport, 22 to 26 panels in all.
2. Whether this is all in initially or in two stages, initial and at EV purchase is a consideration – your thoughts?
3. I understand that two separate sets of panels set apart adds complexity and likely mean either micro-inverters or 2 inverters to convey AC rather than conveying DC between – your thoughts on the best solution – micro-inverters or 2 inverters?
4. There is quite some spread on the savings assumptions in financials: Usage %, daily electricity charge, Import rate, FIT rate. What are your suggestions on these? As this will be a new supply arrangement, I can somewhat optimise to suit.
5. I have heard that Grid network companies can ‘switch off’ solar inverters in times of excess solar generation and excess voltage leading to an unstable grid, binary containment(?) – fair enough. I have also heard that retail suppliers maybe able to do similar, enabling them to either turn off Solar and force import &/or in the future charge for -ve FIT. I understand that there is discussion around throttling containment. Your understanding of current situation and where this is heading would be appreciated.
6. Any other considerations / thoughts?
Thanks in advance. I really appreciate what you are doing for the community to help in the understanding of and facilitate the uptake of solar.
Regards,
Andrew Kaleski
mobile: +61 410 479 169
E-Mail: andrew.kaleski@gmail.com”
Hi Andrew,
Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing the details of your planned solar installation. We're pleased to hear that you've been finding our resources helpful. I have replied to your email you sent us on 1st December in which you asked those questions. Should you require any further assistance please feel free to reach out to me at margherita@solarquotes.com.au
Margherita
“Thanks Solar Quotes for the info and for proposing quotes from some of the companies on your books. All companies that contacted us were very professional and (unsurprisingly) came in with similar products, presentations and prices. Each had a specific focus to try and differentiate their product. We are now a lot more solar savvy.”
“Site has great information on solar, and good follow up from Solar Quotes. Contacted and recevied quotes from two out of three compaines they organised.”
“Two companies did not view the site whilst one did. Prices were wildly apart with overall difference $5K+. Difficult decison to make but it is done and deposit paid. We are expecting work to commence shortly. Thanks for the effort as it takes away and element of distrust common in the industry. It was certainly better meeting the company that not”
Hi Frank,
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear you found our service helpful and have already had your system installed. It's great to know one of our recommendations worked out for you. All the best!
Margherita
“I requested only 2 quotes and got them both very promptly. But... They were very different which left me quite confused. Ended up going with a different company which was still on the recommended list from Solar Quotes. Lots of useful information on the website to validate any quote you get.”
Hi Steve,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! We’re glad to hear you received your quotes promptly, although we understand that differing quotes can be confusing. It's great to know you found the website helpful in validating your options. We appreciate your feedback!
Margherita
“SolarQuotes recommended 3 different companies who were all professional and knew their stuff (solar). I have gone with one of these companies who are due to install their system on Tuesday. A very useful service,”
Hi Simon,
Thank you for your positive feedback! We're glad to hear that our recommendations connected you with professional companies. Wishing you a smooth installation process!
Margherita
“SolarQuotes is a great resource when researching solar components and finding an installer. Being able to ask questions about all facets of solar and obtain more information about how the system functions was a big part of my decision. The installers were happy to discuss various combinations of systems and their capacities and what I could expect from the one I chose. Very happy with SolarQuotes.”
Hi Gerard,
Thanks so much for the feedback! We're glad to hear that SolarQuotes was a valuable resource for you as you navigated the solar landscape. It’s great to know that you felt comfortable asking questions and received thorough explanations from the installers. Best wishes on your solar journey!
Margherita
Hi Andy,
Great to hear things are going smoothly so far! If you have any questions or need further assistance as you make your decision, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Margherita
“I was contacted promptly by 2 providers - 1 declined the opportinity to quote. 1 provider attended in person which was appreciated. Unfortunately I will not proceed with the proposal (to fit a battery to my existing sytem) as there are few provider who can or will install anything other than Tesla - apart from the 25 year (my calculation) payback period, I have a fundamental objection to supporting Elon Musk's endeavours whereevr possible. Having said that, providers were prompt, knowledgeable and courteous.”
Hi Greg,
Thank you for sharing your experience. It's great to hear that the providers were prompt, knowledgeable, and courteous. It's understandable that specific product preferences and financial considerations can impact your decision. Best of luck with your solar journey!
Margherita
“Having received 2 written Quotes and 0ne over the phone I have accepted a quote from
XTechRenewables Pty Ltd. They were the only company that came out to the premises and discussed the
various aspects of the 6.6kw system we decided on. Having puchased and read your book The Good Solar Guide they were the only company that matched the recommendations in Your book.”
English